MERL Interns (Research and Evaluation)

Department: Market Solutions Practice (MSP) – Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL)

Reports to: Monitoring and Reporting Manager / research and Knowledge Management Manager

Number of Position: 2

Location: Addis Ababa (onsite)

Type/Duration: Internship, 6 months (with possible extension)

Start Date: November 15, 2025

About Kifiya

Kifiya Financial Technology PLC is an Ethiopian fintech that designs and delivers data-driven digital financial and market solutions to expand equitable access for individuals, MSMEs, and smallholder farmers. Through its Market Solutions Practice (MSP), Kifiya leverages intelligent data, financial, agricultural, and mobility infrastructures to address market failures, enhance inclusion, and create jobs across Ethiopia and beyond.

About SAFEE

The Sustainable Access to Finance to Enable Entrepreneurship (SAFEE) program is a partnership between Kifiya Financial Technology and the Mastercard Foundation. SAFEE aims to unlock $1.2 billion in loanable liquidity through a $75 million Transitional Liquidity Facility, reaching 2.18 million youth (1.74 million women) and supporting 477,861 MSMEs across Ethiopia. The program strengthens access to uncollateralized digital finance, builds institutional capacity, and promotes dignified and fulfilling work for youth.

Role Summary

The MERL Intern (Head Office) will support Kifiya’s MERL team largely in all types of Monitoring, Reporting and Research activities. The role offers hands-on experience in monitoring and reporting principles, evaluation methods, research activities (managing, conducting) plus digital monitoring systems, data visualization, and learning documentation within an AI-enabled fintech environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Data and Dashboard Support

• Support data collection, validation, and organization from various digital sources (PRM, KoboToolbox, OVP, and Metabase).
• Assist in maintaining and updating the Digital MERL Dashboard with real-time program insights.
• Support data cleaning, formatting, and integration for quarterly and ad hoc reporting.
• Generate summary tables and graphs to support internal performance tracking and Foundation reports.

2. Learning and Research Support

• Assist in preparing data inputs and background materials for ongoing studies under the SAFEE Research Agenda.
• Conduct desk reviews and literature summaries to support concept notes and ToRs.
• Compile evidence and case stories from ongoing studies and monitoring results for internal learning.
• Support coordination of research logistics and communication with consultants or research partners.

3. Knowledge Management and Documentation

• Support the curation and filing of reports, photos, research outputs, and tools in Kifiya’s Knowledge Repository.
• Prepare meeting minutes, summaries, and visual briefs for learning and coordination meetings.
• Assist in developing PowerPoint presentations, data-driven briefs, and communication content for internal sharing and learning events.
• Help plan and document learning events, MERL CoP meetings, and evidence-sharing workshops.

4. Reporting and Administrative Support

• Provide data and documentation support during preparation of weekly, monthly and quarterly MERL reports and presentations.
• Coordinate with MERL team members including Impact communication team for data requests and evidence consolidation.
• Assist in administrative tasks related to the MERL team, including scheduling and organizing files.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate both technical competence and academic credibility aligned with Kifiya’s evidence-generation priorities.

Experience:

At least Seven (7) years of proven experience MERL Intern (Head Office)

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Information Systems, Development Studies, or related. (Final-year students and recent graduates encouraged.)
• Skills: Strong Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with Power BI/SPSS/Metabase/Kobo a plus.
• Languages: English and Amharic proficiency required.
• Attributes: Detail-oriented, analytical, eager to learn, and committed to teamwork and Kifiya’s mission.

Learning Opportunities

• Exposure to digital MERL systems (Metabase, OVP, KoboToolbox).
• Mentorship in data analysis, visualization, and impact reporting.
• Learning on Mastercard Foundation frameworks (Youth-in-Work, Dignified & Fulfilling Work).
• Participation in internal learning and research dissemination events.

Education Profile:

Individual Consultants: Must possess a minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Development Studies, Finance, Data Science, Public Policy, or related social sciences.
A PhD or equivalent research track record will be considered an added advantage.

Research Agencies / Firms: Must demonstrate that key personnel leading assignments hold at least a Master’s degree (preferably PhD) in relevant disciplines and have published or delivered similar assignments within the past five years.

Thematic Expertise:

• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following thematic areas:
• Access to finance / MSME lending
• Gender and youth employment
• Financial systems and regulatory analysis
• Agriculture and rural finance
• Digital and AI-driven financial solutions

Research and Analytical Capacity:

• Proven ability to apply mixed-method research designs, advanced data analysis, and AI/ML-assisted analytics.
• Ability to produce high-quality research outputs—concept notes, reports, and policy briefs—in English.

Institutional and Legal Requirements:

• For firms: Valid business registration, TIN, and tax compliance certificate.
• For individuals: Professional certification or consultancy registration (if applicable).
• Submission Requirements
• Cover letter stating interest and thematic area(s) of expertise (with evidence)
• Availability for the assignment (person days per studies, monthly, yearly availability)
• Profile / CVs of consultant(s) or organizational profile with key experts
• Portfolio of past assignments (title, client, year, and description),
• List of RELEVANT publications and links
• Technical strengths (methodologies, tools, geographic coverage)
• References from three recent clients
• Business license or professional certification (if applicable)
• Fully signed Annex A for Individual Consultants
• Fully signed and stamped Annex B for Consulting/Research Firm
• Financial Proposal Submission