Monitoring Evaluation Research & Learning (MERL) Manager at Population Services International (PSI)

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Monitoring Evaluation Research & Learning Manager to join our dynamic team. The Monitoring Evaluation Research & Learning Manager will play a key role in strengthening PSI Nigeria’s monitoring and evaluation systems, ensuring high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting to enhance program effectiveness. The incumbent will support the development and implementation of M&E frameworks, facilitate learning and adaptive management, and ensure alignment with donor and organizational requirements.

Your contribution

You will be responsible for the following:

Monitoring & Data Management:

• Lead the design and implementation of M&E plans and frameworks, ensuring alignment with program objectives and donor requirements.
• Oversee routine data collection, validation, and analysis for program performance monitoring.
• Lead development and and roll out of data collection tools, dashboards, and databases to track program progress.
• Conduct periodic data quality assessments (DQAs) to ensure the reliability and accuracy of program data.
• Conduct periodic field visits to provide technical assistance and support for strengthening program monitoring efforts.
• Support the deployment and maintenance of digital data collection platforms and ensure their effective utilization.

Evaluation & Learning:

• Coordinate program evaluations, including baseline, midline, and end-line assessments.
• Conduct statistical analysis and interpret data to generate insights for program improvement.
• Develop knowledge management and learning agenda / strategies to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
• Organize and facilitate learning workshops, presentations, and stakeholder engagements.

Reporting & Compliance:

• Prepare high-quality reports for donors, government agencies, and internal stakeholders, ensuring timely submission.
• Generate, analyse and disseminate monitoring data to inform program decisions /for adaptive implementation.
• Support program teams in developing performance indicators and targets.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and best practices in data management and research.

Capacity Building & Technical Support:

• Provide technical assistance and mentorship to field staff and implementing partners on M&E best practices.
• Develop and deliver training sessions on data collection, analysis, and visualization.
• Strengthen the M&E capacity of program teams and partner organizations through targeted coaching.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with government stakeholders, donors, and development partners to advance program MERL objectives at all levels.

What are we looking for?

We are lookingfor someone with:

• Master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in M&E roles, preferably in health and development programs.
• Strong proficiency in data analysis tools such as STATA, SPSS, R, or Power BI.
• Experience working with digital data collection platforms such as DHIS2, CommCare, or ODK.
• Excellent understanding of research methodologies, impact evaluation, and data visualization.
• Familiarity with donor reporting requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to travel to program implementation sites within Nigeria as required.
• Strong self- starter with a strategic mindset
• Information Technology skills will be an added advantage
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Language skills: Fluency in English, working knowledge of local languages in the geopolitical zone
• Reference will be required
• The successful candidate will be requiredto pass a background check.

The candidate we hire will embody PSI’scorporate values:

• Measurement: You use hard evidenceto make decisions and guide your work. You set clear goalposts in advance and explain clearly if you need to move them.
• Pragmatism: You will striveto deliver the best possibleresult with the resources available. You will not be paralyzed by a need to make things perfect.
• Honesty: You own your mistakes and are open about your shortcomings – it is the only way you will learn and improve.
• Collaboration: You will quicklyestablish a mental map of whom you can rely on for what, on your team, at headquarters, and in our country offices – if you try to do it all yourself, you will not succeed.
• Trust: You accept limits to your sphere of controland give colleagues the benefit of the doubt.
• Commitment: You are in it for the long-hauland want to grow with the organization, just like PSI serves its consumers and partners with host-country governments through thick and thin.