Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Coordinator at Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI)

Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI) is a local, Nigerian not-for-profit organization that delivers evidence-based programs that build young people's health assets, facilitate access to health services, and promote adherence to healthy behaviors. Founded in 2011, YEDI has reached over 451,693 young people in schools and community settings across Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Akwa-Ibom, Ogun, and Rivers states. YEDI’s expertise includes adolescent sexual and reproductive health & rights (SRHR), orphans, and vulnerable children and youth. (OCVY) programming, HIV and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, neglected tropical disease (NTD)awareness, positive youth development, and community mobilization.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Coordinator

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Overview

• YEDI seeks a qualified candidate for the position of MERL Coordinator to support MERL activities for programs that are designed to educate, empower and inspire the development of individuals and communities, especially children and youth, through effective, innovative, and tried-and-tested development approaches that are relevant for the Nigerian context.
• The MERL Coordinator will operate under the leadership of the Program Manager and is responsible for supporting monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities in all sites supported through YEDI.

Major Accountabilities
Monitoring and Evaluation (60%):

• You will perform those duties and functions that may be reasonably expected of someone in your position.
• The monitoring and evaluation officer is responsible for monitoring project outcomes against work plans and targets; and supports project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Provide M&E technical support in developing baseline surveys, mid-point reviews, end-point evaluations, and logical framework analyses with indicators that can be used to measure progress.
• Develop a monitoring system that can be used for reporting and dissemination of input and output indicators.
• Plan and manage quantitative and qualitative surveys and studies, data collection and analysis.
• Develops tools and procedures for monitoring impact and quality assurance of data and information.
• Work with stakeholders to set out frameworks and procedures for project M&E.
• Conducts research to inform programs, projects, activities and interventions.
• Prepare consolidated progress reports on M&E findings for project management.
• Review monitoring reports; analyze them for impact evaluation and to identify causes of bottlenecks in project implementation.
• Organize and provide refresher training in M&E skills for YEDI staff and coaches.
• Utilize M&E information systems, updating the projects, activities, and indicators on a routine basis.
• Undertake regular visits to the field to support the implementation of M&E and to identify where adaptations and revisions may be needed.
• Guide the regular sharing of outputs of M&E findings with staff, implementing partners and other stakeholders.
• Performing any other tasks assigned by your supervisors.

Program Management (20%):

• Provide input in programming activities at the State level including timely reporting of all activities conducted, budget development, expenditure monitoring, and execution of project plans.
• Provide input in the development of work plans and program implementation, including supporting training and capacity building, community-based sensitization and engagement, testing and counselling, appropriate linkage and referral to health facilities, and support for retention in SRHR/FP/HIV services, according to work plans, targets, national policy, guidelines, and program SOPs.
• Work closely with the Program Manager in identifying project staff capacity development needs through periodic performance evaluations.
• Assist in planning and coordinating periodic staff meetings across program regions to foster learning.

Stakeholder Management (10%):

• Work closely with other teams in planning and implementing MERL activities including supportive supervision and development of reports as required.
• Assist in planning and coordinating periodic partner meetings.

Financial Management/Governance (10%):

• In consultation with YEDI’s Director of Finance and Accountant, prepare the annual budget for MERL activities.
• Implement and ensure compliance with the YEDI’s Policies, processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Education

• Master’s Degree in Social Science, Public Health or related field strongly preferred. 
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience, Skills, and Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years of work experience in designing and implementing the MERL system at the managerial level in Youth/SRHR or related field development in Nigeria.
• Minimum 2 years of work experience in managing the MERL system for multinational-funded youth-focused projects in Nigeria.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience directly supervising or managing multidisciplinary teams, with demonstrated skills in leading professional teams on MERL activities.
• Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g. quantitative and qualitative) and data collection and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with partners, staff, and colleagues with a high level of tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated excellent sense of responsibility and discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor and document observed activities.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear and accurate reports.
• Ability to travel domestically as required (25-50%), field experience is required.
• Good knowledge of computer software and analytical packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, SPSS, Survey Monkey and other multimedia communication platforms like Skype is required.
• Must be able to work within a cross-cultural setting, negotiate diplomacy, and function well under pressure.
• Exceptional ability to work independently and autonomously.
• Fluency in the English language.
• Knowledge of other Nigerian local languages is an added advantage.
• Passion for working with youth.

Salary
N250,000 monthly.

Application Closing Date
21st April, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Cover Letter and Resume to: recruitment001@yedinaija.org using "MERL COORDINATOR" as the subject of the mail.

Note

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
• The Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator will be working at our Ogudu Office in Lagos, Nigeria. Some travel within Nigeria can be expected.