Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Officer x4 GOAL

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer will support the implementation of the INSPIRE Project’s MERL activities. The role involves data collection, analysis, reporting, and capacity building to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the project’s impact. The MERL Officer will work closely with the project team to ensure accurate and timely data collection and reporting, contributing to the overall success of the INSPIRE Project.

Job Functions:
1. Data Collection and Management:
• Assist in designing and implementing data collection tools and methodologies for the INSPIRE Project.
• Conduct field visits to monitor the progress of implementation of project activities, collect primary data and feedback from the participants.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into the programme’s database.
• Maintain organized and secure data storage systems.

2. Data Analysis and Reporting:
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to assess project performance and impact for quarterly and annual reporting.
• Generate regular reports and dashboards to provide insights into project progress.
• Prepare data summaries, infographics, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders engagements.
• Ensure data quality and integrity through regular data quality assessments.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Monitor project activities to ensure they are on track and aligned with project goals.
• Support the development and tracking of performance indicators and targets.
• Carry out routine field data validation and quality checks.
• Support barrier analyses, baseline-, midline-, and end-line surveys.
• Provide feedback to project teams based on monitoring and evaluation findings.

4. Capacity Building:
• Train project staff and partners on data collection, management, and analysis techniques.
• Train and support selected youth, in particular young women, refugees and persons with disabilities to be involved in all steps of MERL.
• Develop training materials and manuals to support capacity building efforts.

Conduct workshops and training sessions to enhance the MERL skills of project staff.

5. Learning and Adaptation:
• Facilitate learning sessions and workshops to share findings and best practices.
• Take responsibility to write stories from the field, and support the documentation and dissemination of success stories, case studies, and lessons learned.
• Promote adaptive management by integrating MERL findings into project planning and decision-making.

6. Collaboration and Communication:
• Work closely with the MERL Coordinator to ensure alignment of MERL activities with project objectives.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure data needs are met and support programmatic decision-making.
• Participate in regular team meetings and provide updates on MERL activities and findings.

Essential Criteria:
• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies or any related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning in the development sector.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, STATA) and data visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of M&E methodologies and tools.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct training and capacity-building sessions.

Desirable Criteria:
• Experience working in the development sector, either in agriculture/farming systems or market development approach (M4P / MSD).
• Knowledge of qualitative and participatory data collection methods.
• Experience in story writing.
• Proficiency in using online data collection platforms (e.g., CommCare, ODK, KoBoToolbox).
• Experience in producing high-quality reports and presentations.