Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Coordinator GOAL

The MERL Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing and implementing the INSPIRE Project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) strategy and system. This includes designing and implementing MERL strategies, tools, and systems, supporting qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, and ensuring effective communication and capacity building across program teams.

Job Functions
1. Oversight and Implementation of INSPIRE MERL Strategy and System:
• Design and implement a comprehensive INSPIRE MERL Strategy, including a Learning Agenda.
• Develop and streamline MERL tools and systems of the various technical partners.
• Introduce qualitative approaches to MERL, including outcome harvesting/monitoring and participatory methods.
• Draft results frameworks, indicators, and data collection plans for INSPIRE project.

2. Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting:
• Lead the diagnostic market research, barrier analysis, and the design and analysis of data from baselines, annual and end-line surveys, assessments, and regular monitoring
• Generate and disseminate regular reports from the database and monitoring tools.
• Monitor and report on project and program progress, providing feedback to the Team Leader and SMT.
• Conduct data quality assessments to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Conduct regular field visits to assess the utilization of MERL systems and identify areas for improvement.
• Contribute to monthly and ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements.
• Support the participatory monitoring, research and learning initiative.

3. Internal and External Communications and Learning:
• Ensure data analysis and reports inform programmatic decision-making for improved impact.

Facilitate cross-departmental learning events, including monthly MERL team meetings and quarterly Programme Communication, Coordination and Learning events.
• Ensure the development and dissemination of high-quality communication and learning materials, such as learning briefs, case studies, success stories, newsletters, blogs, photo journals, and videos in cooperation with the technical partners.
• Ensure compliance with INSPIRE Project and GOAL Global communications and branding protocols and standards.

4. Capacity Building:
• Conduct needs assessments to identify MERL training needs for INSPIRE and partner staff.
• Develop training materials and conduct training sessions on results-based management, effective monitoring indicators, plans, processes, and systems.
• Support staff to improve performance monitoring.

5. Database Management:
• Ensure data management & storage complies with GOAL’s global policies, data protection, and compliance measures.

6. Team Management:
• Manage the MERL team to achieve objectives within INSPIRE.
• Develop and update monthly and annual work plans for the MERL team.
• Prepare monthly implementation and progress reports for the Team Leader.

Essential Criteria
• Master’s Degree in Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in MERL, preferably in the development sector with a focus on agriculture, farming systems and or market systems development with 5years at a senior technical level.
• Strong knowledge of MERL methodologies and tools, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing MERL systems and strategies.
• Excellent data analysis and report writing skills.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, STATA) and data visualization tools.
• Ability to manage a team and work collaboratively across departments.

Desirable Criteria
• Experience in participatory MERL
• Experience in capacity building and training.
• Knowledge of data protection and compliance measures.
• Proficiency in database management systems.