The MER Officer will be based in Kitui and will play a central role in generating evidence, ensuring quality data management, tracking program progress, and documenting lessons learned to inform decision-making, program improvement, and resource mobilization.

Responsibilities

• Research:
• Serve as the technical lead for operational research related to the program.
• Develop research protocols, tools, and work plans to address program objectives.
• Ensure compliance with research ethics and secure necessary approvals from institutional and national research bodies.
• Conduct and/or supervise data analysis, prepare manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations to disseminate findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
• Provide technical insights into improving service delivery strategies, including safe motherhood interventions, child health services, NCD management at primary care, livelihoods and WASH integration.
• Monitoring & Evaluation:
• Design, implement, and maintain M&E systems, frameworks, and tools aligned with program objectives and donor requirements.
• Lead development and harmonization of indicators with the Ministry of Health and global CMMB systems.
• Oversee data collection, management, verification, and reporting across program sites in Kitui and Kwale.
• Build the capacity of program teams, CHPs, and facility staff in data management, analysis, and use for decision-making.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of high-quality progress reports (monthly, quarterly, annual) to management and donors.
• Coordinate baseline, mid-term, and end-line evaluations, as well as special studies.
• Learning & Documentation:
• Coordinate learning activities, including after-action reviews, learning workshops, and documentation of best practices.
• Develop policy briefs, case studies, and success stories to showcase program impact.
• Support proposal development with M&E frameworks, log frames, and evidence generation.
• General:
• Collaborate with Program Officers, CHPs, and county health teams to strengthen data use for planning and performance management.
• Represent CMMB in relevant county, national, and international M&E and research forums.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Program Manager or Country Office.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Public Health, Research Methods, Biostatistics, Social Sciences, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in M&E and operational research.
• Demonstrated expertise in research design, protocol development, ethical compliance, and dissemination.
• Strong data management and analysis skills using statistical software.
• Proven ICT skills, including working with DHIS2, ODK/KOBO, and other digital health/M&E platforms.
• Experience with donor-funded project reporting.

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Under the leadership of the Country Director, the MERL Manager will lead planning, day- to- day monitoring, evaluation, research and learning activities, analysis and reporting management of consultants and special studies as well.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
• Provide vision and strategic direction for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) across CMMB Kenya’s program portfolio.
• Lead the integration of MERL into program design, implementation, and resource mobilization, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, donor requirements, and national frameworks.
• Advise senior leadership on evidence-based strategies for program adaptation, scale-up, and policy engagement, positioning CMMB Kenya as a thought leader in health systems strengthening.
• Support proposal development and resource mobilization efforts by contributing to results frameworks, theories of change, and robust MERL plans.
• Technical Oversight:
• Develop and oversee the implementation of comprehensive MERL frameworks, including performance, outcome, and impact indicators.
• Design and roll out digital and innovative data collection systems, ensuring high-quality, real-time, and actionable data.
• Ensure data management systems are interoperable with national platforms (e.g., DHIS2) and that data standards meet donor and global reporting requirements.
• Oversee high-quality analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to generate insights that drive program performance and accountability.
• Produce and validate timely, accurate, and high-quality donor, government, and organizational reports.
• Research & Learning:
• Lead operational and implementation research to generate evidence for improved program effectiveness, innovation, and policy dialogue.
• Develop knowledge products including case studies, peer-reviewed articles, policy briefs, and technical papers to strengthen CMMB Kenya’s knowledge leadership.
• Convene communities of practice, learning events, and cross-program reflection sessions to embed a culture of evidence-based learning and adaptive management.
• Track and disseminate global best practices in MERL and ensure CMMB Kenya leverages cutting-edge methodologies and technologies.
• Build the capacity of staff and partners in MERL, providing mentorship, training, and ongoing coaching to strengthen organizational and partner capabilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree (master’s preferred) in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Professional certification or postgraduate training in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) is highly desirable.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in designing and implementing MERL systems in complex development and/or health programs with international NGOs, multilateral agencies, or government institutions.
• Proven track record in developing MERL frameworks, results chains, and innovative data collection methodologies for large-scale, multi-sectoral programs.
• Strong expertise in data management systems, digital platforms, and the use of advanced statistical and qualitative analysis software (e.g., STATA, R, NVivo, SPSS).
• Demonstrated experience in commissioning, designing, and/or managing operational research, evaluations, and learning initiatives.