Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist

Join Us at Plan International Bangladesh: Make a Lasting Impact!

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And its girls who are most affected and mostly during crisis. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children. For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.

Over the 30 years journey in Bangladesh, we envision a 2030 where children and youth, particularly girls and young women, are recognized as leaders of change in gender norms and can make decisions about their lives.

Since 24 September 2017, Plan International has been responding to the Rohingya refugee influx in Cox’s Bazar with special focus on protecting girls and boys from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation; improving hygiene and sanitation; and restoring access to safe, quality, and inclusive education for refugee children and adolescents. Guided by our core values, we remain unwavering in our commitment to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls so that children, especially girls, and their communities can learn, lead, decide, and thrive. 

For the past three decades, our work in Bangladesh has made a significant impact, and we are now looking for a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist.

The Role

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist will be responsible for designing and leading the monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) activities and ensuring result-based management in program and project areas as defined in the country strategy. The position holder will develop the theory of change (TOC), result framework, and indicators to measure success in respective projects & programmes through regular monitoring and evaluation activities. In line with PQI team the Specialist will track output delivery and assess outcomes to understand projects & programmes progress towards achieving objectives, conduct regular process monitoring, compile information, capture learning and produce quarterly reports for the projects & programme team and country management team to support decision-making. Data quality assurance is one of the key responsibilities of this role. The MERL Specialist will also contribute to capacity building of staff at Plan and partner organizations to enhance skills in programme monitoring. The role requires continuous support to resource mobilization initiatives for the Cox’s Bazar Programme. This position provides intensive support to different projects in Cox’s Bazar and other geographic locations and addresses donor requirements in the areas of MERL. Another major responsibility will be supporting the implementation of AAP (accountability to affected population) in different projects.

What we’re looking for

• Relevant Academic Grounding: A Master’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related discipline, providing the methodological and analytical foundation needed for robust evidence generation.
• Proven M&E Practitioner with Emergency Expertise: At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience leading M&E systems in development or humanitarian settings, including a minimum of 1 year on the frontline of emergency response projects in Cox’s Bazar.
• Strategic Framework Architect: Demonstrated mastery in designing, operationalizing, and tracking Theories of Change (ToC), results frameworks, logframes, and indicator matrices to measure project and programme success systematically.
• Advanced Data & Analytics Specialist: Strong quantitative and qualitative expertise—from managing digital data collection tools and quality assurance to conducting rigorous analysis using MS Excel and statistical packages (SPSS, STATA, or R) to drive evidence-based decisions.
• Evaluation & Consultant Coordinator: Proven track record in executing Annual Outcome Monitoring, formulating clear Terms of Reference (ToRs), and managing external consultants and project evaluations to secure high-impact, timely deliverables.
• Safeguarding Champion & Agile Field Responder: Deep commitment to child safeguarding, "Do No Harm" ethics, and donor compliance, paired with the readiness to deploy and deliver quality results during rapid-onset disasters or emergency responses.

Why Join Us?

Joining Plan International means engaging in impactful work that transforms lives and promotes equality. As part of our global network, you will have opportunities for international collaboration and continuous professional development. We value diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive environment where every team member is empowered to thrive. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we know that to achieve lasting impact, we must invest in those who make it possible. We are guided by a values-based leadership framework rooted in feminist leadership principles.

If you are a committed and values-driven professional with a passion for making a difference, we invite you to join our journey and help shape a better future for children in Bangladesh.

To know more details, follow this link: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist

Location: Cox's Bazar, with 50% travel

Deadline of application: 31 October 2026

The selected candidate will receive an initial one (1) year contract for this position, with a high possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. Only Bangladeshi citizens are eligible to apply.

Salary Package for this role is monthly CTC 128,566 BDT which includes contributory provident fund, gratuity, festival bonus, along with other benefits, i.e., hospitalization benefit for spouse and children, leave, group insurance, yearly medical check-up for employee, and day care facilities.

Plan follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all, especially women and people living with disability, and gender diverse communities. We promote a competitive salary, a female-friendly workplace, outstanding co-workers (who are respectful, professional, unbiased, and easy to work with) and equal opportunity, which means equal access to career progression, leadership roles or upskilling programs.

A range of pre-employment checks and anti-terrorism screening will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Global Safeguarding Policy and Preventing Sexual Harassment and Exploitation and Abuse (PSHEA) 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 the recruitment procedures. Plan International is committed to an inclusive recruitment process and will provide appropriate support for applicants with disabilities upon request. If your disability is likely to affect you adversely within the application process itself, please let us know (within the vacancy timeframe) by emailing Career.Bangladesh@plan-international.org

Please note that Plan International will never ask for any fees through mobile banking or send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.

Only short-listed candidates shall be contacted. Any prior communication or persuasion may lead to the disqualification of the candidacy.

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