Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) Officer – SADC
Job Description
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is recruiting a Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) Officer to strengthen oversight and implementation of its Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Strategy. Based in Botswana, this contract position (1–2 years) plays a pivotal role in advancing evidence-based reporting and regional accountability.
Reference Number: SADCP0010
Location: Botswana
Salary: Market Related
Primary Purpose of the Role
The MERL Officer will lead the implementation and oversight of the SRHR Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning Framework across SADC Member States.
The role focuses on:
- Tracking progress against the SADC SRHR Strategy 2019–2030
- Managing the SRHR Scorecard reporting system
- Harmonising data collection processes
- Strengthening evidence-based programming
The position ensures Member States’ progress aligns with regional priorities and global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (notably SDG 3 on Health and Well-being and SDG 5 on Gender Equality).
Scope of Work
The MERL Officer will be based within the Directorate of Social and Human Development and report to the Programme Coordinator: SRHR. Close collaboration with the SADC M&E Unit and strategic partners is essential.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Coordination of MERL at Member-State Level
- Lead biennial tracking of progress under the SADC SRHR Scorecard
- Develop and consolidate Member-State progress reports
- Oversee programme evaluations at national level
- Promote the use of national data for documenting emerging and best practices
- Ensure harmonised reporting across Member States
The role will support CSOs, research institutions, and partners in applying results-based learning approaches to monitor indicators effectively.
2. Implementation of the Regional MERL Framework
- Lead execution of the existing SADC Secretariat MERL framework
- Ensure consistent reporting on qualitative and quantitative indicators
- Facilitate reflection processes and capture lessons learned
- Monitor programme risks and mitigation measures
- Collaborate with finance teams to track resource utilisation against outcomes
3. Programme Alignment and Strategic Reporting
- Align regional and national SRHR interventions with the SADC SRHR Strategy
- Ensure integration with HIV, GBV, and related strategies
- Lead mid-term and end-of-project evaluations
- Ensure Member States’ interventions contribute to regional and international commitments
The MERL Officer will ensure accurate population of the SRHR Scorecard and reporting to SADC policy organs.
4. Knowledge Management & Learning
- Produce high-quality, results-based MERL reports
- Document and disseminate best practices via SADC platforms
- Strengthen accessibility of case studies and programme data
- Support the establishment of a regional knowledge-sharing network
- Inform a regional SRHR research agenda focused on the Demographic Dividend
The position will also promote integration of demographic modelling and planning tools to guide long-term SRHR investment strategies.
5. Capacity Building & Technical Support
- Provide advisory and technical support to Member States
- Build national capacity in monitoring and evaluation systems
- Develop and facilitate competency-based MERL trainings
- Strengthen use of statistical software and data analysis tools
- Support integration of demographic and population data in strategic planning
The role requires multisectoral coordination and integration of socio-economic development indicators with SRHR progress.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s level) in:
- Social sciences
- Statistics
- Development studies
- Demography
- Economics
- Public administration
- Or related field with monitoring and evaluation specialization
Professional Experience
- Minimum seven (7) years of progressive experience in:
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Project management
- Social research
- SRHR or related health/development programming
- Demonstrated experience with results-based management frameworks
- Proven ability to establish and maintain MERL systems
- Experience conducting mid-term and end-of-project evaluations
- Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical expertise
- Familiarity with population modelling tools in developing contexts
- Experience building national-level M&E capacity
Familiarity with SADC Secretariat or similar regional body procedures is advantageous.
Technical & Functional Competencies
- Strong knowledge of institutional M&E systems
- Expertise in statistical software and data tools
- Knowledge generation and management capability
- Ability to strengthen programmatic quality and results
- Strategic and analytical thinking
- Collaborative and self-driven work style
- Results orientation and accountability
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English (required)
- Knowledge of French or Portuguese (desirable)
Contract Details
- Job Type: Contract
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Work Level: Skilled
- Location: Botswana
- EE Position: No
Strategic Importance
This position is central to strengthening regional accountability and harmonised reporting in Southern Africa. By aligning Member States’ SRHR interventions with regional strategies and global commitments, the MERL Officer will help ensure measurable progress toward health equity, gender equality, and sustainable socio-economic development.
