Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist at Farm Radio International

The MERL specialist will be responsible for giving shape to gender-sensitive and inclusive program evaluations, analyzing the results of collected evaluative program data, identifying patterns, outcomes, and learnings, and translating these into compelling written reports and other knowledge-sharing documents/resources. Through these efforts, the MERL Specialist will support the movement of best practice evidence into the field of inclusive, rights-based, communication-for-development (C4D) and interactive radio for development.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Monitoring and Evaluation Systems

• Work with FRI’s Program Implementation Team to design logic models and project performance management and evaluation frameworks and plans.
• Identify and develop gender-sensitive key performance indicators of project outputs, outcomes, and impact.
• Develop guides and tools for robust survey and data collection methods (qualitative and quantitative) to ensure effective, gender-sensitive and peer reviewable monitoring, outcome and impact evaluation can take place.
• Work with country teams to prepare for implementation of MERL activities – e.g., proposing sampling methods and sizes, preparation of questions, testing of surveys in relevant software, training of enumerators/facilitators.
• Support data analysis (both quantitative and qualitative) and presentation.
• Conduct training and support capacity-building activities of FRI staff in M&E.
• Support FRI’s Program Development activities by developing a MERL strategy and plan to include in project proposals.
• Prepare, revise, and/ or contribute to quality evaluation reports.

Gender Equality and Inclusion MERL Component

• Collaborate with the Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) Specialty Team to ensure full integration of gender equality and inclusion throughout all MERL activities.
• Provide capacity-strengthening support to the MERL team in GEI alongside the GEI team, including improvement or development of tools, guides and/or training for MERL team members.
• Work closely with the GEI team and project implementation teams to develop specific gender equality and inclusion indicators and targets.
• Support the GEI Specialty Team in the design and implementation of gender-based analysis – i.e., develop appropriate data collection tools and methodology, data analysis and report writing.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Fluency in English or French required; Bilingualism would be an important asset.
• University degree (or equivalent experience) in social sciences, international studies, statistics, agriculture or a related field; a Master’s degree would be an asset.
• Minimum of 5-year professional experience working in Monitoring. Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL).
• Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Experience in strategic MERL planning and performance measurement, including selection of indicators, target setting, reporting and database management.
• Experience working on projects with a significant gender equality and inclusion component.
• Demonstrated experience in mainstreaming gender into MERL activities and establishing gender-sensitive monitoring systems, with knowledge of feminist MERL being an asset.
• Strong experience in conducting research studies from the design and formulation to implementation, analysis and presentation of results, and recommendations.
• Excellent knowledge of survey methodologies and sampling strategies.
• Experience in designing qualitative research strategies and instruments (interview and focus group topic guides) for use in evaluation studies.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including experience in working effectively across cultures and with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work under pressure yet deliver multiple tasks on time with attention to detail and accuracy.
• A team player with excellent organizational skills, who can also work independently, prioritize own workload, and meet deadlines.