Reports to:Programs Director
Contract Type: part-time/ voluntary
Duration: 12 months renewable
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: 25/08/2025
Reports to: Programs Director
Position Summary:
Future Africa International (FAI) is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Manager to provide strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of MERL systems across its diverse program portfolio. This role is instrumental in strengthening evidence-based programming, promoting adaptive management, and enhancing accountability to stakeholders and communities.
The MERL Manager will oversee the development and operationalization of integrated data and knowledge management systems that capture program impact across thematic areas including public health, climate action and resilience, youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and smallholder farmer livelihoods. The role will ensure that high-quality data informs program design, implementation, learning, and reporting.
Working closely with program teams, partners, and donors, the MERL Manager will lead the formulation and execution of learning agendas, evaluation frameworks, research initiatives, and performance measurement strategies. The role also supports capacity building, fosters a culture of continuous learning, and ensures compliance with donor requirements and international best practices in monitoring and evaluation.
Key Responsibilities
A. Strategic Leadership and System Development
- Design and lead the implementation of a comprehensive, organization-wide MERL strategy that aligns with FAI’s mission, strategic goals, and diverse donor requirements.
- Develop and institutionalize results measurement frameworks, including Theory of Change (ToC) models and Learning Agendas, to guide program planning, implementation, and adaptive learning.
- Establish integrated knowledge management and accountability systems that promote evidence use, transparency, and stakeholder engagement throughout the project cycle.
- Guide the integration of equity, gender, youth inclusion, and climate sensitivity within MERL systems, ensuring responsiveness to cross-cutting themes and contextual relevance.
B. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
- Lead the co-creation of project-specific monitoring tools, including logical frameworks, indicator reference sheets, performance monitoring plans, and data collection protocols in collaboration with program teams and partners.
- Oversee the roll out and maintenance of digital M&E platforms (e.g., Kobo Toolbox, ODK, DHIS2, Power BI) for efficient, real-time data collection, visualization, and reporting.
- Conduct regular Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), Monitoring Visits, and project reviews to track implementation progress, identify gaps, and generate timely recommendations.
- Organize and facilitate quarterly reflection meetings, pause-and-reflect sessions, and learning events to foster adaptive management and strategic decision-making.
- Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality, disaggregated data for internal use, donor reports, and stakeholder accountability.
C. Research and Knowledge Generation
- Lead the design and coordination of operational, formative, and impact research initiatives aimed at improving program effectiveness and influencing policy or practice.
- Establish and manage partnerships with academic institutions, independent research firms, and think tanks to strengthen methodological rigor and extend research dissemination channels.
- Oversee the production and sharing of knowledge products such as case studies, policy briefs, success stories, best practice documents, and technical papers that contribute to sectoral learning and visibility.
- Promote the ethical use of data and adherence to research protocols, including safeguarding of human subjects and informed consent practices.
D.Capacity Building and Technical Support
- Provide continuous technical assistance and mentorship to FAI’s MERL staff, program officers, and implementing partners to enhance their competencies in monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
- Develop and implement capacity strengthening plans including tailored trainings on data management, analysis, visualization, evaluation methodologies, and learning facilitation.
- Facilitate peer learning sessions, communities of practice, and knowledge-sharing forums to promote cross-program learning and innovation.
- Encourage a culture of evidence-driven learning, where reflection, iteration, and adaptation are embedded in day-to-day programming.
E. Reporting, Donor Compliance, and Partnerships
- Ensure full compliance with donor-specific MERL requirements, including performance tracking, indicator alignment, data disaggregation, and timely submission of quality reports.
- Collaborate with the program, business development, and grants management teams to harmonize reporting tools, support proposal development with MERL inputs, and strengthen the evidence base for fundraising.
- Actively represent FAI in technical working groups (TWGs), sectoral coordination platforms, and national and regional MERL networks, contributing to policy dialogues and strategic partnerships.
- Monitor emerging trends in MERL practice and integrate innovations (e.g., real-time feedback loops, outcome harvesting, systems mapping) to enhance organizational learning and impact measurement
3. Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Public Health, Development Studies, Statistics, Social Sciences, or other relevant fields is required.
- A Master’s degree in a related discipline is highly desirable.
- Professional training or certification in Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g., from recognized institutions such as CLEAR-AA, AMREF, IPDET, or USAID Learn), Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2), Data Analysis (e.g., STATA, SPSS, Power BI, or R), or Research Methodologies is an added advantage.
- Training in Results-Based Management (RBM), Theory of Change (ToC), Logical Framework Approach, and data quality assurance is also desirable.
Experience:
- A minimum of 4 to 7 years of progressive experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL), with at least 2 years in a senior or managerial-level MERL role.
- Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing MERL systems in complex, multi-sectoral development and humanitarian programs, particularly in sectors such as public health, livelihoods, climate resilience, youth empowerment, and economic empowerment.
- Strong track record in developing theories of change, logical frameworks, performance measurement plans, and overseeing both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to apply participatory, gender-sensitive, inclusive, and equity-focused MERL approaches across diverse contexts.
- Experience in capacity strengthening of staff and partners on MERL tools and methodologies.
- Familiarity with donor reporting requirements (e.g., USAID, DFID/FCDO, EU, UN agencies) and adaptive management practices is an added advantage.
4. Technical Competencies
- Advanced knowledge and practical application of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) frameworks, including Results-Based Management (RBM), Theory of Change (ToC), Logical Framework Approach (LFA), and Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs).
- Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing mixed-methods research, including both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, sampling strategies, survey design, and advanced statistical analysis.
- Proficient in the use of digital data collection and management platforms such as ODK, Kobo Toolbox, SurveyCTO, CommCare, and data visualization and analysis tools including DHIS2, Power BI, SPSS, R, STATA, and Excel.
- Proven ability to commission, manage, and oversee external evaluations, learning assessments, operational research, and outcome or impact studies, ensuring methodological rigor and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong skills in data quality assurance, data cleaning, triangulation, and interpretation, with the ability to transform data into practical insights for decision-making, adaptive programming, and evidence-based policy recommendations.
- Experience developing and facilitating learning agendas, after-action reviews, knowledge-sharing platforms, and other strategies that promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Excellent technical writing skills, with experience producing high-quality reports, case studies, policy briefs, and knowledge products for diverse audiences, including donors, government, and implementing partners.
5. Leadership and Soft Skills
- Exceptional facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex data and evaluation findings to a wide range of audiences including program teams, senior leadership, donors, and community stakeholders.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary teams, including field staff, technical advisors, and implementing partners, fostering a culture of learning, accountability, and performance excellence.
- Demonstrated experience in capacity strengthening through coaching, training, and supportive supervision, especially in areas related to data collection, analysis, and utilization for decision-making.
- Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, with a keen ability to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to evolving program needs and donor requirements.
- A strategic thinker with the ability to analyze trends, identify learning opportunities, and contribute to program design and strategic planning processes.
- Collaborative and solution-oriented, with a track record of building strong working relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders, promoting cross-learning and collective problem-solving.
- High level of integrity, emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity, especially when working in multi-cultural and low-resource settings.
- Desirable Attributes
- Extensive experience working on donor-funded projects, including those supported by institutional donors, individual philanthropists, and private foundations such as USAID, FCDO (formerly DFID), European Union (EU), GIZ, and UN agencies. Demonstrated ability to navigate donor compliance, reporting standards, and learning agendas.
- Solid background in programs targeting smallholder farmers, youth-led or youth-focused initiatives, women’s economic empowerment, or climate change adaptation and resilience—with the ability to contextualize MERL strategies to suit local livelihoods and environmental dynamics.
- Familiarity with adaptive management principles, including the use of real-time data and feedback loops to inform program iteration and continuous learning in dynamic and complex environments.
- Experience applying systems thinking approaches to MERL—recognizing inter-dependencies between sectors and actors, and incorporating complexity-aware tools such as outcome harvesting, contribution analysis, and most significant change.
- Demonstrated commitment to local ownership, inclusion, and equity, especially in designing MERL frameworks that elevate the voices of marginalized populations and promote community participation in learning and accountability processes.
- Ability to generate evidence that influences programmatic and policy decisions, including policy briefs, learning syntheses, and donor reports aligned with sector-wide best practices and global learning agendas.
7. Language Requirements
- Excellent written and spoken English.
NB
This is a strategic leadership position suited for an experienced professional passionate about using data and evidence to drive social impact, influence policy, and scale innovative solutions across Africa.
How to Apply:
Send your CV and Cover letter to: