MERL Officer (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning)

POSITION TITLE

MERL Officer (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning)

POSITION LOCATION

Nairobi, Kenya

REPORTS TO

Project Director

CONTRACT TERM

2 years

EXPECTED START DATE

May 2026

POSITION LEVEL

PRO1

APPLICATION DEADLINE

12 April, 2026

Background

WUSC is a Canadian global development organization working to catalyze positive education and economic outcomes for young people. We bring together and collaborate with a diverse network of partners (including students, volunteers, schools, governments, not-for-profits, and businesses) who share this mission. Together, we influence systems change and foster inclusive, youth-centered solutions that enable young people to thrive and belong. We work with all young people, with a focus on women and displaced populations. WUSC currently operates in 28 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as in Canada, with an annual budget of approximately CAD $65 million. Our global team includes over 100 staff in Canada and more than 250 staff internationally, implementing a diverse portfolio of development projects in collaboration with numerous multilateral and bilateral donors and philanthropic foundations.

Project Description 

The Strengthen Skills Training Ecosystems & Pathways (STEP) project in Kenya is a seven-year initiative led by World University Service of Canada (WUSC), which supports economic development and youth employment initiatives globally. The ultimate outcome is improved economic well-being for displaced and host-community youth in Kenya. STEP will leverage Canadian expertise and market linkages to strengthen pathways to technical, vocational, and digital employment for refugees and host community youth in the Kakuma, Kalobeyei, and Dadaab displacement settings in Turkana and Garissa counties. The project design provides a uniquely Canadian approach to economic inclusion, connecting displacement-affected youth to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in Kenyan, Canadian, and global markets. It will support over 10,000 young refugees and host community members to access quality market-oriented technical and vocational education and training (TVET), acquire in-demand technical, vocational, and digital skills, and access contextually relevant business incubation services and support. It places a critical focus on creating sustainable conditions for and delivering programs that link young people to meaningful work.

Role Purpose

The MERL Officer provides strategic and technical leadership for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) activities across one or more programs. The role ensures that MERL systems are robust, data-driven, that decision-making is embedded in the program cycle, and that learning is continuously captured and used for adaptive management. The MERL Officer leads the design and implementation of MERL frameworks, oversees research and evaluations, supports capacity building, and contributes to strategic planning and donor engagement.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Strategic MEL Leadership

Lead the implementation of project level MERL frameworks, theories of change, and logical frameworks.

Ensure alignment of MEL activities with partner implementation strategy, donor requirements, and global best practices.

Coordinate baseline, midline, and endline assessments, and oversee evaluations and consultancies.

Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance

Oversee the development and use of MEL tools, systems, databases, and dashboards to track progress against indicators.

Ensure high standards in data quality, management, analysis, and visualization.

Conduct advanced analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and generate actionable insights for program teams and leadership on salesforce/through dashboards.

Support learning agendas, research initiatives, and integration of adaptive management approaches.

Reporting and Knowledge Management

Lead the preparation of high-quality MEL deliverables including indicator reports, evaluation reports, donor reports, and learning briefs.

Document success stories, case studies, lessons learned, and evidence of impact.

Coordinate learning dissemination internally and externally, including facilitating reflection workshops, after-action reviews, and learning events.

Capacity Building and Staff Supervision

Provide mentoring, coaching, and technical oversight to partner organization MEL staff, field teams, and MERL Volunteer.

Organize and facilitate training on MEL concepts, tools, and systems for program and partner staff.

Strengthen the organization's capacity for evidence-based programming and decision-making

Coordination and Representation

Represent the MERL function in internal and external meetings, working groups, and other engagements as needed.

Liaise with implementing partners, consultants, and stakeholders to ensure coordination and alignment on MERL priorities.

Qualifications

Master's degree  in a relevant field or equivalent mix of education and experience;

At least 5 years of experience in the field of monitoring and evaluation of development programs;

Demonstrated experience working in refugee, displacement-affected, or fragile contexts and applying conflict-sensitive and context-responsive approaches.

Experience with Results Based Monitoring concepts and principles is required. 

Demonstrated experience in safeguarding, PSEA, protection mainstreaming, and do-no-harm approaches, including risk identification, mitigation, and referral considerations.

Experience in both quantitative and qualitative methods and tools for data collection and analysis is required;

Experience working with ethnically diverse communities and with projects implementing gender mainstreaming strategies; 

Experience with open source data collection tools and data management softwares (preferred); 

Demonstrated experience working in refugee, displacement-affected, or fragile contexts and applying conflict-sensitive and context-responsive approaches (asset).

Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication skills in English

Core Competencies

Ability to translate strategy into practical implementation guidance, field support, and accountable follow-through.

Excellent facilitation, relationship management, and influencing skills, with the ability to work across teams, communities, institutions, and sectors.

Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive issues ethically and professionally.

High level of cultural humility, respect, adaptability, and commitment to inclusive and participatory ways of working.

Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and deliver high-quality outputs in a fast-paced environment.

Why Work with WUSC?

Join Us. Our work is important, cutting-edge, and fast-paced. We encourage curiosity, innovation, and flexibility, and we provide a phenomenal learning experience.

WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience, all while making a difference in the lives of youth around the world. Employees at WUSC work hard to create lasting change in education, economic opportunities, and empowerment.

WUSC's office in Kenya is located in Westlands, off Waiyaki Way. Here is some of what you can expect working with us:

40-hour workweek, some ability to work flexible hours, and a hybrid work arrangement

21 days of annual leave

Health insurance coverage

Free access to an e-learning platform with 350+ courses on various topics

Get to know and exchange with people from all over the world

Being part of a friendly, caring, and enthusiastic team!

Applications

WUSC's activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives, and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence, and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation, or abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check where appropriate.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to [email protected].

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please note that only the candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.