Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Analyst
FC AfricaAbout This Role
This role is about shaping how data drives decision-making in a high-stakes, tech-forward development program. As an MERL Analyst at FC Africa, you will be responsible for designing and implementing the systems that measure the real-world impact of Ethiopia’s responsible AI adoption—a field that is both novel and policy-sensitive. It suits a professional who enjoys building frameworks from the ground up and can translate complex program activities into clear, actionable evidence for donors and stakeholders. Given FC Africa’s hybrid model of development and investment, your work will directly inform how resources are allocated and whether interventions are scaled or adjusted.
What the Requirements Say About This Role
The employer is looking for someone who can do more than track numbers—they need a critical thinker who understands how to measure change in a rapidly evolving, tech-enabled environment. Expecting 3–5 years of experience implies you should have independently led at least one full MERL cycle, from indicator design to reporting. A background in data science, economics, or public policy is likely valued over a generic development degree, as the role involves working with AI-related metrics and possibly non-traditional data sources. The mention of "research" in the title indicates you will also be expected to generate insights, not just log outputs.
How to Approach This Application
In your application, avoid simply listing your past MERL tools or software skills. Instead, focus on a specific example where your analysis directly influenced a program pivot or funding decision—this proves you can handle the accountability pressure of a multi-donor, multi-year initiative. Emphasize any experience with digital transformation projects, AI ethics frameworks, or technology-for-development interventions, as these are rare and valuable to FC Africa. Show that you understand the political and ethical dimensions of measuring AI adoption in a developing country context, not just the technical side.
Who This Role Suits
This role is best suited for a mid-career MERL specialist who thrives on ambiguity and wants to shape a cutting-edge program from its early stages. It is likely competitive, given the niche focus on AI and the reputation of FC Africa, but candidates with strong analytical writing and a portfolio of adaptive management examples will stand out.
ABOUT FC AFRICA
FC Africa, formerly First Consult, is a regional development organization operating across East Africa. The transition to FC Africa reflects the organization’s substantial growth in regional reach, technical expertise, and service offerings since its establishment in 2006. Alongside FC Development and FC Investment, we operate through a unified model that blends development resources, investment capital, and advisory services. FC Development delivers grants, guarantees, and technical assistance, while FC Investment supports enterprise financing, investment readiness, and capital mobilization.
ABOUT THE PROJECT/PROGRAM
EthiopiaAI is a 3-year program launched in May 2026 designed to support Ethiopia in accelerating the responsible adoption and institutionalization of Artificial Intelligence across priority sectors, including public service delivery, economic transformation, and climate resilience. The programme builds on national policy frameworks such as the National AI Policy and the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy, which together establish a strong foundation for the integration of advanced technologies into governance and development systems.
The MERL Analyst for this programme is responsible to operate, manage, and maintain the project’s established MERL system throughout its implementation lifecycle. Taking over the pre-designed MERL framework, tools, manual, and annual workplan developed during the inception phase, the MERL Analyst will ensure rigorous data collection, continuous data quality assurance, timely donor reporting, and the active execution of the project's learning agenda
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- System Operationalization & Maintenance:
- Fully adopt and maintain the pre-established MERL Framework, Logical Framework (LogFrame), and Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT).
- Strictly adhere to the data protocols and workflows outlined in the master MERL Manual.
- Data Collection & Quality Assurance:
- Deploy, manage, and update the digital data collection tools designed for the project.
- Where applicable, conduct regular field monitoring visits and data quality assessments (DQAs) to ensure data validity, reliability, and integrity.
- Supervise and train field staff, partners, or enumerators on standardized data collection methods and tools.
- Routine Workplan Execution & Reporting:
- Execute the activities outlined in the Annual MERL Workplan on time and within budget.
- Aggregate, analyze, and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data to populate monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports.
- Maintain and update project data dashboards to provide real-time data visibility to management.
- Learning, Evaluation, and Adaptation:
- Operationalize the project’s Learning Agenda by capturing success stories, unexpected outcomes, and case studies.
- Facilitate routine stakeholder reflection sessions (e.g., "Pause & Reflect" meetings) using collected data to drive project adaptation.
- Coordinate and support external consultants during mid-term and final project evaluations.
Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Data Management, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Experience
- Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on experience in MERL, with a proven track record of managing day-to-day MERL operations and field-level data collection for active development projects.
- Strong practical experience tracking project indicators using Indicator Performance Tracking Tables (IPTT).
- Advanced proficiency in digital data collection tools and data entry/cleaning software (Excel, SPSS, or Stata).
- Proven experience managing data visualization dashboards and writing clear, data-driven reports.
- Soft Skills: High attention to detail, strong organizational and time-management skills, and the capacity to train field teams and collaborate effectively with technical staff.
- The ideal candidate must excel at implementing existing plans, maintaining high data integrity, managing field-level data collection, and translating raw numbers into clear progress reports.
REPORTING
The MERL Analyst reports to the Programme Lead.
How To Apply
FC Africa invites all well-qualified candidates to apply. Competent candidates should submit their one-page cover letter and updated CVs only to: jobs@fcafrica.com before July 8, 2026. Candidates MUST refer to the position title "Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Analyst" in the subject line of their email and applications.
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Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Analyst
FC Africa
