Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Manager

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Manager
Location: Juba
Country: South Sudan
Deadline Date: 21st February 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that focuses on advancing children's rights and equality for girls. Established over 85 years ago, Plan International operates in more than 80 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to tackling the root causes of challenges faced by girls and vulnerable children, including poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. Plan International works collaboratively with children, young people, supporters, and partners to create a just world where every child can thrive. The organization emphasizes the importance of children's rights from birth through adulthood and aims to empower children to respond to crises and adversity. Plan International is committed to driving changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels, leveraging its extensive reach, experience, and knowledge to advocate for equality and justice for all children.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Manager will play a pivotal role in leading knowledge management and supporting business development initiatives within Plan International South Sudan. This position is crucial for designing projects that are informed by data, information, and evidence of impact. The MERL Manager will be a key member of the proposal design team, responsible for developing logframes and results frameworks, as well as leading the MERL section of proposals. The role requires the incumbent to implement Plan's PMERL system across the organization, ensuring that the organization becomes data-driven in its approach. The MERL Manager will also oversee dashboard reporting for Country Management, facilitating data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the position involves building the MERL capacity of both country office and field office team members, as well as supporting strategic planning and reporting processes, including quarterly, bi-annual, and annual management planning and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of Plan's PMERL system across the organization to ensure a data-driven approach to programming.
• Develop and maintain logframes and results frameworks for various projects and proposals.
• Conduct research and generate high-quality reports that inform program strategies and decision-making.
• Build the capacity of MERL team members in both the country office and field offices through training and mentorship.
• Collaborate with thematic advisors and business development teams to design projects based on evidence and impact data.
• Oversee dashboard reporting for Country Management to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Support strategic planning and reporting processes, including quarterly and annual management planning.
• Foster stakeholder collaboration and lead cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives.
• Ensure compliance with Plan International's safeguarding policies and procedures. 1
• Contribute to organizational growth and innovation through knowledge sharing and learning initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven expertise in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) methodologies and frameworks.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Proficiency in statistical tools such as STATA and SPSS, as well as mobile data collection platforms like Kobo and ArcGIS.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and team-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in dynamic environments while ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Commitment to knowledge sharing and organizational learning.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in social sciences, development studies, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) in relevant disciplines are preferred and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) within the development or humanitarian sectors is required. Experience in program development, proposal writing, and grant management is essential, along with a deep understanding of the development landscape in South Sudan. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and integrating data-driven decision-making into program strategies is necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in local languages spoken in South Sudan is considered an asset and would be advantageous for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a 13-month fixed-term contract, reporting to the Director of Programmes - Strategy. Relocation support will be provided for the successful candidate. Plan International is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and strives to create a workplace environment that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. The organization emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children and young people and conducts pre-employment checks in accordance with its policies. Plan International will never request payment from candidates during the recruitment process.