Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer at Reach Out With Health Awareness Initiative

Job Purpose:

We\'re looking for a highly motivated and experienced MERL Officer to play a pivotal role in ensuring the effectiveness, accountability, Research and continuous improvement of our programmes. You\'ll be responsible for designing and implementing robust MERL systems, collecting and analysing data, and facilitating learning to inform programme adjustments and demonstrate our vital impact to all stakeholders

Key Responsibilities:

MERL System Development and Implementation:

Design and refine comprehensive MERL frameworks, tools, and processes for all programme activities under the \"Reach-Out With Health\" initiative. This includes establishing clear indicators, robust data collection methodologies, and efficient reporting schedules that align with organisational and donor requirements.

Data Collection and Management:

Oversee and coordinate systematic data collection activities, ensuring the highest standards of data quality, accuracy, and completeness. This will involve training and supervising field staff, partners, and community volunteers on data collection protocols. You\'ll also manage programme databases, ensuring data is securely stored, regularly updated, and easily accessible for analysis.

Monitoring and Reporting:

Conduct regular monitoring visits to programme sites to verify data, assess progress against targets, and identify both challenges and successes. You\'ll prepare high-quality, timely, and analytical MERL reports for both internal use and external stakeholders (e.g., donors, partners), effectively communicating programme performance, achievements, and lessons learned.

Evaluation Support:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of programme evaluations, including baseline, mid-term, and end-line assessments. This will involve supporting the development of evaluation terms of reference and contributing to the analysis and interpretation of evaluation findings.

Accountability and Learning:

• Establish and manage effective feedback mechanisms for beneficiaries and other stakeholders, ensuring their voices are heard and incorporated into programme design and implementation. You\'ll facilitate regular learning sessions and reviews with programme teams and partners to reflect on MERL findings, identify best practices, and adapt strategies, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor\'s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, Statistics, or a closely related discipline. A Master\'s degree is highly desirable.
• A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of demonstrable experience in designing and implementing MEAL systems for health or development programmes, preferably within a non-governmental organisation (NGO) context.
• Proven expertise in developing qualitative, quantitative, and participatory research instruments and methodologies.
• Strong proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R) and an excellent command of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with mobile data collection platforms (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with British institutional donor requirements (e.g., FCDO) for MEAL is a distinct advantage.

Skills and Attributes:

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with keen attention to detail.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to craft compelling reports and deliver engaging presentations to diverse audiences.
• A proactive and self-motivated individual, capable of working both independently and effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and consistently meet deadlines.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to ethical practice.
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of local languages relevant to our programme areas in Nigeria is an asset.
• A genuine commitment to the mission and values of Reach-Out With Health Awareness Initiative.