This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity

Role Overview:

The MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning) Assistant will play a critical role in designing a comprehensive framework for tracking both direct and indirect outputs of the initiative and in preparing a final project report aligned with Frey Foundation reporting requirements. This is a highly strategic and collaborative volunteer role suited for someone who thrives at the intersection of data, storytelling, systems thinking, and social impact.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Framework Design (Main Role)
• Design a robust MERL framework for tracking all outputs (quantitative and qualitative), including:
• Direct outputs: number of changemakers engaged, partners co-leading, interventions implemented
• Indirect outputs: reach of communications campaigns, youth influenced via partners, tools adopted (e.g., Changemaker Index)
• Ensure alignment with both Ashoka’s internal learning goals and Frey Foundation KPIs Project Reporting
• Lead the compilation and synthesis of data into a comprehensive project report
• Collaborate with Ashoka’s Frey Grant Manager to ensure the report meets all donor requirements, and reflects both impact and learning
• Use insights from MEL data to support strategic decision-making and external storytelling
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL)
• Support/ guide data collection across the 4 regions, working with youth leaders, Ashoka Fellows, and staff
• Contribute to internal learning products such as briefs, presentations, and reflection sessions
• Support testing and refinement of the Changemaker Index tool for young people under 18

Expected Impact
Your work will directly support Ashoka in delivering on its commitments to the Frey Charitable Foundation, including:

• Capturing the full scope of initiative outputs across the continent
• Supporting 10+ interventions with clear KPIs and success metrics
• Generating actionable insights to improve program delivery and scale
• Telling the story of youth-led impact in Africa through evidence and data

Benefits For Our Volunteer

• Professional Experience: Gain high-level experience with donor reporting, MEL frameworks, and systems change
• Networking: Collaborate with Ashoka Fellows, youth changemakers, and strategic partners across Africa
• Learning & Growth: Access Ashoka’s learning resources and thought leadership
• Recognition: Certificate of Completion, Letter of Reference, and potential publication opportunities

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Scope Of Work — The MERL Volunteer Will

• Develop and implement an M&E framework to capture progress across Fellowship programs (Summit, Engagement Fund, Communities of Practice, Legacy Program, EACH Lab, WISE, One Africa).
• Review and synthesize data from the 2024 Fellowship Impact Survey into a professional Impact Report.
• Track direct and indirect impact of Fellows since their election, including systems change, policy influence, and community outcomes.
• Collect and document case studies, success stories, and lessons learned from Fellows’ initiatives.
• Provide accountability reports on commitments made during the 2025 Nairobi Summit.
• Support learning cycles by identifying key trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement across Fellowship initiatives.
• Contribute to monitoring frameworks that align Fellows’ work with Agenda 2063 and SDGs.
• Ensure insights feed into the design and reporting of the Cairo 2026 Summit.

Benefits For Our Volunteer

• Opportunity to design and deliver Ashoka Africa’s first multi-year Fellowship Impact Report.
• Direct engagement with Africa’s leading social entrepreneurs and their initiatives.
• Mentorship and collaboration with Ashoka Fellowship leadership.
• Visibility across Ashoka’s global platforms through published reports and learning outputs.
• Contribution to building a culture of accountability and learning within the Fellowship.
• This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity
   

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