Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Coordinator at Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative

The Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people through evidence-based programs. Since 2011, YEDI has impacted over 480,000 young people across Nigeria, with offices in Lagos and Abuja. Our programs build young people's assets, facilitate access to health services, and promote healthy behaviors in schools and communities.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

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

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• We are seeking a dynamic MERL Coordinator to to support MERL activities for programs that are designed to educate, empower and inspire the development of individuals and communities, especially children and youth, through effective, innovative, and tried-and-tested development approaches that are relevant for the Nigerian context.
• Reporting to the Executive Director, responsible for supporting monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities in all sites supported through YEDI.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for Monitoring and Evaluation activities, including the development of baseline surveys, midline reviews, endline evaluations, and logical framework analyses with measurable indicators for tracking progress.
• Develop and maintain monitoring systems for reporting and dissemination of input, output, and outcome indicators.
• Plan and manage quantitative and qualitative surveys and studies, including data collection, validation, and analysis.
• Develop tools, methodologies, and procedures to support impact monitoring and data quality assurance.
• Work with stakeholders to establish M&E frameworks, systems, and reporting procedures for projects.
• Conduct research and assessments to inform programs, projects, activities, and interventions.
• Prepare consolidated progress and performance reports based on M&E findings for project management and decision-making.
• Review monitoring reports and analyze findings to assess impact and identify implementation gaps or bottlenecks.
• Organize and deliver training and refresher sessions in M&E concepts and tools for YEDI staff and coaches.
• Utilize M&E information systems and ensure routine updates of project activities, indicators, and results data.
• Conduct regular field visits to support M&E implementation and recommend necessary adjustments or improvements.
• Facilitate the regular sharing of M&E findings and lessons learned with staff, implementing partners, and other stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by your supervisor.
• The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer will be based at the YEDI Ogudu, GRA Office, Lagos, Nigeria. Periodic travel within Nigeria may be required.

Program Management (20%):

• Provide technical and operational input into state-level program activities, including timely activity reporting, budget development support, expenditure tracking, and execution of approved project plans.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of program work plans, including support for training and capacity building, community sensitization and engagement, testing and counselling activities, appropriate linkage and referral to health facilities, and retention support within SRHR/FP/HIV services, in line with approved work plans, targets, national policies, guidelines, and program SOPs.
• Work closely with the MERL Manager to identify staff capacity development needs through periodic performance reviews and assessments.
• Support the planning and coordination of periodic staff meetings across program locations to promote learning, alignment, and knowledge sharing.

Stakeholder Management (10%):

• Collaborate closely with program teams to plan and implement MERL activities, including supportive supervision and preparation of required reports.
• Support the planning and coordination of periodic partner and stakeholder meetings to strengthen collaboration and program alignment.

Financial Management and Governance (10%):

• In consultation with the Director of Finance and Accountant, support the preparation of the annual budget for MERL activities.
• Implement and ensure compliance with YEDI policies, procedures, financial controls, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Key Performance Indicators

• Monitoring and Evaluation (60%) Program Management (20%)
• Stakeholder Management (10%)
• Financial Management/Governance (10%)

Major Accountabilities:

• Monitoring and Evaluation (60%):
• The Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator shall perform duties reasonably associated with the role, including monitoring project outcomes against established work plans and targets, and supporting project planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Statistics, Development Studies, or a related field is required.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience supporting or implementing Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL/M&E) activities within youth, SRHR, public health, or development programs in Nigeria.
• Experience working on donor-funded or grant-funded projects is an added advantage.
• Experience supporting data collection, reporting, and indicator tracking systems.
• Experience working with field teams and community-based program implementation.

Skills and Technical Competencies:

• Working knowledge of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies.
• Experience with data collection, verification, cleaning, and basic analysis.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to develop and use M&E tools, trackers, and reporting templates.
• Good stakeholder communication and coordination skills.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
• Ability to monitor and document program activities accurately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Technical Tools:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of data tools such as Salesforce, SPSS, Kobo Toolbox, ODK, SurveyMonkey, or similar platforms is an advantage.
• Ability to use virtual collaboration tools.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to travel within Nigeria as required (approximately 25–40%).
• Ability to work in cross-cultural environments and under program deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and within a team structure.
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.
• Demonstrated interest in youth development and public health programming.

Salary
N300,000 - N350,000 per month.

Application Closing Date
20th February, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV to: edith@yedinaija.org using the job title as the subject of the email.