Head of MERL - Southern Africa

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

Reporting to the Country Director (of the hosting country), the Head of MERL Southern Africa will provide centralised expertise and resources for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi which should ensure consistent and high-quality MERL practices across the COs to improve programme and influencing effectiveness, accountability, and learning.  They will lead CO teams to effectively design, monitor, evaluate, research, learn and adapt impactful interventions in line with MERL policy, standards and MERL approach.  At strategy level they will support the development of country strategy MERL frameworks and ensure alignment of programme and project frameworks to support evidence-based decision making and communication of results.

Key accountabilities

1. Strategy and program quality.
2. Monitoring and performance management.
3. Knowledge management and learning.
4. Evaluation and Research.
5. MERL Systems Development.
6. Capacity building.
7. Functional leadership.
8. Safeguarding, ethics, gender equality and inclusion

The individual

Desired skills and competencies for the role

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Statistics, Quantitative Economics, Social Sciences, Social Work, Monitoring & Evaluation or a related field.
• Additional training at post-graduate level in Monitoring and Evaluation, project planning and management or a related field.
• At least 8 years' experience in providing MERL for a reputable organization; ideally in both development and humanitarian contexts.

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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 qualified candidates from the following countries

Location: Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Type of role: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 7 May 2025

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