Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

MONITORING, EVALUATION, RESEARCH AND LEARNING (MERL) OFFICER

ABOUT FH

FH Association Rwanda (Food for the Hungry) is an International Christian Relief and Development organization with a value proposition “We design, develop, and deliver catalytic solutions that build resilience so that children, families, and communities can flourish”. FH Rwanda has been implementing integrated relief and development projects in Rwanda since 1994. FH Rwanda operates in Ruhango, Muhanga, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Ngororero, Karongi and Rulindo districts. Our Head Office is located at Umuyenzi Plazza, 2 nd Floor, Kisimenti – Remera.

FH Rwanda has adopted an integrated programming model RFTS (Resilience and Flourishing

Through Systems Transformation) through various specializations: Asset creation, Productive learning, Social Behavior Change, Mental Health & Physical Wellbeing and Disaster Risk Reduction.

FH CULTURE

All we do, and how we do it, seek to promote God’s beauty, goodness, and truth in a broken world. As such, we are defined by our ability to make people’s lives measurably better; our ability to deliver impact is the measure of our collective success. For we know that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has already prepared in advance for us to do. At Food for the Hungry, we operate under a set of values called Heartbeat Values.

We are seeking to hire a qualified, dedicated and experienced “MONITORING, EVALUATION, LEARNING AND RESEARCH (MERL) OFFICERS ” to be based in 1 of our 7 Area Programs. The jobholder reports to the Area Program Lead with dotted line supervision of the MERL Manager.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer will provide support for projects in Area Programs by overseeing data collection, collation, and analysis. The role supports the overall M&E strategy and capacity building in Area Programs, with primary responsibilities including evaluations, assessments, performance monitoring, and deriving actionable insights. The MERL Officer will work closely with Area Program teams, stakeholders, and leadership to ensure M&E processes are effectively integrated into project cycles and organizational strategies. This role will support the organization’s commitment to data-driven decision-making and program improvement for FH Rwanda’s Resilience and Flourishing through Systems Transformation (RFST) program model.

MAIN KEY RESULTS

Program Monitoring and Supporting Programs Evaluations

• Participate in the preparation of work plans, target setting, M&E plans, and performance frameworks for the assigned area programs.
• Identify project-specific M&E requirements to provide timely support and ensure alignment with program objectives.
• Facilitate M&E plan implementation and update performance indicators, and data collection methods as needed.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor project quality and implementation progress through field observations, shareholders’ (beneficiary)feedback, and other participatory processes.
• Consolidate and analyze program data to monitor progress against objectives, identifying trends and lessons learned for continuous program improvement.
• Recommend program improvements based on field observations and data analysis
• Support in conducting baseline, mid-term, and end-line evaluations for projects.
• Liaise with AP Lead to identify relevant research to be undertaken within the Program’s Fiscal Year
• Assist in using FH’s M&E platforms (such as Smartsheet and World Link3) to maintain an up-to-date record of program activities and results

Performance Monitoring and Adaptive Management

• Use real-time dashboards and tracking tools like the Promise metrics to monitor outcomes.
• Maintain project-based Indicator Performance Tracking Tables (IPTT) and other tools to track program progress.
• Design adaptive, flexible data collection systems in collaboration with Area Program (AP) staff, ensuring data integrity and reliability.
• Conduct scenario planning sessions to assess trends and recommend adaptive strategies

Data management and reporting

• Establish effective data collection systems and methods to streamline data gathering and compile project data for consolidated reports.
• Review Project Progress Reports to assess impacts, and identify bottlenecks.
• Lead data quality assurance, analytics, data visualization, and client support.
• Conduct regular field visits to verify data quality, accuracy, and adherence to program standards and protocols.
• Convey complex information to Area Program staff in an accessible manner.
• Handle internal and external data requests, retrieving data from database or electronic files as requested.
• Identify new data sources and methods to improve data acquisition, analysis, and reporting.
• Troubleshoot data validation and ensure resolution.
• Update data, reports, and dashboards on schedule.

Capacity Building, Knowledge Sharing, and Learning

• Lead capacity-building initiatives to train teams on M&E, systems-based learning, and knowledge management.
• Collaborate with the MERL Manager to facilitate knowledge-sharing and reflection sessions that promote adaptive management.
• Facilitate regular project reflection sessions to promote learning and refine processes.
• Document lessons learned and best practices to contribute to organizational learning and program refinement.
• Support the collection of stories of change, and impact data for internal and external communication purposes.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Management, Statistics, Project management, community development or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in a role with significant learning, knowledge management,and/or data analysis, interpretation, and usage responsibilities Experience of working with INGOs is a plus
• Valid Driving license Class A is an Added Value

OTHER ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Experience in research and community participatory methodologies
• Highly organized and Strong facilitation skills
• Strong analytical,communication, and report writing skills
• Good understanding of project planning, implementation, Monitoring,and Evaluation processes.
• Good contextual knowledge of local issues, community priorities, organizational relationships, social and cultural constraints and realities, and environmental conditions.
• Proficiency in System management tools eg. ODK, Kobo Collect, MS Office Suite, etc.
• Knowledge of statistical computer packages e.g. SPSS, Python,STATA, EPI-INFO etc.
• Knowledge ofGIS is an added advantage
• Willingness to travel frequently to remote program locations within the assigned Area Programs

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates should fill in the Job Application Form and attach their cover letter and updated CV/Resume with three professional referees (including email address and day telephone contacts), not later than Friday 13^th December @2pm using the following link: http://41.216.97.161/fhrwjobs

Note:

• Only short listed candidates will be contacted
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• If any issues are experienced, please contact us separately at rwanda@fh.org

FH Safeguarding Policy

FH strives to provide an environment free from sexual exploitation and abuse and harassment in all places where relief and development programs are implemented. FH holds a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse and harassment. FH expects its employees to maintain high ethical standards, protect organizational integrity and reputation, and ensure that FH work is carried out in honest and fair methods, in alignment with the FH Heartbeat and safeguarding and associated policies. Violations to stated policies will be subject to corrective action up to and including termination of employment.

Done at Kigali on 29^th November 2024