The MEL manager will be responsible for ensuring efficient monitoring and evaluation systems of CRZ and coordinating effective data collection, management, and analysis. Reporting to the head of programs (HOP), the MEL manager will support all monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) activities for CRZ, being responsible for implementing M&E systems including indicator targeting, tracking, and reporting according to donor standards, managing data collection systems, leading impact assessments, and a learning strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

The main duties of the MEL manager include, but are not limited to:

Support the development and implementation of an M&E strategy, outlining M&E systems for data collection, targeting, and tracking donors and CRZ indicators, knowledge management, impact assessments, learning activities, and reporting in compliance with the requirements provided in donor regulations and CRZ standards.

Support the HOP in working closely with other technical units in establishing and ensuring data requirements are integrated into project management processes.

Provide oversight to MERL officers and data entry clerks on data collection and analysis and ensure the timely completion of all M&E activities.

Ensure that project data is regularly analyzed and disseminated to project stakeholders.

Ensure that project activities are aligned with the project’s M&E plan and that the plan is updated as necessary to reflect the changing needs of projects.

Provide technical assistance to the MERL team, other project staff, and partners on M&E activities.

Support the MERL team and project staff in report writing.

Facilitate learning strategies to support the use of data and information from the M&E system for real-time decision-making to improve project implementation.

Ensure compliance with all donor reporting requirements.

Support strategy and partnership unit in project proposal writing.

Develop and maintain positive working relationships with project staff, partners, and stakeholders.

Participate in project meetings and represent the project at relevant meetings, conferences, and workshops.

Complete other duties as necessary and assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree with 4 years of experience or bachelor’s degree with six years of experience in a relevant field, (i.e. public health, epidemiology, statistics, etc.) or equivalent combination of education and work experience in a relevant competency area.
• Experience in working on monitoring, evaluation, and learning and data analysis for donor-funded health, development, and gender projects.
• Knowledge of reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, methods, and approaches for MEL.
• Experience using various online and offline M&E systems and databases.
• Willingness to collaborate, innovate, and ability to think systematically.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Proven experience in managing multiple and competing tasks while maintaining the quality of deliverables within deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and ability to write clear and concise reports in English.
• Prior experience working on USAID/PEPFAR/CDC/EU grants is highly desirable.
• Ability to travel and work throughout Zambia.