Cluster MERL Specialist

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

Reports to the MERL Manager with a direct working relationship with the Project Manager and Cluster Manager and provide specialist guidance and support on Program/Project monitoring, evaluation research and learning initiatives in line with MERL policy and standards and donor requirements.  

Acountabilities

1. Monitoring and Performance Management

• Ensure the coordination and monitoring of PIZ projects/ programs reviews and visits that will enable PIZ to manage the performance of projects adaptively
• Support design and implementation of Program/Projects M & E frameworks and tools including ensuring regular updates and tracking projects/program progress and their contribution to the country strategy.
• Provide technical guidance in developing and maintaining the Programme database, including overseeing and leading the continuous update of Program milestones in the PMERL system
• Regularly track Program progress and update the Program indicator performance trackers to support the Program reporting obligations to different stakeholders.
• Review all program documentation and reports to ensure compliance with the Results Framework and donor reporting requirements.
• Manage the MERL performance tracking system; consistently monitoring and consolidating Program implementation findings against approved work plans and budgets to ensure timely and quality implementation per the contractual obligation.
• Consolidate, track and share action points agreed upon monthly in all Program review/reflection meetings and ensure all action points and next steps are comprehensively closed out promptly.

Top of FormBottom of Form

2. Knowledge Management and Learning

• Work collaboratively with colleagues in the MERL team to maintain a ‘knowledge hub’ for the organisation that will meet the information needs of the identified audiences.
• Support knowledge management and learning initiatives to ensure that staff and other stakeholders have easy access to quality and reliable information including supporting learning and reflection initiatives and ensure that knowledge and lessons are incorporated into projects.
• Support development and utilisation of feedback and accountability mechanisms PIZ projects
• Build a well-curated database for learnings from evaluations, intervention reports, and other relevant information; ensure that users can navigate and upload or retrieve information quickly.
• Work collaboratively with the Communications team to support content management on the PIZs and other information-sharing platforms; perform regular analytics to monitor utilisation and enhance user.
• Contribute to the country office quarterly and annual reporting requirements by providing timely and quality data including documentation of best practices, case studies, lessons learnt, Most Significant Change Stories and reflection of the Program to provide evidence on Program impact, including inclusiveness.
• Conduct routine monitoring field visits of all the Program activities to establish learning and development needs, using data collected to inform the learning and development of MERL interventions contributing to the knowledge and application of MERL best practices.

3. Capacity Building

• Provide PIZ staff and stakeholders with technical advice and support, enabling them to carry out Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning according to best practices:
• Conduct routine program/project monitoring to establish learning and development needs, using data collected to inform the learning and development of MERL interventions contributing to the knowledge and application of MERL best practices.
• Build the capacity of program teams to shift the focus from collecting and reporting data to analysing reflecting upon and using data
• Monitor capacity as the Program is ongoing and provide any backstopping and technical support needed to ensure effective results measurement & reporting.
• Review learning gathered from implementing partners and feed this into refining PIZ's MERL system & strategies.
• Design and implement practical learning activities in collaboration with colleagues & stakeholders to facilitate effective knowledge capture and sharing
• Support MERL capacity assessment and build capacity of program staff on MERL initiatives.

4. 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 Statistics, Quantitative Economics, Social Sciences, Social Work, Development Studies or a related field. Additional training at Post Graduate level in Monitoring and Evaluation, Program planning and management or a related field is an asset.
• At least 3 to 5 years of experience in providing M&E for Child Protection projects in development and humanitarian contexts.
• Skills in Research methodology for both qualitative and quantitative data collection.
• Good understanding of the political, social, financial and cultural drivers of inequality with practical experience in developing and implementing strategies for change.
• Experience in using project management principles and practices to lead significant projects; ensuring the achievement of results on time and to standard.
• Strong ability to analyse and interpret an appropriate range of data and evidence, both internal and external, using sound judgement to make balanced decisions based on insights gained, or projection of trends.
• Good digital skills, for instance [name relevant tools/platforms]; ability to use ICT resources to improve work efficiency and effectiveness, whilst working in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines. 

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: Harare

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.