Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer at Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI)

Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work.  DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer, YPE4AH Nigeria

Job Code: 7180
Location: Lagos, Nigeria (40% travel to Kano)
Reports to: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Lead   
Name of Project: USAID Youth-Powered Ecosystem to Advance Urban Adolescent Health (YPE4AH)
Contract Duration: 12 Months
Level of Effort: Full Time

Program Overview

• USAID Youth-Powered Ecosystem to Advance Urban Adolescent Health (YPE4AH) is a five-year (May 2020 –May 2025) award funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
• It is being implemented in Lagos and Kano by DAI in partnership with select local NGOs and the government of Nigeria.
• The project is aimed at improving the health and well-being of underprivileged, out-of-school adolescents aged 15 – 19 years of age in urban slums in selected communities in Lagos and Kano States.
• The program will foster an ecosystem that centers around Youth Hubs and seek to provide safe spaces to access sexual and reproductive health and rights information and referrals. Similarly, the program will empower young Nigerians to think about their futures differently and access the skills and resources needed to realize their aspirations from a holistic, human capital perspective.

Job Summary

• The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer will support all -related state monitoring and evaluation, including implementing the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan.
• The officer will also contribute to the overall learning agenda and knowledge management plan with project leadership, local implementing partners, and USAID and will support all field research and personnel.

The MERL Officer will support the execution of the livelihoods strategy by delivering the following tasks:

• Working closely with the MERL team, guide the collaboration, learning, and adaptation and ensure the project continually uses evidence-based learning to inform implementation and adaptation.
• Report and work closely with the MERL team in leading the design, development, and implementation of MERL functions and to ensure project effectiveness for YPE4AH.
• Supervise and coordinate the implementation of data collection, analysis and evaluation of both programmes and research projects at the state level.
• Contribute to ongoing research, evaluation and learning plans, as well as design and report documentation.
• Work with programs team and partners in the conceptualization, design and development of impact measurement frameworks, indicators, and monitoring plans for projects.
• Design, test and refine data collection and evaluation tools in line with YPE4AH’s objectives and ensuring quality assurance and control.
• Carry out critical and complex analysis of data, including visualization of project data and dashboard designs to display project impact and communicate conclusions clearly with actionable recommendations.
• Assist with learning activities, dissemination of lessons learnt, communication with stakeholders, assist in policy development and advocacy activities for DAI/YPE4AH.
• Carry out writing activities – white papers, concept notes, research writing, evaluation reports, Policy briefs, Infographics, peer reviews and articles, editing etc.
• Any Other Duties as Assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• 3 - 5 years of work experience in implementing the MEL system in Youth/SRHR/FP or related field development in Nigeria
• Prior experience in a MERL position, preferably for a USAID - or other donor-funded health programs; experience managing multisectoral programs (e.g., livelihoods, education, substance abuse, GBV) required.
• Familiarity with USAID ADS 201, including reporting requirements and systems
• Demonstrated ability to write clear and accurate reports.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s health sector reporting systems and data sources preferred
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistical analysis, data analysis, and Visualization software (including Advanced Excel, Stata, SPSS, R, Power BI, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Experience working on activities that support Youth development and access to preferred services.
• Advanced degree in relevant social sciences
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of the Hausa language will be an added advantage.
• This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties.

Application Closing Date
14th December 2022.