Monitoring, Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Officer

PACT Malawi

BACKGROUND

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization.

Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staffs have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Pact with Funding from USAID is implementing a 5-year (2019 – 2024) Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods in Lake Malawi (REFRESH) project. The purpose of REFRESH project is to conserve the freshwater biodiversity of Lake Malawi to restore the natural fisheries productivity, which largely underpins the food and nutrition security of the rural and urban populations by targeting the lakeshore districts of Karonga, Rumphi, Likoma, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Salima, Dedza and Mangochi.

Pact Malawi seeks to hire a highly qualified, dedicated and experienced professional for the role of Monitoring, Evaluation Research and Leaning (MERL) Officer, joining an established and experienced team. The position will be based in Lilongwe and reports to the MERL Specialist.

The MERL Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the REFRESH project by directly contributing to the effective monitoring and evaluation of REFRESH activities. He/She will oversee both spatial and non-spatial data collection, management, analysis, and reporting. The MERL Officer will regularly travel to the field to conduct supervision of data collection and provide mentorship and coaching to field staff in monitoring and evaluation. He/She will ensure timely submission of high-quality REFRESH data by all partners.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support and oversee both Spatial and non-Spatial data collection, management, analysis, and reporting of progress of REFRESH implementation.
  • Manage the ImPact (DHIS2 based) data monitoring system and provide data analytics for Quarterly reporting.
  • Coordinate with Project Officer and provide technical assistance to field officers to ensure timely submission of data.
  • Collaborate with Partner MERL Officers to undertake data quality assurance activities.
  • Provide technical assistance to partner MERL staff in data quality and use at partner and community levels.
  • Support program technical staff in preparation of work plans.
  • Develop REFRESH Project’s cartographic products and maintain online Google Map.
  • Serve as back up to submit project data through USAID’s Development Information Solutions (DIS).
  • Organize and facilitate training workshops on monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning.
  • Liaise with Governance & Communications Officer to provide pertinent data analytics for communications materials on a regular basis.
  • Assist Governance & Communications Officer and Project Officer develop IEC and other field level communication products.

Basic Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Statistics or Information Management Systems or equivalent.
  • At least 6 years’ work experience in Monitoring, Evaluation or Data Management.
  • Experience working with ArcGIS, or any other cartographic software will be a plus.
  • Strong English language command for both written and oral.
  • High degree of professionalism and organization with strong commitment to submission of deliverables in a timely manner.
  • Proven ability to design and manage monitoring and evaluation systems on development projects.
  • Demonstrated capacity to facilitate training workshops on MERL with local organizations.
  • Ability to travel at least 40% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of USAID MERL reporting systems.
  • Experience working with DHIS2.

 Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

Direct applications to: The HR/Operations Officer, PACT Malawi, PO Box 1013, Lilongwe, Email: infomw@pactworld.org or hand delivered at PACT Malawi offices, Amina House not later than 3rd November, 2023