MERL Data and Learning Manager

Key facts

About the role

Highlights

• Job Description – MERL Data and Learning Manager
• Program: GIGS MARKET JOB CREATION
• Employer: Target Business Consultants Plc (TIFM for GIGS MARKET JOB CREATION)
• Location: Addis Ababa, with regional travel
• Terms: Full-time, fixed term to July 2029
• Reports to: Program Director
• Supervises: • MERL Officer • Data Analyst • MIS and Data Quality Officer • Field Monitoring and Data Verification Officer
• JOB SUMMARY
• Leads the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) system to track and verify progress toward connecting 350,000 young people to dignified work. • Ensures job-creation data are credible and that evidence supports adaptive program management. • Coordinates with the MERL Service Provider on the learning agenda and indicator definitions.
• ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Maintain the results framework, indicator reference sheets, and data collection tools in line with Foundation requirements and definitions agreed with the MERL Service Provider.
• Lead the design and operation of the program Management Information System (MIS), including data flows from GPMs, while ensuring personal data protection.
• Implement the job verification protocol, including sampling, telephone call-backs, and field checks, to confirm job placements and dignified-work criteria.
• Conduct routine data quality assessments and verify GPM-reported data through triangulation.
• Prepare monthly dashboards and the results sections of quarterly and annual reports.
• Report results disaggregated by gender, disability, refugee or internally displaced person (IDP) status, and region.
• Co-lead the learning agenda with the MERL Service Provider through reflection sessions, learning briefs, and the use of findings in decision-making.
• Lead, coach, and appraise the MERL team.

Required qualifications

• EDUCATION AND TRAINING
• Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related quantitative field.
• EXPERIENCE
• At least 8 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation.
• At least 4 years of experience leading monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems for donor-funded programs.
• Experience measuring youth employment or job creation is preferred.
• SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
• Knowledge of theory of change and results-based management.
• Statistical analysis skills using Stata, R, SPSS, or Python.
• Ability to develop dashboards using Power BI or similar tools.
• Experience with mobile data collection tools such as KoboToolbox and ODK.
• Skills in conducting data quality audits.
• Knowledge of personal data protection practices.
• Ability to present evidence clearly to non-specialists.
• Experience Level: Senior Level (minimum 8 years of relevant experience).

How to apply