MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning) Manager at Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI)

Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI) LTD/GTE seeks to advance humanity through research, sustainable development, and learning. We are an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition through evidence-based research and developmental aid. We use a multidisciplinary, community-friendly, and ethic-driven approach to support independent, high-quality research with an impact on business development, the public sector, and civil society.

Project Summary 

The BRIDGE Project is an eight-month initiative designed and submitted to FCDO and Tetra Tech’s SPRiNG programme to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, natural resource-based conflicts, and social vulnerability in Plateau and Benue States, Nigeria. The project focuses on enhancing community resilience and social cohesion by integrating climate adaptation strategies with conflict-sensitive approaches to land and resource management. It will strengthen Local Dialogue Platforms, build the capacity of community leaders and policymakers, and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, disaster preparedness, and locally-led early warning systems. Special emphasis will be placed on the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups to ensure equitable participation and benefits.

Through these interventions, the project seeks to reduce competition over natural resources, foster peaceful coexistence between farming and pastoralist communities, improve livelihoods through sustainable practices, and strengthen preparedness against climate-related hazards. 

This call for application is in anticipation of the final award of contract by the donor. 

Position Summary:

The MERL Manager will design and provide technical oversight in ensuring the implementation of the project’s monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning framework to track project progress, assess impact, and ensure adaptive learning throughout the project lifecycle. 

This position is anticipated to last for eight months with the possibility of renewal and is

based in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. This position is contingent upon award of contract by the donor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, refine and implement the project’s MERL framework, including performance indicators and data collection tools.
• Manage data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.
• Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements and data quality standards.
• Lead the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative assessments (baseline, midline, endline, impact evaluations).
• Train field staff and partners on data collection, analysis, and reporting techniques.
• Facilitate quarterly learning and reflection meetings, contributing to adaptive management.
• Develop learning products (briefs, reports, presentations) for various stakeholders.
• Establish feedback and accountability mechanisms to ensure participatory evaluation processes.
• Ensure data quality assurance through regular audits and field supervision.
• Support staff in building data literacy and evaluation capacity for career advancement. 
• Any other duty as assigned by the project management team.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Good training skills, with a proven ability to build the capacity of others in report writing.
• Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in designing and managing M&E systems in development projects, with experience in both quantitative and qualitative research.
• Minimum of 5 years of M&E experience in international development projects
• Proficiency in data management and analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, R, Excel, and data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau.
• Experience leading evaluations and assessments, including baseline and endline surveys.
• Strong skills in data quality assurance, learning agenda development, and participatory M&E approaches.
• Experience building capacity of field staff and partners in data collection and analysis.
• Good financial, budget and grant management skills
• Ability to work and travel in difficult conditions
• Ability to work with diverse team members

Equal Opportunity

CRADI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. CRADI recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Method of Application