Senior MERL Officer – Kenya
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Role description
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Green RISE Africa (Resilient Impact through Sustainable Entrepreneurship) is a five-year initiative implemented by Acumen in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation across fifteen African countries. The programme seeks to strengthen Africa’s emerging green economy while creating dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young people, particularly young women living in poverty. Through enterprise development, access to finance, market systems strengthening, and ecosystem support, the programme aims to promote sustainable enterprise growth and green job creation at scale. FC Africa serves as a lead implementation partner under the Grow Pillar and works through a network of National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs) to deliver enterprise support services to nano and micro enterprises operating in priority green economy sectors. To support effective implementation and results management in Kenya, FC Africa seeks to recruit a
Senior MERL Officer
to support monitoring, evaluation, reporting, learning, data quality assurance, and Youth in Work verification activities across programme implementation areas.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior MERL Officer will serve as FC Africa's country-level Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL) focal point for Green RISE Africa in Kenya. The position will be responsible for coordinating programme monitoring and reporting systems, ensuring data quality and integrity, overseeing Youth in Work (YiW) verification processes, supporting National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (NESOs) on MERL compliance, and generating evidence to support programme management, learning, and decision-making.
The position will work closely with the Kenya Country Programme Manager, National ESOs, and the Regional MERL Lead to ensure accurate performance tracking, timely reporting, partner accountability, and continuous improvement of programme implementation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Monitoring, Evaluation and Results Management:
The Senior MERL Officer will coordinate implementation of the programme MERL framework and support effective performance management across Kenya.
Coordinating implementation of programme monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning systems across all National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (NESOs).
Monitoring progress against approved workplans, Youth in Work targets, programme indicators, and performance benchmarks.
Supporting the development and implementation of country-level MERL plans and reporting schedules.
Providing regular performance analysis and recommendations to strengthen programme delivery and results achievement.
Supporting adaptive management by generating evidence and insights for programme decision-making.
Data Quality Assurance and Partner Oversight:
The Senior MERL Officer will ensure the quality, accuracy, and integrity of programme data and reporting systems.
Reviewing and validating programme data submitted by National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (NESOs).
Coordinating data quality assessments, spot checks, audits, and verification exercises.
Ensuring compliance with programme MERL standards, reporting requirements, and data quality protocols.
Supporting implementing partners to strengthen data management and reporting systems.
Identifying and resolving data quality issues and recommending corrective actions where necessary.
Youth in Work Verification and Field Monitoring:
The Senior MERL Officer will coordinate verification of programme outcomes and support field-level monitoring activities.
Coordinating verification of Youth in Work outcomes using approved programme methodologies.
Conducting field monitoring visits, spot checks, and verification exercises across programme implementation areas.
Supporting participant tracking, enterprise follow-up, and outcome validation activities.
Reviewing evidence supporting reported programme results and ensuring compliance with verification requirements.
Preparing monitoring findings and recommendations for programme management and implementing partners.
Reporting, Analysis and Learning:
The Senior MERL Officer will coordinate programme reporting and contribute to learning and knowledge management efforts.
Coordinating preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual programme performance reports.
Conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis of programme data and performance trends.
Supporting development and maintenance of dashboards, scorecards, and performance monitoring tools.
Contributing to programme reviews, learning events, and reflection sessions.
Supporting documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and programme success stories.
MERL Capacity Building and Technical Support:
The Senior MERL Officer will strengthen MERL capacity among implementing partners and programme staff.
Providing technical support and coaching to National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (NESOs) on MERL systems, indicators, and reporting requirements.
Supporting partner orientation and training on data collection tools, verification methodologies, and reporting standards.
Promoting consistent application of MERL procedures and tools across programme partners.
Supporting implementation and utilization of digital data collection and reporting systems.
Promoting a culture of evidence-based decision-making, accountability, and continuous learning.
Database Management and Information Systems:
The Senior MERL Officer will support management and continuous improvement of programme information systems.
Maintaining programme databases, reporting platforms, and participant tracking systems.
Supporting integration and consolidation of partner data into centralized MERL systems.
Ensuring data security, confidentiality, and compliance with FC Africa's data protection policies.
Supporting development of dashboards, automated reports, and performance tracking tools.
Monitoring completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of programme information systems.
Communications, Knowledge Management and Learning:
The Senior MERL Officer will contribute to programme communications, visibility, and knowledge management efforts.
Supporting documentation of programme success stories, beneficiary profiles, lessons learned, and best practices.
Contributing data, evidence, and analytical insights to programme communication and visibility materials.
Supporting the collection and validation of case studies, testimonials, photographs, and impact stories.
Working closely with programme teams to document programme achievements and learning.
Supporting dissemination of programme knowledge products and learning outputs.
REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
The
Senior MERL Officer
will report directly to the Regional MERL Lead and work closely with:
Kenya Country Programme Manager
Regional Programme Director
National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (NESOs)
GESI & Safeguarding Team
Enterprise Development Team
Access to Finance Team
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The position will require regular travel across programme implementation areas in Kenya, including Central Kenya, Northern Kenya, and Coastal Kenya clusters. The role is expected to spend approximately 30–40% of time in the field supporting monitoring, verification, partner support, and data quality assurance activities.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Master's degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
Experience
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, data management, or results measurement.
Demonstrated experience supporting donor-funded development programmes.
Experience working in enterprise development, youth employment, livelihoods, financial inclusion, market systems development, or economic development programmes.
Experience supporting field-based data collection, verification, and performance management systems.
Experience working with multiple implementing partners and complex programme structures is highly desirable.
REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
Advanced knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies and results measurement frameworks.
Strong skills in data collection, cleaning, validation, analysis, and reporting.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Experience using Power BI, Kobo Toolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO, or similar digital platforms.
Strong report writing, analytical, and presentation skills.
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
Performance will be assessed against indicators including:
Data Quality
Data quality assessment scores.
Percentage of reports submitted accurately and on time.
Partner compliance with MERL requirements.
Reporting
Timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
Quality of analytical reports and dashboards.
Verification
Percentage of Youth in Work outcomes verified.
Number of field monitoring and verification exercises completed.
Partner Support
Partner compliance with reporting requirements.
Quality of partner data submissions.
Learning
Contribution to programme learning products and evidence generation.
How To Apply
FC Africa invites qualified candidates to apply. Interested applicants should submit an updated CV and a one-page cover letter to
jobs@fcafrica.com
. Applicants must indicate the position title “Senior MERL Officer – Kenya” in the subject line of their email.
Skills (mandatory):
Data Analysis & Reporting, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning, acilitating sensitive, multi-stakeholder dialogues
Languages:
ENGLISH
Apply Now!
Green RISE Africa (Resilient Impact through Sustainable Entrepreneurship) is a five-year initiative implemented by Acumen in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation across fifteen African countries. The programme seeks to strengthen Africa’s emerging green economy while creating dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young people, particularly young women living in poverty. Through enterprise development, access to finance, market systems strengthening, and ecosystem support, the programme aims to promote sustainable enterprise growth and green job creation at scale. FC Africa serves as a lead implementation partner under the Grow Pillar and works through a network of National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs) to deliver enterprise support services to nano and micro enterprises operating in priority green economy sectors. To support effective implementation and results management in Kenya, FC Africa seeks to recruit a
Senior MERL Officer
to support monitoring, evaluation, reporting, learning, data quality assurance, and Youth in Work verification activities across programme implementation areas.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior MERL Officer will serve as FC Africa's country-level Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL) focal point for Green RISE Africa in Kenya. The position will be responsible for coordinating programme monitoring and reporting systems, ensuring data quality and integrity, overseeing Youth in Work (YiW) verification processes, supporting National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (NESOs) on MERL compliance, and generating evidence to support programme management, learning, and decision-making.
The position will work closely with the Kenya Country Programme Manager, National ESOs, and the Regional MERL Lead to ensure accurate performance tracking, timely reporting, partner accountability, and continuous improvement of programme implementation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Monitoring, Evaluation and Results Management:
The Senior MERL Officer will coordinate implementation of the programme MERL framework and support effective performance management across Kenya.
Coordinating implementation of programme monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning systems across all National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (NESOs).
Monitoring progress against approved workplans, Youth in Work targets, programme indicators, and performance benchmarks.
Supporting the development and implementation of country-level MERL plans and reporting schedules.
Providing regular performance analysis and recommendations to strengthen programme delivery and results achievement.
Supporting adaptive management by generating evidence and insights for programme decision-making.
Data Quality Assurance and Partner Oversight:
The Senior MERL Officer will ensure the quality, accuracy, and integrity of programme data and reporting systems.
Reviewing and validating programme data submitted by National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (NESOs).
Coordinating data quality assessments, spot checks, audits, and verification exercises.
Ensuring compliance with programme MERL standards, reporting requirements, and data quality protocols.
Supporting implementing partners to strengthen data management and reporting systems.
Identifying and resolving data quality issues and recommending corrective actions where necessary.
Youth in Work Verification and Field Monitoring:
The Senior MERL Officer will coordinate verification of programme outcomes and support field-level monitoring activities.
Coordinating verification of Youth in Work outcomes using approved programme methodologies.
Conducting field monitoring visits, spot checks, and verification exercises across programme implementation areas.
Supporting participant tracking, enterprise follow-up, and outcome validation activities.
Reviewing evidence supporting reported programme results and ensuring compliance with verification requirements.
Preparing monitoring findings and recommendations for programme management and implementing partners.
Reporting, Analysis and Learning:
The Senior MERL Officer will coordinate programme reporting and contribute to learning and knowledge management efforts.
Coordinating preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual programme performance reports.
Conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis of programme data and performance trends.
Supporting development and maintenance of dashboards, scorecards, and performance monitoring tools.
Contributing to programme reviews, learning events, and reflection sessions.
Supporting documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and programme success stories.
MERL Capacity Building and Technical Support:
The Senior MERL Officer will strengthen MERL capacity among implementing partners and programme staff.
Providing technical support and coaching to National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (NESOs) on MERL systems, indicators, and reporting requirements.
Supporting partner orientation and training on data collection tools, verification methodologies, and reporting standards.
Promoting consistent application of MERL procedures and tools across programme partners.
Supporting implementation and utilization of digital data collection and reporting systems.
Promoting a culture of evidence-based decision-making, accountability, and continuous learning.
Database Management and Information Systems:
The Senior MERL Officer will support management and continuous improvement of programme information systems.
Maintaining programme databases, reporting platforms, and participant tracking systems.
Supporting integration and consolidation of partner data into centralized MERL systems.
Ensuring data security, confidentiality, and compliance with FC Africa's data protection policies.
Supporting development of dashboards, automated reports, and performance tracking tools.
Monitoring completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of programme information systems.
Communications, Knowledge Management and Learning:
The Senior MERL Officer will contribute to programme communications, visibility, and knowledge management efforts.
Supporting documentation of programme success stories, beneficiary profiles, lessons learned, and best practices.
Contributing data, evidence, and analytical insights to programme communication and visibility materials.
Supporting the collection and validation of case studies, testimonials, photographs, and impact stories.
Working closely with programme teams to document programme achievements and learning.
Supporting dissemination of programme knowledge products and learning outputs.
REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
The
Senior MERL Officer
will report directly to the Regional MERL Lead and work closely with:
Kenya Country Programme Manager
Regional Programme Director
National Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (NESOs)
GESI & Safeguarding Team
Enterprise Development Team
Access to Finance Team
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The position will require regular travel across programme implementation areas in Kenya, including Central Kenya, Northern Kenya, and Coastal Kenya clusters. The role is expected to spend approximately 30–40% of time in the field supporting monitoring, verification, partner support, and data quality assurance activities.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Master's degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
Experience
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, data management, or results measurement.
Demonstrated experience supporting donor-funded development programmes.
Experience working in enterprise development, youth employment, livelihoods, financial inclusion, market systems development, or economic development programmes.
Experience supporting field-based data collection, verification, and performance management systems.
Experience working with multiple implementing partners and complex programme structures is highly desirable.
REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
Advanced knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies and results measurement frameworks.
Strong skills in data collection, cleaning, validation, analysis, and reporting.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Experience using Power BI, Kobo Toolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO, or similar digital platforms.
Strong report writing, analytical, and presentation skills.
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
Performance will be assessed against indicators including:
Data Quality
Data quality assessment scores.
Percentage of reports submitted accurately and on time.
Partner compliance with MERL requirements.
Reporting
Timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
Quality of analytical reports and dashboards.
Verification
Percentage of Youth in Work outcomes verified.
Number of field monitoring and verification exercises completed.
Partner Support
Partner compliance with reporting requirements.
Quality of partner data submissions.
Learning
Contribution to programme learning products and evidence generation.
How To Apply
FC Africa invites qualified candidates to apply. Interested applicants should submit an updated CV and a one-page cover letter to
jobs@fcafrica.com
. Applicants must indicate the position title “Senior MERL Officer – Kenya” in the subject line of their email.
Skills (mandatory):
Data Analysis & Reporting, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning, acilitating sensitive, multi-stakeholder dialogues
Languages:
ENGLISH
Apply Now!