Monitoring Evaluation Research Learning (MERL) Specialist

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist to join our dedicated and talented team in Ghana on our mission to create business solutions to poverty!

MEDA’s work is built on a foundation of Mennonite business roots and faith-based values, within the global context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We believe business solutions are effective interventions to address poverty.

Through a market-systems approach and strategic partnerships, MEDA enables access to finance and provides business and technical expertise to build transformative agri-food market systems that create decent jobs, allowing traditionally excluded groups to become active participants in a sustainable economy.

MEDA welcomes all who share our values and want to join us in our mission. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website at www.meda.org.

 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Monitoring, Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist is responsible for ensuring the overall success and effective support on all MERL related issues for the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund (MFAGF). Reporting to the Chief of Party of the MFAGF, the MERL Specialist will provide support in planning and implementing leading edge monitoring and evaluation (M & E) services with a focus on the introduction of innovative MERL approaches and the utilization of an appropriate mix of methodologies and providing excellent client service.

Job Status:  5 year Contract
Anticipated Start Date: January 2023
Location: Accra, Ghana or Nairobi, Kenya
Travel: Within sub-Saharan Africa

This is a re-advertisement if you had applied before kindly do not apply.

 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The MERL Specialist will work closely with the Chief of Party, the Learning Partner Organization (LPO) and MEDA’s Monitoring and Impact Measurement (MIM) department to implement the following activities:

• Ensure that effective MERL systems and process are in place to support the implementation of the “Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund (“MFAGF”) initiative
• Develop new and enhanced MERL services as needed and ensure the MFAGF staff and partners have adequate knowledge of MERL approaches
• Identify and develop strategic or emerging MERL issues that increase MEDA’s capacity to serve the needs of targeted clients while responding more effectively to donor requirements
• Ensure that the Initiative staff and partners have shared understanding of MERL requirements, including skills in data gathering and reporting
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of data gathered from Initiative partners, portfolio companies and relevant stakeholders
• Support the LPO in convening learning forums and events and document proceedings for dissemination amongst the Initiative partners
• Work with the LPO to automate data gathering and reporting practices
• Ensure accurate and timely data gathering for quarterly reports
• Partner with relevant local institutions (e.g., universities, evaluation networks) to strengthen MERL capabilities
• Liaise with the Impact Partner Organization (IPO) to report on impact data
• Develop evidence-based knowledge products and share them widely within MEDA and among the Initiative partners
• Coordinate with Marketing and Communication team on providing client stories and impact related information
• Actively participate in MERL and other committee meetings

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned 

REQUIREMENTS 

Education: Master’s-level university degree in international development, economic development, gender studies or related field or an equivalency acquired through formal education, work experience and self-learning.

Experience: Minimum 10 years’ experience in international development with demonstrated written and analytical experience in MERL practices and impact investment.

Additional Qualifications:

• Appreciation and support of MEDA’s mission, vision and values.
• Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development and MEDA’s approach of creating business solutions to poverty.
• Demonstrated aptitude at integrating information technology and automated data collection systems into programming.
• Demonstrated experience in impact investing monitoring, impact measurement and ESG reporting
• Critical analysis and strategic thinking skills.
• Appreciation, understanding and support of MEDA’s mission, vision and values, international development and MEDA’s approach of creating business solutions to poverty
• Excellent skills in relationship management, including building relationships, networking and presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal communication
• Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development and MEDA’s approach of creating business solutions to poverty.
• Written and verbal presentation as well as interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work in and with a wide range of cultures and in varying international locales.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fluid and dynamic environment and to adopt to new challenges.
• Efficiency in organizing and prioritizing several tasks at once. Strong attention to detail and quality.
• Must be fluent in English and proficiency in French or regional languages is an asset

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis when received. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs.

Only successful applicants will be contacted. 

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

MEDA is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment of mutual respect. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities are available during all phases of the recruitment process. We ask that any applicants requiring such accommodation make their needs known in advance.