Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MERL) Expert at Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited

Project Scope

• As part of a broader strategy to support sustainable agricultural development and address food insecurity in Nigeria, Sahel is implementing a project thatis facilitating the creation of a Project Management Office (PMO)to support the Nigerian government’s office responsible for driving the national food security agenda. This initiative aims to enhance performance management, drive impactful projects, and promote collaboration among agricultural stakeholders.
• The PMO will be staffed with highly qualified personnel from diverse backgrounds, including government, private industry, and consulting. These individuals will possess strong analytical skills to transform ideas into actionable business cases, as well as expertise in project and performance management. They will also have specialized knowledge in key agricultural areas and the ability to drive transformational change.

Overview

• The MERL Expert will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of performance measurement for the project. This includes managing day-to-day systems and processes, data tracking, reporting on activities, and ensuring data quality.
• The role involves drafting and revising the project MERL plan, developing key performance indicators, and creating detailed indicator definitions and activity tracking tables.
• Additionally, the MERL Expert will develop data collection tools and procedures and oversee the project database and reporting.

Key Responsibilities
Performance Measurement:

• Oversee all aspects of performance measurement for the project.
• Manage day-to-day systems and processes for data tracking and reporting.
• Ensure data quality assurance across all activities.

MERL Plan Development:

• Draft and revise the project MERL plan and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Develop detailed indicator definitions and activity tracking tables.

Data Collection and Management:

• Develop data collection tools and procedures.
• Oversee the project database and ensure accurate and timely reporting.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare regular reports on project activities and performance.
• Analyze data to provide insights and recommendations for project improvement.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with project teams to ensure MERL activities are aligned with project goals.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify areas for improvement in MERL processes and implement best practices.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and methodologies in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Project Management, or a related discipline. A Master's Degree is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) for projects.
• Proficiency in developing and revising MERL plans and KPIs.
• Strong ability to draft detailed indicator definitions and activity tracking tables.
• Expertise in developing data collection tools and procedures.
• Advanced skills in managing project databases and ensuring accurate reporting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in using data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, or R.
• Advanced knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
• Familiarity with project management software and database management systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Willingness to travel as required by the project.