MERL Officer

• Position Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer
• Location:  Aden, Yemen
• Reports To:  MERL Consultant 
• Deadline:  February 20, 2025

Summary

The MERL Officer will support the monitoring, evaluation, and documentation of project activities, ensuring alignment with the Theory of Change and LogFrame while adapting to project needs. They will assist in tracking progress, gathering data, and preparing reports in collaboration with project teams. The role includes conducting participant surveys for learning events and supporting an end-of-project internal review to assess outcomes, document lessons learned, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

1.    Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
a.    Develop and implement M&E frameworks, plans, and tools for project and project.
b.    Conduct regular monitoring, either online or through field visits (depending on project type) to ensure compliance with agreed standards.
c.    Collect, analyze, and report on quantitative and qualitative data to measure project performance and impact.
d.    Support the development of baseline, mid-term, and end-line evaluations.
e.    Ensure data quality through regular data verification and validation exercises.

2.    Research Management 
a.    Lead the development of research studies, assessments, and evaluations to measure project effectiveness and impact.
b.    Synthesize research findings into actionable recommendations for project adaptation and improvement
c.    Develop research frameworks and methodologies aligned with MERL best practices to track progress against project indicators
d.    Utilize appropriate research tools and software for data management, visualization, and reporting.

3.    Learning and Knowledge Management:
a.    Document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from project implementation.
b.    Facilitate learning sessions with staff and stakeholders to improve project quality.
c.    Contribute to the development of case studies, reports, and other knowledge products

4.    Reporting & Documentation:

a.    Prepare high-quality MERL reports with accurate data analysis and insights for the project team, senior management, and donors, ensuring clarity, relevance, and alignment with project goals.
b.    Ensure timely submission of reports in line with company and donor requirements.
c.    Support project teams in meeting reporting deadlines and requirements.
d.    Maintain a database of key project performance metrics.

5.    Capacity Building:
a.    Train project staff and partners on M&E concepts, tools, and practices.
b.    Provide technical support to ensure M&E systems are effectively implemented.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in MERL, preferably in development, economic, and peace-building projects.
• Strong knowledge of MERL frameworks, tools, and methodologies.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Excel, KOBO, ODK).
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluency in English and Arabic.

Key Competencies:

• Attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and accountability to affected populations.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Possesses critical thinking skills and can enhance the quality of activities.
• Documentation Maintain clear reports of all monitoring activities.
• Flexibility Adapt monitoring tools based on project type.