Monitoring and Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) Officer at Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) is an international economic development organization whose mission is to create business solutions to poverty. Founded in 1953 by a group of Mennonite entrepreneurs, we partner with people living in poverty to start or grow small and medium-sized businesses in developing regions around the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

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

Location: Bauchi (with frequent travel to the various LGAs of Bauchi State)
Employment Type: Contract
Department: WAY - Nigeria
Job Status: Soon as possible; Full-time - contract, up to December 2023
Supervisor: M&E Manager

Project Profile

• Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and MEDA are supporting 16,000 women and youth entrepreneurs and small-scale businesses to improve their business performance in the agricultural sector in Bauchi State, while also increasing the awareness and capacity to address issues of early and forced child marriage with 25,000 community and family members.
• Over five years (2017 - 2022), the project will focus on select agricultural value chains originating in Bauchi State to improve the business performance and environment for entrepreneurs and small-scale businesses.
• The project will focus on small-scale businesses of women and youth in selected agriculture sectors to improve productivity, increase access to markets, financial services and information and to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices.
• The project will work with families and communities to better understand the risks of early and forced child marriage and the benefits of engaging women and youth in entrepreneurship through awareness campaigns, employment and entrepreneurship skills building, provision of safe spaces, networking and mentorship opportunities.

Position Summary

• Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Monitoring and impact Measurement (MIM) Manager, the M&E Officer will support the implementation of M&E activities.
• The M&E Officer will take charge of activity-level data entering, perform data quality assurance and ensure the project database is up to date for timely reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure all activity level data are entered into the real-time project database (CRM).
• Work with the MIM team to ensure all project reportable activities are captured on the intervention monitoring tool. 
• Make daily/weekly follow-ups with the programs team to ensure that data collection is done at every event/activity through the project data collection platform (iform builder).
• Ensure the maintenance of the project’s database (CRM) and report emerging issues/challenges to the MIM Manager, ensuring the database provides data for planning and continued project implementation.
• Perform regular analysis of submitted activity data and give an update on new trends or gaps in the implementation. 
• Conduct regular updates of an intervention monitoring tool to ensure that the tool remains relevant and provides the needed data. 
• Support in gathering both qualitative and quantitative data regularly as outlined in the project monitoring and evaluation plan.
• Analyze data and contribute to monitoring and evaluation reports for multiple audiences (e.g. project team, donors, partners).
• Apply MEDA’s values in all activities – cultural sensitivity, transparency and integrity in all relationships. 
• Any other tasks as may be assigned by the line manager or management.

Qualifications

• A University Degree in Statistics or any relevant field with a good understanding of database management and data collection tools.
• Strong IT and data management skills.
• Demonstrable experience in managing a similar client-centered development project’s database. 
• Team player with excellent skills in building and maintaining relationships, networking, and verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work in and with a wide range of cultures.
• Creative, entrepreneurial, and resourceful approach to developing and implementing an innovative solution.
• Willingness to work under pressure and to work extra hours when required.
• Willingness to travel to project areas.
• Appreciation and support of MEDA’s values, mission, and purpose.
• Knowledge of the local language is an added advantage.

Application Closing Date
5th September, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• MEDA welcomes and encourages applications from all genders, backgrounds, religions, cultures, nationalities and abilities.
• Accommodations are available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in the selection process.
• We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.