Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer at World University Service of Canada | Kenya
Company/Recruiter: World University Service of Canada
Published on: Nov 13, 2026
Opportunity snapshot
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Opportunity type
Job
Location
Kenya
Work arrangement
Location-based; remote work not stated
Compensation
Not disclosed
Employer
World University Service of Canada
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Role shape: Responsibility-led role with a detailed skills profile.
Evidence to prepare: Connect your CV or portfolio to A Bachelor's degree in International Development, Economics, Statistics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a related discipline is required.; A postgraduate qualification in Monitoring and Evaluation, Developm…. Use one concrete example that shows you can Support the implementation and ongoing enhancement of the DREEM project's overall MERL framework, including its Performance Measure...
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This listing is for a Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer position with the World University Service of Canada. The role is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is a full-time opportunity.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer
- Employer: World University Service of Canada
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Job Type: Full Time
- Closing Date: November 13, 2026
About the Employer
World University Service of Canada is a prominent Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to international development. Its mission is to foster a more equitable and sustainable world by leveraging a unique network of post-secondary institutions, private sector partners, and volunteers. The organization provides educational, employment, and empowerment opportunities aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged youth globally.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the implementation and ongoing enhancement of the DREEM project's overall MERL framework, including its Performance Measurement Framework, indicator reference sheets, data collection tools, and reporting procedures.
- Coordinate MERL activities across various workstreams, ensuring alignment with project objectives and established standards.
- Provide technical direction to MERL Officers and program teams regarding indicator definitions, data collection techniques, reporting processes, and the use of standardized instruments.
- Assist in the creation and upkeep of databases, monitoring trackers, dashboards, and other information management systems.
- Identify and propose solutions for any gaps, inconsistencies, or operational difficulties encountered in MERL implementation.
- Contribute to the development and regular updates of MERL work plans, data collection timetables, and reporting calendars.
- Oversee the routine gathering, consolidation, verification, and analysis of data from project components and implementing partners.
- Establish and implement practical data quality assurance measures, such as completeness checks, consistency reviews, validation exercises, and periodic assessments.
- Aid in the accurate tracking and reporting of program indicators, including outcomes related to educational access, dignified employment, institutional capacity building, and systemic changes.
- Support the application of the Mastercard Foundation's Shared Measures framework, including its indicator definitions, disaggregation requirements, and verification procedures.
- Collaborate with program teams and partners to improve beneficiary tracking, outcome verification, data management, and methods to prevent duplicate counting.
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative monitoring data to identify trends, performance disparities, emerging results, and issues requiring managerial attention.
- Contribute to the preparation of high-quality donor reports, internal performance updates, dashboards, and analytical summaries.
- Ensure that monitoring information is properly documented, securely stored, and managed in compliance with WUSC's data protection and safeguarding policies.
- Offer practical MERL assistance and coaching to MERL Officers, program staff, and implementing partners.
- Support the assessment of MERL capabilities within RLOs and other partner organizations, and contribute to the creation of customized capacity-building plans.
- Develop and deliver training sessions on results-based management, indicator tracking, data collection, data quality, analysis, and reporting.
- Assist RLOs and other partners in establishing manageable monitoring systems that align with their operational capacities while meeting project accountability needs.
- Promote the consistent application of monitoring tools and reporting templates among implementing partners, allowing for appropriate adjustments to different organizational and country contexts.
- Foster partner engagement in monitoring processes and the utilization of evidence for organizational learning and program enhancement.
- Work closely with the Research and Learning Manager to support the execution of the project's research, evaluation, and learning agenda.
- Contribute to the planning, coordination, and technical review of baseline studies, assessments, evaluations, and thematic research activities.
- Support the development and review of research protocols, data collection instruments, sampling strategies, and analytical frameworks as needed.
- Assist in coordinating external consultants and research partners, including reviewing technical outputs and supporting quality assurance.
- Contribute to the analysis and synthesis of findings from monitoring, research, and evaluation activities, including qualitative evidence of institutional change, partnership effectiveness, and program contributions.
- Support the creation of learning briefs, case studies, presentations, and other knowledge products.
- Participate in reflection and learning sessions, assisting program teams in identifying lessons learned, testing assumptions, and translating evidence into practical program adjustments.
- Maintain regular communication with MERL Officers and program teams to track implementation progress, identify reporting challenges, and coordinate technical support.
- Support the integration of MERL processes into program planning, implementation, and management.
- Work with program leads to ensure that monitoring systems effectively capture results across various intervention pathways, including those delivered through partners and RLOs.
- Support the analysis of program contributions to broader institutional, ecosystem, and systemic outcomes, acknowledging the complexity of measuring indirect and long-term changes.
- Prepare concise analytical updates for project management, highlighting emerging results, data limitations, risks, and opportunities for adaptive management.
- Promote effective collaboration and information sharing across MERL, program implementation, research, and learning functions.
- Ensure that MERL activities incorporate appropriate gender equality, disability inclusion, and displacement-sensitive approaches.
- Support the collection and analysis of disaggregated data in accordance with project and donor requirements.
- Promote ethical data collection practices, informed consent, confidentiality, and responsible handling of sensitive information.
- Ensure that monitoring and research activities adhere to WUSC's safeguarding policies, including the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
- Contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in International Development, Economics, Statistics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a related discipline is required.
- A postgraduate qualification in Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Statistics, Research Methods, or a similar field is a significant advantage.
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning is necessary.
How to Apply
- Carefully review all stated requirements for the position.
- Prepare your most up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) and any other requested documents.
- Submit your application by clicking the "Apply Now" button on this page.
- Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date of November 13, 2026.
Application Tips
- Highlight your seven years of progressive experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning within your application materials.
- Clearly articulate your qualifications, including your Bachelor's degree and any relevant postgraduate studies in fields such as Monitoring and Evaluation or Statistics.
- Emphasize your experience in coordinating and supporting the implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Provide examples of your ability to analyze data and contribute to reporting for donors and internal stakeholders.
What We Offer
- Job Type: Full Time
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Closing Date: November 13, 2026
- Salary and benefits are confirmed by the employer during the hiring process.
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