Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) OFFICER at Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA)

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning frameworks, tools, and indicators aligned with project objectives and institutional goals.
• Lead the collection, analysis, and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data to assess project performance, outcomes, and impact.
• Support the integration of MERL components into project design, implementation, and reporting processes to ensure evidencebased programming.
• Coordinate internal evaluations and contribute to the design, management, and review of external evaluation processes.
• Produce timely, accurate, and userfriendly MERL reports and dashboards for internal learning, donor reporting, and external communication.
• Synthesize findings and lessons learned to inform strategic decisionmaking and promote a culture of continuous learning across the organization.
• Document and disseminate innovative strategies, best practices, and research insights for institutional learning and policy engagement.
• Design and implement data quality assurance protocols, and ensure proper documentation, storage, and accessibility of MERL outputs.
• Provide technical assistance, training, and mentorship to staff and partners to build organizational capacity in MERL approaches and tools.
• Collaborate with program and communications teams to ensure that research findings and evaluation outcomes are effectively communicated to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Development Studies, Public Policy, or other relevant social science discipline  (Master’s degree is an advantage).
• Post graduate qualification or additional training in Monitoring and Evaluation will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in MERL, preferably in a research or policy organization.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, with demonstrated experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks.
• Familiarity with data collection and analysis tools, including surveys, focus group discussions,  key informant interviews, and participatory approaches
• Ability to develop MEL plans, indicator tracking tables, and contribute to learning and adaptive management processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.Strong organizational and project management skills, including ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and produce highquality deliverables.
• Experience developing capacity through training and/or mentoring.
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, Stata, or NVivo) and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI or Tableau). 
• Familiarity with data management platforms such as DHIS2, DevResults, or similar digital MERL systems is an added advantage.