Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer at LEAP Africa

• As LEAP Africa continues on its strategic journey toward building a world-class institution serving as an ecosystem builder, thought leader, and development hub for young people. We are seeking a MERL Officer to support the achievement of the organization’s strategic goals in 2026 and beyond through strong data, learning, and impact measurement systems.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the process of online and offline data collection for baseline and end line, registration data in training and youth engagement events. Use evaluation tools in line with LEAP Africa’s objectives and ensure quality assurance and control for informed decision making
• Engage in data collection, grant management and analysis for weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports.
• Support monitoring efforts and tracking deadlines, adherence to monitoring formats and requirements, ensuring reporting quality, accuracy in periodic report writing, editing, and submission.
• Work with programmes team and partner in the conceptualization, design, and development of impact measurement frameworks, indicators, and monitoring plans for all assigned projects
• Participate in internal and external meetings as requested by Supervisor, annual project reviews and planning workshops, assist in preparing relevant reports, and develop recommendations for programmes and strategies for broader operations.
• Support quality assurance by monitoring M&E processes during physical training programmes and conducting interviews.
• Consistently follow up with the wider team on data collection regarding indicators and impacts.
• Responsible for meeting set-up and note-taking in various meetings held within and outside the team.
• Support the deployment of baseline and end-line assessment sheets for data entry and monitor the data entry process.
• Support the process of curriculum development and review and the mapping of best practices research for the LEAP Africa’s curriculum and pedagogy.
• Support fundraising efforts in seeking and applying for funding, relevant research grants, and
• partnerships (both local and international) to support MERL initiatives and LEAP Africa’s programmes.
• Carry out writing activities - white papers, concept notes, research writing, evaluation reports, Policy briefs, Infographics, peer reviews and articles, editing, etc.
• Establish feedback mechanisms to capture, store, and respond to feedback from the community and project participants.
• Perform any other assigned tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant post-NYSC experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning, preferably within the non-profit, development, or social impact sector.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing M&E frameworks, and data collection tools.
• Proven experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting, including both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Experience supporting donor reporting, learning documentation, and programme performance tracking.
• Strong research, documentation, and report-writing skills, with the ability to communicate insights clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, and familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel dashboards, Power BI, Tableau, KoboToolbox, ODK, or similar).
• Understanding of results-based management, learning agendas, and evidence-driven programme improvement.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and data quality.
• Ability to translate data into actionable insights for programme and leadership teams.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong work ethic, creativity, and commitment to continuous learning.
• Alignment with LEAP Africa’s values (ARIISE – Audacity, Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Synergy, and Excellence).