Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Manager

Job description

Job Title: Senior MERL Manager

Reports to: Director of Health Programs

Location: Lusaka

Contract duration: 1 year with opportunity for renewal upon satisfactory performance

ABOUT US

Copper Rose Zambia (CRZ) is the largest youth-led organization working towards the empowerment of youth and women in Zambia. Our mission is to build a conducive environment for all young people to thrive in all aspects of their lives. We envision a world in which every young person is happy, healthy and living to their full potential. Our main thematic areas of work are:

1) Health and Well-being (HW)

2) Gender Equity (GE)

3) Youth Development and Leadership (YDL).

For more information about us, visit our website at www.copperrose.africa

ROLE SUMMARY

The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Manager provides strategic leadership and technical oversight for all MERL activities at Copper Rose Zambia (CRZ). This role is ideal for a seasoned MERL professional passionate about data-driven decision-making, quality improvement, and organizational learning. You will manage and enhance CRZ’s MERL systems, coordinate performance monitoring across diverse programs, and ensure accurate data collection and analysis for effective reporting and strategic insights.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Data Management

Development and management of the performance monitoring plan (PMP).
Coordination of timely collection, cleaning, and reporting of data to track project performance indicators and strengthen data management systems.
Conduct data analysis on monthly and quarterly performance indicators.
Conduct data quality assessments and verification.

2. System Management

Lead the development and maintenance of databases, including DHIS2.
Development of guidelines and standard operating procedures for the collection, management, analysis, reporting, and use of data.
Conduct regular reviews to strengthen the M&E system.

3. Research and Learning

Development and management of M&E frameworks for research projects.
Provide technical support and supervision to MERL Coordinators and Officers to ensure effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities.
Facilitate learning across the organization by documenting and sharing key findings, lessons learned, and best practices.

4. Internal & External Stakeholder Engagement

Provide technical assistance to staff and partners to strengthen M&E and information systems.
Coordinate monthly performance review meetings.
Preparation of monthly and quarterly reports and presentations for internal and external use.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health, Information Technology, Statistics, Development Studies, or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
Minimum of 6 years’ professional experience in MERL roles, including at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
MS Access development experience and a strong understanding of programming, database management and M&E are essential for this role.
Proven expertise in developing and managing MERL systems and databases.
Demonstrated experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data analysis software, and data visualization tools.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and recommendations.
Excellent leadership, mentorship, and capacity-building abilities.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging stakeholders at all levels.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Passionate about improving program outcomes through evidence-based approaches.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
A strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
Collaborative and committed to fostering a positive and learning-oriented team culture.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Complete the application using the following link:    by 11:59 PM on 13th April, 2025.
Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Copper Rose Zambia Provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. We also strive to achieve equal employment opportunities through continuing diversity enhancement initiatives. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and with diverse experiences to apply. We are committed to evaluating applications fairly.