Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) Officer

The Agency for Cross Border Pastoralists Development (APaD) is a non-governmental organization committed to improving the lives of marginalized pastoralist communities in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands. APaD implements programs in peacebuilding, sustainable livelihoods, climate change adaptation, WASH, health, advocacy, gender equality, and youth empowerment. The organization works to foster inclusive development and cross-border collaboration that enhances resilience and community-driven change.

Job Summary
APaD Kenya is seeking a skilled and analytical Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) Officer to support data-driven program implementation and decision-making. The MERL Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems, conducting research and assessments, and promoting organizational learning and adaptive programming across all projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement project-specific and organization-wide MERL frameworks and tools
• Monitor project progress and track performance indicators against set targets and results frameworks
• Lead or support data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting for project evaluations, surveys, and assessments
• Maintain up-to-date program databases and ensure data accuracy, consistency, and security
• Prepare high-quality, timely monitoring and evaluation reports for internal use and donor reporting
• Coordinate baseline studies, mid-term reviews, endline evaluations, and other research efforts
• Work closely with program teams to promote results-based planning, monitoring, and learning
• Organize and facilitate regular learning sessions and reflection meetings with staff and stakeholders
• Document best practices, case studies, and lessons learned for internal sharing and external visibility
• Support capacity building for APaD staff and partners on MERL tools, approaches, and data use

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in MERL roles, preferably in the NGO or development sector
• Strong understanding of M&E methodologies, logical frameworks, and indicator tracking systems
• Experience in research design, survey tools, and data analysis using software such as Excel, SPSS, KoboToolbox, or Power BI
• Excellent reporting and presentation skills, with attention to detail and data quality
• Ability to design and manage both qualitative and quantitative research studies
• Familiarity with donor reporting requirements (e.g., USAID, EU, UN) is an added advantage

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to think critically and communicate findings in a clear and meaningful way
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in remote and challenging environments
• Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct
• Passion for learning, innovation, and evidence-based programming