MERL Officer

Internews is looking for a MERL Officer in Central America and Mexico to provide day-to-day MERL leadership for an expected Regional Media Assistance project in Central America.

They will work collaboratively with regional staff and Internews HQ teams to develop effective monitoring methodologies and tracking systems, ensuring consistent and accurate data collection, and supporting effective analysis of and reporting on the overall impact and results of the project.

This position will be based remotely in Central America.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include:

• Lead the planning and implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities for the project and make sure they are designed in a methodologically sound and feasible way, accurately implemented, and that the results are analyzed and reported appropriately.
• Support the development and rollout of the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan, which will guide key activities, performance indicators, annual and life-of-activity targets, and learning that will take place during the life of the project.
• Advise on the design, development, and administration of resources and tools to evaluate and track project indicators, such as pre- and post-activity surveys, focus group questionnaires, uniform qualitative data collection, internal tracking systems, impact stories, etc.
• Advise project staff on best practices to ensure activities and MEL efforts are integrated into all activities and consider the inclusiveness of women and marginalized and vulnerable populations, including differentiated targets for men, women, and/or specific groups, including Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and other populations.
• Coordinate the quarterly collection of indicator data for both the project and Internews’ overall monitoring and evaluation efforts, including use and management of program data in the internal ProgramSource database.
• Ensure that data is verified, synthesized, and updated for inclusion in reports, briefings, and meetings for donors and project stakeholders and Internews materials.
• Propose and implement strategies for improved communications on project activities and accomplishments.
• Provide technical support to local project partners in the design and administration of MERL systems in their subgrants and to local consultants to collect necessary data as part of their services.
• Facilitate regular pause and reflection sessions with the project team and partners to inform project implementation and learnings.
• Directly supervise the MERL Assistant, including delegating work, providing guidance and feedback, coaching, and training.
• Contribute to regional MERL initiatives and collaborate with MERL staff throughout the Americas region.
• In all duties, uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of Belonging, Dignity, and Justice.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree or equivalent lived/professional experience
• At least five years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation of international programs, preferably with experience in the media development sector.
• Spanish and English fluency.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, and experience with designing and managing mixed methods research, including the design of logical frameworks, indicators, and appropriate data collection methods.
• Knowledge of or aptitude for grasping common organizational methods such as social network analysis, Outcome Harvesting, Organizational Capacity Assessments, and digital analytics.
• Experience delivering research training and building the research capacity of colleagues and local partners.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills and experience adapting oral and written research outputs to present in non-technical language to diverse audiences, including colleagues, journalists, consultants, and donors.
• Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to effectively manage a dynamic workload and shifting priorities.
• Proven ability to operate in a multicultural and remote work environment.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
• Flexibility to travel periodically to other countries for meetings with colleagues, local partners, and donors.
• Flexibility to work outside traditional office hours as required.

See more here about the role and apply.