Senior MEL Officer

ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAMME BACKGROUND

Mercy Corps is a leading global humanitarian and development organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. Operating in more than 40 countries, the organization partners with communities to overcome adversity and build stronger communities. Mercy Corps Nigeria works across economic development, livelihoods and food security, adolescent empowerment, financial resilience, conflict management and humanitarian response.

The Senior MEL Officer will be part of Mercy Corps Nigeria’s Resilience and Climate Adaptation portfolio and will support the implementation of the Protecting Food Security Against Flood & Drought Cycles project in Katsina State. The project aims to improve food security and community resilience through integrated flood and drought mitigation measures, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable land management, and capacity strengthening of farmers and pastoralists. Key interventions include watershed restoration, solar-powered water systems, community food and fodder storage facilities, climate-smart agriculture and rangeland management.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Senior MEL Officer will support the design, implementation and strengthening of project monitoring, evaluation and learning systems. The role will focus on field monitoring, data management, analysis, reporting, capacity building and accountability to ensure high-quality programme delivery and accurate tracking of project progress and results.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Coordination and Implementation

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks, tools and systems.
• Support baseline, midline and endline surveys and impact evaluations.
• Ensure gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) are integrated into project implementation.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Lead the implementation of the project's Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework.
• Conduct routine field monitoring visits and beneficiary verification.
• Track progress against project indicators and milestones.
• Support donor monitoring visits and technical assessments.
• Conduct field visits to verify the appropriate use of monitoring tools and review data submitted from project locations.
• Report monitoring findings and recommendations to the MEL Manager and Technical Project Manager.

Data Management

• Oversee data collection, validation and analysis.
• Ensure monitoring data is accurate and address inconsistencies identified during data verification.
• Manage databases and dashboards.
• Support the use of digital data collection platforms.
• Advise project staff on appropriate solutions for digitizing data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Lead quantitative and qualitative data analysis covering project inputs, outputs and outcomes.

Capacity Building

• Train staff and partners on MEL tools and systems.
• Provide on-site mentoring and technical support to strengthen implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Support the training of data collection teams for baseline and end-line surveys.

Knowledge Management and Reporting

• Consolidate data on progress toward project indicators and contribute to project reporting.
• Design baseline and end-line surveys, including developing terms of reference, identifying consultants, coordinating data entry and analysis, and preparing reports.
• Review data collection tools and reporting templates.
• Support data-driven reporting.
• Prepare data visualizations for reports and presentations showing planned versus achieved activities.
• Document success stories, lessons learned, innovations and best practices.
• Promote knowledge sharing and the exchange of information across organizational systems.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify implementation risks and recommend mitigation measures.
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, Mercy Corps policies, safeguarding requirements and security procedures.
• Promote environmental and social safeguards throughout implementation.
• Report incidents, challenges and emerging risks in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Social Work, Communication, Sociology, Finance, Economics or a relevant discipline.
• At least five years of M&E or relevant research experience with international NGOs and development agencies.
• Proven ability to design qualitative and quantitative data collection tools and conduct relevant analysis.
• Statistical skills and experience using statistical software are strongly preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to project villages, including remote locations.
• Sound analytical, documentation and communication skills for engaging internal and external audiences.
• Strong planning, coordination, reporting and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and mobile data collection platforms.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of Hausa and other local languages spoken in Katsina State is highly desirable.
• Professional certification in Project Management, such as PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent, is an advantage.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The Senior MEL Officer may supervise Project Officers, Community Facilitators, Field Assistants, Technical Assistants, Enumerators and casual labour teams during implementation activities. The officer will also provide technical oversight to contractors during field implementation.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTING

Reports directly to: Technical Project Manager.

Works directly with: Programme Team, Partners, Operations and Procurement Team, Finance Team, Security Team, Government Counterparts, Contractors and Community Institutions.

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support accountability to programme participants, community partners, government institutions and donors by promoting participation, transparency, inclusion and feedback mechanisms throughout project implementation.

SUCCESS FACTORS

The successful Senior MEL Officer will possess strong MEL skills, sound technical knowledge and excellent data management capabilities. The officer will be highly organized, solutions-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities in dynamic environments.

Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, leadership, effective communication, technical problem-solving, and the ability to build trust with communities, contractors, government counterparts and project teams while consistently delivering high-quality results.

LIVING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The position is based in Katsina State, with extensive travel to rural and remote project communities. Field assignments may require travel to areas with limited infrastructure and seasonal accessibility. The incumbent must comply with all Mercy Corps security and safety protocols.

ONGOING LEARNING

Mercy Corps promotes a culture of continuous learning. Team members are encouraged to dedicate approximately 5% of their working time to professional development, knowledge sharing, innovation and continuous improvement.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Mercy Corps is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is respected, different perspectives are valued, and all team members have equal opportunities to contribute and succeed.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.

SAFEGUARDING AND ETHICS

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals encountered through its work, including team members, community members and programme participants, are treated with respect and dignity.

The organization is committed to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and has signed the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. Mercy Corps does not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment by or of its team members.

Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respect local laws and customs, and adhere to Mercy Corps’ Code of Conduct policies and values at all times. Mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses must be completed upon hire and annually thereafter.

CONTRACT DETAILS

• Position: Senior MEL Officer.
• Organization: Mercy Corps.
• Employment type: Not specified in the provided job description.
• Duty station: Katsina State, Nigeria.
• Reports to: Technical Project Manager.
• Travel: Extensive travel to rural and remote project communities.
• Contract duration: Not specified in the provided job description.
• Salary and benefits: Not specified in the provided job description.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants should submit their applications through the official Mercy Corps recruitment portal:

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MER1024MERCY/JobBoard/444c1b88-2406-42f4-9273-a99cc3bb34e2/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=3751ca1c-fde7-4c0c-9fc3-2614e7ff11aa

Application deadline: Not specified in the job description provided. Applicants should check the official recruitment page for the closing date and application requirements.

Mercy Corps does not tolerate exploitation, abuse, harassment or discrimination and expects all personnel to comply with its safeguarding and ethical standards.