Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Data Manager

Role Purpose:

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Data Manager will support the design, implementation and continuous improvement of monitoring, evaluation, research, learning and data management for the Food & Agriculture (F&A) Pillar. The role will ensure that pillar data are efficiently collected, managed, analysed, visualized and reported to generate timely, high-quality evidence for programmes implementation, adaptive management, donor accountability and organizational learning.

The MERL Data Manager will strengthen the Pillars’ digital data and information management ecosystem by supporting the development, administration, integration with existing digital data collection and management platforms and business intelligence solutions. The role will support end-to-end data management processes, including data collection, validation, storage, integration, analysis, visualization and reporting while promoting automation, interoperability, data quality, and data security to improve programmes performance and operational efficiency.

Working collaboratively with pillar teams, IT teams, implementing partners, donors and other stakeholders, the MERL Data Manager will provide technical support in monitoring, evaluation, research, learning, digital information systems, and knowledge management. The role will contribute to strengthening evidence generation and the integration of cross-cutting priorities into programmes monitoring systems.

Key responsibilities

Support the design, implementation and continuous improvement of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) systems for the Food & Agriculture (F&A) Pillar.

Develop digital data collection and administer programme databases including on DMIS platform to support efficient programme monitoring, reporting, and performance tracking.

Coordinate the collection, validation, cleaning, integration, storage, analysis, visualization, and reporting of programme data, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.

Develop and maintain interactive dashboards, automated reports, and business intelligence solutions that provide real-time programme performance insights and support evidence-based decision-making.

Provide technical support for baseline, midline, endline, outcome, and impact assessments, including data management, statistical analysis and dissemination of findings.

Document and disseminate data best practices, innovations, and knowledge products to strengthen organizational learning and adaptive programme management.

Build the capacity of programme teams and implementing partners in MERL methodologies, digital data systems, data analytics, reporting, and the use of business intelligence tools.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen digital MERL systems and support programme design, implementation, reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement for the F&A Pillar.

Support development and maintaining of GIS-enabled datasets, maps and spatial analyses to support programme planning, beneficiary mapping, environmental monitoring and impact assessment.

Stay abreast of emerging MERL methodologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies and data analytics best practices and recommend innovations that enhance data management, reporting efficiency, evidence generation and programme performance.

Qualifications

Academic Qualifications and Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Monitoring and Evaluation, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or a related field. A Masters’ Degree will be an added advantage.

Professional certification in Monitoring & Evaluation, Results-Based Management (RBM), Data Analytics, GIS for spatial analysis, Business Intelligence (e.g Power BI/Tableau), Database Management, or Project Management (PMP/PRINCE2) will be an added advantage.

Experience requirements:

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, learning, data management, business intelligence or programme analytics within the development, agriculture, climate, environmental or related sectors.

Proven experience developing and managing Management Information Systems (MIS), programme databases, dashboards and automated reporting solutions.

Strong experience in data cleaning, validation, transformation, migration, integration, and quality assurance.

Demonstrated experience administering digital data collection platforms such as ODK, KoboToolbox, SurveyCTO, CommCare or similar technologies.

Experience using Power BI, Tableau, Excel Power Query, SQL, ArcGIS or similar analytical and visualization tools

Experience supporting donor-funded programmes through programme monitoring, data management, and results reporting.

Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis and translating findings into actionable programme insights.

Knowledge of statistical software such as SPSS, R, Python, or Stata will be an added advantage.

Experience in agriculture, climate resilience, natural resource management, environmental conservation, renewable energy, or rural development programmes will be an added advantage.

Key Technical skills and leadership competencies:

Strong analytical and data interpretation skills

Proficiency in MERL tools, methodologies and technologies

Results-oriented with strong attention to detail

High integrity, accountability and commitment to learning