Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Data Manager

Role Overview

The MERL Data Manager will lead the design, deployment, and enhancement of monitoring, evaluation, research, learning, and data governance frameworks specifically for the Food & Agriculture Pillar. This position ensures systematic data collection, management, analysis, visualization, and comprehensive reporting to support program execution, adaptive strategies, donor requirements, and institutional knowledge enhancement.

This role involves bolstering the pillar’s digital data infrastructure, integrating and administering various digital tools and business intelligence platforms, thereby managing all data phases from input to insightful presentation while emphasizing automation, interoperability, data integrity, and security for optimized program and operational output.

Close cooperation with program teams, IT personnel, partners, donors, and other stakeholders is essential to provide technical expertise in MERL systems, digital information management, and knowledge transfer, underpinning evidence generation and incorporation of overarching priorities within program monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously refine MERL systems for the Food & Agriculture Pillar.
• Create and manage digital data collection tools and program databases, including on DMIS platform, to enhance monitoring and reporting efficiency.
• Oversee comprehensive data workflows encompassing gathering, validation, cleansing, integration, storage, analysis, visualization, and reporting to ensure data accuracy and timeliness.
• Develop and update interactive dashboards, automated reports, and business intelligence solutions that deliver actionable, real-time insights into program performance.
• Offer technical assistance for baseline, midterm, final evaluations, and impact assessments with emphasis on data management, statistical analysis, and dissemination of results.
• Document and share best practices, innovations, and knowledge products to advance organizational learning and adaptive management.
• Enhance capacity building for program teams and partners in MERL approaches, digital data platforms, analytical techniques, reporting, and business intelligence applications.
• Collaborate with internal and external collaborators to enhance digital MERL frameworks supporting program lifecycle activities.
• Develop and maintain GIS-enabled data sets, mapping, and spatial analyses to support planning, beneficiary targeting, environmental oversight, and impact reviews.
• Stay updated on evolving MERL methods, AI, digital innovations, and analytic best practices, proposing enhancements for data handling, efficiency, evidence creation, and program quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Monitoring and Evaluation, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or related discipline; possession of a Master’s degree is advantageous.
• Professional certifications in Monitoring & Evaluation, Results-Based Management, Data Analytics, GIS, Business Intelligence tools (Power BI/Tableau), Database Management, or Project Management (PMP/PRINCE2) are desirable.

Experience

• A minimum of 10 years' direct experience in MERL, data administration, business intelligence, or program analytics within development, agriculture, climate, environmental, or allied sectors.
• Proven track record managing Management Information Systems (MIS), program databases, dashboards, and automated reporting.
• Extensive expertise in data cleansing, validation, transformation, migration, integration, and quality control.
• Experience administering digital data collection platforms such as ODK, KoboToolbox, SurveyCTO, or CommCare.
• Proficient in Power BI, Tableau, Excel Power Query, SQL, ArcGIS, or other analytical and visualization tools.
• Experience supporting donor-funded programs through monitoring, data governance, and results communication.
• Skill in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis translating into actionable program insights.
• Knowledge of statistics software like SPSS, R, Python, or Stata is a plus.
• Experience in agriculture, climate resilience, natural resource management, conservation, renewable energy, or rural development is advantageous.

Technical Skills and Leadership Qualities

• Strong analytical and data interpretation expertise.
• Proficiency with MERL methodologies, tools and associated technologies.
• Detail-oriented with a results-driven focus.
• High ethical standards, accountability, and commitment to continuous learning.

Employment Details

This is a full-time, onsite managerial role at Equity Bank Limited, aligned with day shift working hours.