MERL Officer

Scope:

The Dirasa and Makani Programs aim to provide flexible, inclusive, and quality learning opportunities for out-of-school children and adolescents across Lebanon. Implemented in private and semi-private schools as well as community centers, the programs offer tailored learning pathways and retention support for learners. Within this framework, the MERL Officer will play a key role in monitoring program performance, supporting data-driven planning, and contributing to the measurement of learning outcomes and overall program impact.

Summary:

The MERL Officer will support the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) activities within the UNICEF-funded Dirasa and Makani Programs. The Officer will ensure timely, accurate, and quality data collection, management, analysis, and reporting to inform program decision-making and learning. Working closely with the MERL Manager and technical teams, the MERL Officer will contribute to maintaining a robust monitoring system, supporting evidence-based programming, and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational MERL standards.

Main Responsibilities:

Monitoring and Data Collection:

• Support the design and implementation of indicator-based monitoring tools, including surveys, classroom observation forms, and reporting templates.
• Coordinate and oversee data collection activities across program sites to ensure quality, consistency, and timeliness.
• Conduct and support field visits, classroom observations, and monitoring activities as needed to verify data quality and program delivery and implementation.
• Provide technical guidance to field teams and partners on effective data collection and reporting practices

Data Management and Analysis:

• Manage and maintain program databases in coordination with the MERL Manager, ensuring accuracy and completeness of data.
• Conduct regular data entry, cleaning, and validation processes.
• Support quantitative and qualitative data analysis to generate insights on program performance and learning outcomes.
• Develop data visualization dashboards and summary reports to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.

Reporting and Documentation

• Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, ensuring alignment with donor reporting requirements.
• Contribute to the documentation of success stories, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Assist in preparing presentations and data summaries for program review meetings and external stakeholders.

Learning and Capacity Building

• Support the development and rollout of MEL tools, templates, and guidelines.
• Provide training and coaching to project and partner staff on data collection, reporting, and use of MERL tools.
• Contribute to building a culture of learning and reflection by supporting after-action reviews, learning events, and evidence-based planning sessions.

Research and Evaluation

• Assist in designing and implementing research studies and assessments related to education quality, access, and program effectiveness.
• Support qualitative data collection and analysis, including focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
• Contribute to the preparation of research briefs and evaluation reports.

Compliance and Coordination

• Ensure adherence to data protection, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Coordinate closely with program, technical, and operations teams to ensure MERL activities are integrated across program components.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the achievement of program objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably within the education or humanitarian sector in Lebanon.
• Demonstrated experience in data collection, management, and analysis (quantitative and qualitative).
• Strong knowledge of M&E frameworks, indicators, and logical frameworks.
• Proficiency in data management and visualization tools (Excel, Power BI, Kobo, DHIS2, or similar).
• Familiarity with UNICEF or donor-funded program reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to field sites across Lebanon.