Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting (MERLA) Lead at Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to conducting innovative, multidisciplinary research that improves the human condition. With a worldwide staff of more than 5,000 people, RTI offers innovative research and development and multidisciplinary services.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting (MERLA) Lead

Job ID: 12482
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Department: Project Management

Program Description

• The purpose of the $25-50M USAID Food Basket (Nigeria) Activity is to increase the productivity and competitiveness of selected value chains and markets by building capacities of agri-businesses, removing barriers to investments, and developing innovative financial products. The anticipated program will be based in Nigeria.

Position Description

• RTI is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting (MERLA) Lead for an anticipated USAID/Nigeria Food Basket activity.
• The MERLA Lead will oversee all MEL components of the activity, including the design and implementation of the Activity MEL Plan and corresponding information system to track delivery against targets.
• The position will promote learning and knowledge sharing of best practices, and dissemination of lessons learned and project outcomes as part of its collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) approach.
• The MERLA Lead will also mentor and support all the technical staff in MEL functions and data-driven decision-making and will manage any MEL-related program staff.
• This position will report to the COP and be based in Abuja, with travel to state-level implementation areas.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a member of leadership team, setting a positive and professional tone for the team, collaborating closely with the other team leaders.
• Develop, monitor, and ensure successful implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) by overseeing project results, data management, reporting on indicators, capturing evidence and learning, and supporting evidenced-based decision-making.
• Review data and reporting to analyze progress toward targets and determine corrective action needed to improve goal achievement.
• Outline specific learning questions and activities and work closely with the staff to generate, validate, and present data in user-friendly format.
• Facilitate constructive and collaborative dialogue during regular MEL project reviews and biweekly team meetings.
• Support the Senior Management team to lead quarterly “pause and reflect” performance review processes with Workstream Leads.
• Represent the project in professional circles through meetings, conferences, and presentations and assist with dissemination of project results and learning.
• Work closely with technical team members to gather and share necessary data for M&E reporting needs and CLA activities.
• Oversee MEL technical assistance to subcontractors and local partners.
• Prepare quarterly report summarizing performance against the indicator list and performance standards of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 12 years of experience, or Master’s degree and 10 years of experience.
• At least 8 years of experience in managing and/or leading MEL activities for large-scale agriculture or market systems development programs in West Africa, with at least three of those years working in Nigeria as a senior advisor or staff member.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and experience with civil society organizations, government and private sector in Nigeria, with demonstrated understanding of local agricultural market systems is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills to successfully use data and evidence to guide program adaptations.
• Demonstrated experience in setting up and managing MEL systems that track performance as per the objectives of Nigeria Food Basket.
• Ability to travel and work in any of the anticipated priority states.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and writing skills.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Knowledge and experience with using statistical packages for data analysis will be an added advantage.
• Verbal and written English proficiency is required.
• Experience working on USG-funded programming in Nigeria.
• Familiarity with CLA approaches. Excellent ability to articulate oral and written technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. Data visualization skills a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in mainstreaming relevant GESI approach into MEL systems.
• Experience supervising MEL staff at different levels across different offices.
• Proven ability to work independently and multi-task in high-pressure settings.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Note: This position is contingent upon funding availability/award from USAID

Application Deadline 3rd February, 2025