JOB DETAILS:

GOAL is currently seeking to hire a competent person to join our Uganda team. This is an exciting opportunity for you to join an extremely dynamic International NGO and to use your skills. Reporting to the Head of MERL, the MERL Manager will lead the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) function, ensuring strong team leadership and effective implementation of MERL systems across the organization. The role will support evidence-based decision-making through robust monitoring and learning processes, enabling adaptive management, enhancing program efficiency and effectiveness, and strengthening communication with both internal and external stakeholders.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

Essential

A post graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation

Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies.Minimum of 5 years of experience in MERL, preferably in the development sector with a focus on agriculture, farming systems and or market systems development of which 2 years should be in a similar management role.

Strong knowledge of MERL methodologies and tools, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Proven experience in designing and implementing MERL systems and strategies.

Excellent data analysis and report writing skills.Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, STATA) and data visualization tools.Ability to manage a team and work collaboratively across departments.

Desirable

Experience in participatory MERLExperience in capacity building and training.Knowledge of data protection and compliance measures.Proficiency in database management systems.

The key responsibilities of the role will be:

1. Oversight and Implementation of MERL Strategy and System:

Design and implement a comprehensive MERL Strategy, including a Learning Agenda.

Develop and streamline MERL tools and systems of the various technical partners.

Introduce qualitative approaches to MERL, including outcome harvesting/monitoring and participatory methods.

Draft results frameworks, indicators, and data collection plans for project.

2. Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting:

Lead the diagnostic market research, barrier analysis, and the design and analysis of data from baselines, annual and end-line surveys, assessments, and regular monitoringGenerate and disseminate regular reports from the database and monitoring tools.Monitor and report on project and program progress, providing feedback to the Head of MERL/Programme and SMT.Conduct data quality assessments to ensure accuracy and reliability.Conduct regular field visits to assess the utilization of MERL systems and identify areas for improvement.Contribute to monthly and ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements.Support the participatory monitoring, research and learning initiative. Doc ID: 8d8b990c230b96cf41cc2ef3b5cddc9ee11d93fdEnsure data management & storage complies with GOAL's global policies, data protection, and compliance measures.

3. Internal and External Communications and Learning:Ensure data analysis and reports inform programmatic decision-making for improved impact.Facilitate cross-departmental learning events, including monthly MERL team meetings and quarterly Programme Communication, Coordination and Learning events.Ensure the development and dissemination of high-quality communication and learning materials, such as learning briefs, case studies, success stories, newsletters, blogs, photo journals, and videos in cooperation with the technical partners.Ensure compliance with Project and GOAL Global communications and branding protocols and standards.
Capacity Building:Conduct needs assessments to identify MERL training needs for GOAL staff and partner staff.Develop training materials and conduct training sessions on results-based management, effective monitoring indicators, plans, processes, and systems.Support staff to improve performance monitoring.

4. Team Management:Manage the MERL team to achieve objectives within the Project.Develop and update monthly and annual work plans for the MERL team.Prepare monthly implementation and progress reports for the Head of MERL/programme Leads.

General terms and conditions 

We strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single requirement listed. At GOAL we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please just contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@ug.goal.ie

GOAL commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: GOAL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. We foster an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and valued. We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employees share in the responsibility for fulfilling GOAL’s commitment to equal employment opportunity and equal treatment. GOAL does not discriminate against any employee on the basis of sex, race, colour, ethnic background, tribe, birth, creed or religion or social or economic standing, political opinion, disability.

Code of Conduct and Accountability within GOAL
GOAL is an equal opportunities employer and has values and behaviours framework which defines our code of conduct. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability.

Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, Code of Conduct, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols.
Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area.
Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner.

Safeguarding
Children and vulnerable adults a must be safeguarded to the maximum extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury, and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.

GOAL
Established in 1977, GOAL is an international humanitarian agency and works with the most vulnerable communities to help them respond to and overcome humanitarian crises, and to assist those facing poverty and exclusion achieve greater resilience and well-being. GOAL envisions a world beyond humanitarian crises where poverty no longer exists, where vulnerable communities exposed to shocks and stresses are resilient, where barriers to well-being are removed and where everyone has equal rights and opportunities.

General description of the country programme
First operational in Uganda in 1979, the current GOAL Uganda country programme focuses on Health, (including WASH, Health Accountability and Nutrition); and a market-based systems approach to improving agricultural livelihoods and WASH. GOAL Uganda mainstreams gender, child protection, social behavior changes and resilience strategies across all programming. GOAL uses a mixture of direct implementation and partnerships with national and international civil society organizations, local government, the private sector and communities to give effect to our mission. GOAL believes that if the inherent capacities of vulnerable people are developed, the systems in which they live and work are strengthened, and positive global action is catalysed, then communities facing crisis, poverty, and exclusion will achieve greater resilience and well-being. GOAL Uganda has a skilled team of over 140 personnel and has a head office in Kampala and field offices in 7 locations across Northern, Southwestern and Eastern regions of Uganda. GOAL Uganda’s donors include the Mastercard Foundation, charity: water, Irish Aid, The Kingdom of Netherland Embassy in Uganda (EKN) and other private donors.

Our package includes a competitive salary, health insurance cover for up to 3 dependents, comprehensive 24-hour personal accident cover, terminal benefits equivalent to one month for each completed year of service and our working hours provide for a half day on Fridays. GOAL promotes a learning and development environment with training & study opportunities aligned to our staff development policy.