Country MERL Specialist

Plan International Cambodia; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading humanitarian organization is seeking an experienced professional to provide specialist guidance on Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) initiatives. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields and at least 5 years in humanitarian projects. The organization emphasizes equality, diversity, and inclusion and promotes a workplace rich in diverse thoughts and ideas. This role is based in Harare, Zimbabwe, under a fixed-term contract.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in providing MERL for projects in development and humanitarian contexts.
• Additional training in project planning and management is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist guidance on MERL initiatives.
• Drive changes in practice and policy.

Skills

Monitoring & Performance Management

Program Quality and Innovation

Knowledge Management & Learning

Evaluation and Research

Capacity Building

Safeguarding, Gender Equality & Inclusion

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies or related field

Post Graduate training in Monitoring and Evaluation

Job description

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Date: 16 Dec 2025

Location: Harare, 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 Head of MERL Southern Africa and working closely with the Head of Programs, the incumbent will be responsible for providing specialist guidance on MERL initiatives in line with organizational policies and standards.

Accountabilities

• Monitoring & Performance Management
• Program Quality and Innovation
• Knowledge Management & Learning
• Evaluation and Research
• Capacity Building
• Safeguarding, Gender Equality & Inclusion

Desired Skills And Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Statistics, Social Sciences, Social Work, or a related field.
• Additional training at Post Graduate level in Monitoring and Evaluation, project planning and management or a related field is an asset.
• At least 5 years of experience in providing MERL for projects in development and humanitarian contexts.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

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 Zimbabwean nationals and people with the right to work in Zimbabwe.

Location: Harare Country Office

Type of role: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 31 December 2025

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