MERL & Data Systems Officer

Job description

About the Project
Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an international conservation organisation dedicated to conserving wildlife and ecosystems in some of the world’s most outstanding wild places. FZS implements long-term conservation programmes across Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe.
In Zambia, FZS operates through the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP), supporting protected area management and community-based natural resource management. Under the EU NaturAfrica–funded Connecting Livelihoods and Landscape (CoLiLa) Project, FZS is expanding its work within the Malawi–Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area (MAZA TFCA), focusing on biodiversity conservation, inclusive livelihoods, and strengthened governance.
About the Position
The MERL & Data Systems Officer will lead the implementation and coordination of monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning systems for the EU NaturAfrica CoLiLa Project. The role ensures that project performance, results, and impacts are accurately measured, analysed, and reported in line with the approved EU logframe and the Global Europe Results Framework indicators.
Working closely with programme staff, field teams, and partners, the position will support evidence-based decision-making, adaptive management, and donor reporting, while strengthening data systems and learning across the Landscape.
Your Tasks
The MERL & Data Systems Officer will:
Lead implementation of the project MERL framework, ensuring alignment with approved indicators and targets
Coordinate baseline studies, surveys, and assessments (e.g. KAP, BNS, IMET, governance and livelihood indicators)
Manage and maintain project data systems and databases (including digital data collection tools)
Ensure data quality assurance, verification, and secure data management
Support field teams in data collection, tool use, and reporting protocols
Analyse and synthesise data to inform adaptive management and learning
Contribute to technical inputs for EU narrative and results-based reports
Support documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and knowledge products
Ensure compliance with EU reporting, safeguards monitoring, and visibility requirements
Perform any other duties required to support effective project implementation
Your Profile
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Development Studies, Environmental Management, Social Sciences, or a related field
Formal training in M&E, data analysis, or research methods is an advantage
Experience
Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in MERL or M&E roles within development or conservation programmes
Proven experience working with logframes, indicators, and donor reporting systems
Practical experience with data collection tools (e.g. ODK, Kobo, Survey123, SMART, GIS-based systems)
Experience conducting surveys, assessments, and data analysis
Familiarity with EU-funded or large donor programmes is an advantage
Key Competencies & Attributes
Strong analytical and quantitative skills
High attention to detail and data accuracy
Ability to translate data into actionable insights
Strong coordination and communication skills
Ability to work independently in remote field settings
We Offer
Meaningful work supporting conservation impact and community resilience
Opportunity to work in a complex transboundary conservation landscape
A professional, supportive, and collaborative work environment
Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Your Application
Application Deadline
If you are passionate and ready to take on this challenge, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter outlining your relevant experience and motivationby clicking Apply for this Job below.
Applicants should include three (3) traceable referees with a brief description of the working relationship and contact details. Appointment is subject to the submission of ZAQA-certified qualifications.Application Deadline: 2nd April 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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About us
Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an internationally operating conservation organisation based in Germany that has been supporting conservation projects in Africa, South America, South East Asia and Europe for many decades. Following our mission to conserve wildlife and ecosystems we are focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places.