Plan International is an independent non-profit organization that advances children’s well-being and equality for girls. Working in building powerful partnerships for children for over 75 years and present in 70 countries, Plan International strives for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children while working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners. Plan International Ethiopia is looking for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Manager for an anticipated USAID-funded Youth Community Development activity in Ethiopia. The successful candidate will based in Addis Ababa or in any Program Area Offices of Plan International Ethiopia.  The position directly reports to the Chief of Party

The MERL Manager will be responsible for leading the design and implementation of the program monitoring and evaluation framework and information system to track delivery against targets, outcomes and impacts. S/he will lead analysis of data collected for assessment of progress and areas of improvement and overall data management. S/he will guide reporting processes amongst technical staff and consolidates program reports, and promote learning and knowledge sharing of best practices and lessons learned. The position is contingent upon award of the project by the donor.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and ongoing revision of the program’s M&E system ensuring that it responds to the needs of the program and adheres to USAID guidance.
• Develop data collection methodologies and tools.
• Train staff and local implementing partners on M&E systems, concepts, tools, and processes.
• Ensure data quality by conducting routine data quality assurance activities.
• Collaborate with technical leads to develop a comprehensive research and learning agenda that contributes to program implementation.
• Oversee all research related activities, including developing terms of reference, reviewing research methodologies, and overseeing data collection of third party research partners.
• In coordination with the program team, help with the identification, analysis, and synthesis of lessons learned and best practices.
• Oversee donor reporting.
• Work closely with the MERL Advisor at Plan USA to ensure that the program’s M&E systems are compliant with Plan USA policies and procedures and USAID rules and regulations.
• Ensure Plan’s Child Protection Policy and Guidelines and Research Standards are adhered to during project implementation.
• Represent the program positively and professionally to internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• A masters’ degree in a relevant discipline, such as business, statistics, or international relations.
• At least seven (7) years of experience designing and implementing monitoring and evaluating activities for complex programs.
• A firm command of the M&E issues with respect to improvements in USAID-funded programs.
• Demonstrated experience monitoring and evaluating USAID funded projects
• Demonstrated experience in setting up and managing M&E systems that track performance as per the objectives of this project (e.g. service integration and performance against each result area).
• Demonstrated analytical skills to measure the outcomes of the project’s activities and support project supervision.
• Strong writing and organizational skills for monitoring and reporting on program and program outcomes and impacts.
• Professional level of oral and written fluency in English.

Desirable

• Previous INGO experience in a similar position