MERL Officer-BRIDGE

MERL Officer-BRIDGE

Date: 20 Aug 2026

Location: Kwekwe, Zimbabwe

Company: Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity.

We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. In Zimbabwe, we have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 31 years. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity.

Reporting to the Southern Cluster MERL Specialist, the MERL Officer will be responsible for providing Monitoring and Evaluation services and support to the MERL unit as well as Supports generation of quality evidence for the BRIDGE Project progress, performance and results consistently.

Accountabilities:

Monitoring and Evaluation

Assist development and regular updates of the BRIDGE Project M&E frameworks for projects in line with MERL standards.

Support effective utilisation of M & E Management Information Systems (PRIMASYS) and the global PMERL System for data collection, storage, analysis, reporting, data aggregation at different levels including use of data for reflective learning & feedback for the BRIDGE Project.

Plan and facilitate data quality assurance, including frequent data auditing and data spot checks for the BRIDGE project.

Support the development of the BRIDGE project M & E tools and promote their effective application in tracking project progress.

Support the development and implementation of feedback and accountability mechanisms of the project.

Facilitate data collection, verification, compilation, analysis and interpretation of the project data for decision-making.

Project data entry into the project database for easy access and utilization by project staff.

Evaluation and Research

Assist in the planning, design and coordination of the project base, mid and endline surveys, including reviewing consultant Terms of Reference, supporting quality implementation of the sampling methodology and data collection.

Review the BRIDGE project evaluation and research reports and give recommendations for improvement.

Assist in the development and dissemination of the BRIDGE project evaluation/research findings to donors, partners, key stakeholders and communities and their utilization in learning activities.

Knowledge Management & Learning 

Facilitate the generation, storage and utilization of project information among project staff and key stakeholders.

Support generation and compilation of the BRIDGE project reports in line with donor guidelines.

Support documentation of the BRIDGE project program and influencing work through various channels to demonstrate program effectiveness.

Support capacity building for project staff and implementing partners on basic MERL in line with donor requirements and Plan International MERL approach.

Manage SAP to ensure consistency and integrity of the BRIDGE project data for reporting and decision making.

Project Delivery and Donor Accountability

Track implementation progress against the Detailed Implementation Plan and logframe, and alert the Project Manager to variance in timing, reach or indicator performance in time for corrective action.

Prepare the MERL content of monthly, quarterly and half-yearly narrative reports to Plan International Germany and GNO, ensuring indicator data is verified and reconciled before submission.

Participate in project management meetings, presenting monitoring evidence to inform implementation decisions and adaptive management.

Coordinate MERL inputs from the implementing partner, supporting the Musasa Project M&E Supervisor on data quality, tools and reporting timelines.

Support the Project Manager in preparing for bi-annual and annual review meetings, midterm and endline evaluations, and GNO technical oversight visits.

Participate in Plan’s MERL networks to enhance Plan’s Program Performance

Participate in MERL networks in order to facilitate learning and sharing of experiences.

Identify and establish relevant networks and platforms for Monitoring, Evaluation and Research initiatives related to the project.

 Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI)

Ensure that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures

    Knowledge and Skills

A degree in Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics and Operations Research, Strategic Planning or related studies.

3- 5 years relevant working experience in a similar role.

Adapt MERL approaches and methodologies to local context.

Demonstrated skills and experience in report writing, and a good understanding of donor compliance, rules and regulations in regard to M&E and budget management.

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are required to submit their curriculum vitae & cover letter outlining their suitability for the position. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This position is open to people with the legal right to work in Zimbabwe

Location: Kwekwe Office

Type of role: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 26 August 2026

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.