Field Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL) Officer -Afar

Positive Action for Development (PAD) is one of the most vibrant, rapidly expanding, and results-driven civil society organizations in Ethiopia. PAD is currently scaling up its interventions across the humanitarian, NEXUS, and development spectrum—expanding operations throughout the country, including in Addis Ababa, Amhara, Oromia, Harari, Afar, Somali, Tigray, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Ethiopia’s southern regional states. As PAD broadens its reach, it remains firmly committed to inclusive, equitable, and conflict-sensitive programming—respecting the diverse realities of communities while fostering peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

Vision: PAD strives to see a community of hope, humanity, and social justice.

Mission: PAD brings people together to work in partnerships; promotes hope, humanity, and social justice for every human life in all its fullness; and improves the livelihoods of disadvantaged groups for social and inclusive economic growth by actively engaging in positive actions, promoting responsive care and support, and addressing the root causes of poverty in Ethiopia.

General Overview:

This document outlines the standard roles and responsibilities associated with this position. The descriptions of the post cannot be exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties that align with the key responsibilities described herein. The roles and responsibilities are also subject to change.

Job Summary:

The MERL Officer plays a vital role in ensuring the organization’s programs are evidence-based, impactful, and continuously improved through data-driven decision-making. This position is responsible for designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, conducting research to assess program effectiveness, and ensuring learning is integrated into project strategies. The MERL Officer collects, analyzes, and reports on key performance indicators while supporting project teams in using data for adaptive management. Additionally, the role involves building strong relationships with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and local communities, to foster collaboration and accountability. Ultimately, the MERL Officer enhances the organization’s ability to achieve its mission through rigorous evaluation, learning, and evidence-based planning.

Overall Responsibilities:

• Prepare a Monitoring checklist in line with project activity and objectives.
• Collect daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly plans of each staff in hard and soft copy.
• Collect daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports from each staff and document in hard & soft copy.
• Provide feedback to the project coordinator on project strategies and activities.
• Full documentation of service provision, reports, and care plan.
• Encode beneficiaries’ profile data, service, and care plans to the database.
• Promotion of the use of evaluation findings among the projects.
• Monitor the allocated resources for the project interventions in terms of effectiveness and efficiency.
• Assist project coordinators in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Assist the project personnel with M&E tools and supporting them in their use.
• Facilitate and conduct mid-term and terminal evaluations for medium and long-term projects.
• Make sure all project teams have prepared, reviewed, and submitted periodic activity plans and reports.
• Prepare and maintain data collection tools, collect data, conduct data quality assurance, and analyze and interpret results.
• Prepare review meetings and supportive supervision schedules and conduct the program.
• Prepare and document change stories.
• Monitor and evaluate overall progress on the achievement of project results.
• Monitor the sustainability of the project’s results.
• Report monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual service provided for M & E coordinator and project coordinator.
• Train and support staff in monitoring and evaluation processes as requested.
• Conduct and analyze staff capacity building needs assessment and facilitate training.
• Provide input and update information related to project outcomes.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the project coordinator.

Qualification:

• An advanced university degree in one of the following areas: Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.

Work Experience: 

• At least five (5) years of relevant work experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, ideally within a multisectoral context.

Skills:

• We seek candidates who are committed to understanding local dynamics and integrating conflict-aware practices into all aspects of our work
• Strong experience in designing MEL frameworks, conducting and/or supporting evaluations, and facilitating learning.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, Stata, Power BI).
• Knowledge of digital MEL platforms and tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, CommCare Power BI).
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work in a multisectoral team and in a cross-cultural environment is a strong asset.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills are highly desirable.
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO).

Other Considerations:

• Willingness to travel frequently to field locations, including remote areas.
• Commitment to upholding humanitarian values and the organization’s mission.

Competencies

• Action facilitations
• Communications
• Ethics & Values
• Teamwork
• Behavioral Flexibility
• Client Orientation
• Initiative
• Interpersonal Relations
• Reasonable Judgment

Number required: 1 (One)

Duty Station: Afar Region, Aba’ala Woreda

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply

Equal Employment Opportunity

• Positive Action for Development (PAD) promotes fairness, equity, and diversity in the workplace. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or other personal status. Hiring decisions are made based on skills, experience, and suitability for the role.
• We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment where all staff can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally.

Zero Tolerance for Misconduct

• PAD has zero tolerance for any form of abuse, harassment, exploitation, or misuse of power. We take safeguarding seriously and expect all staff, volunteers, and partners to follow our policies and uphold our values at all times. All successful candidates will go through background checks and be required to follow PAD’s code of conduct and safeguarding principles.

Recruitment Flexibility

• PAD reserves the right to recruit more than one candidate from this announcement or keep qualified applicants in our database for future similar roles.

Important Notice on Recruitment Fraud

• PAD does not request any payment at any stage of the recruitment process. If you receive any suspicious messages claiming to be from PAD, please report them to our office through official contact channels. www.padethiopia.