MERL Officer-AGYW

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity.

We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. In Zimbabwe, we have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 31 years. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity.

Job Description

The MERL Officer reports to the Cluster MERL Specialist with a direct working relationship with the Project Manager , Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research & Learning Manager and Cluster Manager and provides support on MERL activities in line with the MERL policy and standards for the GLobal fund A dolescent Girls Young Women project.

Accountabilities

1. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

• Assist development and regular updates of the AGYW Project M&E frameworks for projects in    line with MERL standards.
• Support effective utilization of M and E Management Information Systems (such as DHIS2) and the global PMERL System for data collection, storage, analysis, reporting, data aggregation at different levels including use of data for reflective learning & feedback for the AGYW Project.
• Plan and facilitate data quality assurance, including frequent data auditing and data spot checks for the AGYW project.
• Support the development of the AGYW project M & E tools and promote their effective application in tracking project progress.
• Facilitate data collection, verification, compilation, analysis and interpretation of the project data for decision-making.
• Project data entry into the project database for easy access and utilization by project staff.Top of FormBottom of Form

2. Evaluation and Research

• Assist in the planning, design and coordination of the project base, mid and endline surveys, including reviewing consultant Terms of Reference, supporting quality implementation of the sampling methodology and data collection.
• Review the AGYW project evaluation and research reports and give recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of the AGYW project evaluation/research findings to donors, partners, key stakeholders and communities and their utilization in learning activities.

3. Knowledge and Management Learning

• Facilitate the generation, storage and utilization of project information among project staff and key stakeholders.
• Support generation and complication of the AGYW project reports in line with donor guidelines.
• Support documentation of the AGYW project program and influencing work through various channels to demonstrate program effectiveness.

4. Participate in Plan’s MERL networks to enhance Plan’s Program Performance

• Participate in MERL networks in order to facilitate learning and sharing of experiences.
• Identify and establish relevant networks and platforms for Monitoring, Evaluation and Research initiatives related to the project.

5. Safeguarding, Gender Equality and Inclusion

• Ensure that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility

       Knowledge and Skills

• A degree in Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics and Operations Research, Strategic Planning or related studies.
• A post graduate degree in research and or monitoring and evaluation will be an added advantage.
• 3-5 years relevant working experience.
• Adapt MERL approaches and methodologies to local context.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are required to submit their curriculum vitae & cover letter outlining their suitability for the position. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This position is open to Zimbabwean nationals and people with the right to work in Zimbabwe.

Location: Bulawayo

Type of role: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date:11 March 2026

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.