Plan International is hiring a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Assistant . Learn about the role, requirements, contract details, and how to apply before 15 April 2026.
Overview
Plan International is currently recruiting a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Assistant for a project-based role . This opportunity is ideal for professionals with experience in data collection, monitoring, evaluation, research, learning systems, and humanitarian programming.
The role focuses on supporting project implementation through the design and execution of a strong MERL framework, ensuring that project indicators, donor requirements, and Plan International standards are met. The selected candidate will work closely with the project team, implementation partners, beneficiaries, donors, and Plan International’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning unit.
This is a strong opportunity for candidates interested in education, WASH, humanitarian programming, gender-responsive monitoring systems, and data-driven project management.
About Plan International
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. For more than 85 years, the organization has worked with children, young people, partners, and supporters to tackle the root causes of poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination.
Operating in more than 80 countries, Plan International supports children from birth to adulthood and works to improve their resilience, protection, education, health, and opportunities. The organization is especially committed to creating a more just world for girls and vulnerable children.
About the MERL Assistant Role
The MERL Assistant contributes directly to the achievement of project objectives by supporting the implementation of the project’s monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning system.
The position is designed to ensure that monitoring and reporting systems align with:
- donor performance indicators
- Plan International standards and systems
- the new strategic plan
- the humanitarian response plan of Plan International Burkina Faso
The post holder will work under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close collaboration with the project team and all relevant stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
1. Data Collection, Processing and Analysis
The MERL Assistant will be responsible for helping ensure that project data is accurate, timely, and useful for decision-making.
Main tasks include:
- monitoring the regular implementation of project activities
- ensuring the quality of collected data
- coordinating the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
- identifying gaps between expected and achieved results
- supporting data validation through joint field visits
- assisting implementing partners with data collection and transmission
- helping partners develop activity and indicator monitoring plans
2. Reporting, Planning and Performance Review
The role also includes strong support in reporting and planning activities.
Responsibilities include:
- planning MERL activities for the project
- supporting the development of reporting templates for project activities
- contributing to periodic progress reports and budget estimates
- supporting project performance and quality reviews
- coordinating evaluations, surveys, studies, analytical reviews, and impact assessments
- contributing to thematic and sectoral reviews
- supporting project planning and related documentation
- participating in Plan International periodic performance reviews
3. Knowledge Management and Learning
The selected candidate will support organizational learning and documentation.
Key tasks include:
- documenting lessons learned and good practices
- contributing to case studies, success stories, photos, and text documentation
- supporting sharing and dissemination of project results
- ensuring the capitalization of good practices
- participating in team learning meetings
- centralizing and analyzing project data
- producing periodic implementation reports
- managing project archives in electronic and paper format
- collecting feedback from beneficiaries and partners
4. Problem Solving and Technical MERL Support
The MERL Assistant will also provide technical support to strengthen project implementation.
This includes:
- giving regular feedback on data quality and indicator progress
- reporting implementation challenges to the project coordinator
- ensuring the detailed project implementation plan is followed
- supporting partner capacity-building in MERL
- helping resolve implementation problems through strong MERL systems
- performing any other assigned tasks relevant to the role
Required Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following academic requirements:
- At least a Bachelor’s degree (Licence / Bac+3) in one of the following or a related field:
- demography
- statistics
- epidemiology
- monitoring and evaluation
- research and learning
- social sciences
- economics
- another relevant discipline
Required Experience
Candidates should have:
- at least 3 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning
- at least 2 years of experience in education and WASH projects
- proven experience in humanitarian MERL systems
- strong understanding of participatory monitoring and results-based management
- demonstrated experience in planning processes such as DIP, work plans, and detailed MERL plans
- knowledge of safe and ethical case management for GBV incident data
- a good understanding of the humanitarian context in Burkina Faso
Experience in Plan International programme areas as a staff member, consultant, or service provider is considered an advantage.
Technical Skills Required
Strong candidates should demonstrate:
- understanding of project cycle management and MERL systems
- ability to collect and analyze evidence for programme improvement
- experience using Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint
- database management and data visualization knowledge
- experience with digital data collection tools such as:
- ODK
- KoboCollect
- Taroworks
- strong reporting and writing ability
- ability to work under tight deadlines
- active listening and group facilitation skills
Behavioural Competencies
Plan International is looking for candidates who can:
- communicate clearly and effectively
- remain flexible and open to learning
- show respect toward all people, especially children and women
- demonstrate honesty and accountability
- work well as part of a team
- remain calm and positive under pressure
Job Location and Contract Details
Here are the key contract details for this opportunity:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | MERL Assistant |
| Organization | Plan International |
| Location | Ouargaye, Burkina Faso, with travel in the project intervention area |
| Contract Type | Local fixed-term contract |
| Duration | One year, renewable depending on performance and budget |
| Reports To | Project Manager |
| Grade | Level 11 |
| Closing Date | 15 April 2026, 12 PM GMT |
| Anticipated First Round Test | 21 April 2026 |
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This role is valuable for professionals who want to build or strengthen careers in:
- monitoring and evaluation
- humanitarian data systems
- education programme support
- WASH project monitoring
- research and learning in development settings
- gender-sensitive and child-focused programming
It also offers experience within a respected international humanitarian organization working at the intersection of children’s rights, girls’ equality, and crisis response.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare to apply through the official Plan International recruitment platform before the deadline.
Before applying, candidates should ensure that they have:
- an updated CV
- relevant academic and professional information
- evidence of MERL experience
- strong examples of work in education, WASH, or humanitarian settings
Applicants should also carefully review the full job description and prepare for the possible first-round test scheduled for 21 April 2026.
Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding
Plan International strongly promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates and especially notes that female qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
The organization also maintains strict safeguarding standards and will conduct pre-employment checks in line with its child protection and misconduct policies.
Plan International also states clearly that it will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.
Conclusion
The Plan International MERL Assistant opportunity in Burkina Faso is a strong career move for professionals with solid experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, learning, education, WASH, and humanitarian programming. The role offers the chance to contribute to meaningful project outcomes while strengthening data systems, reporting quality, partner capacity, and organizational learning.
For candidates with the right technical background and a commitment to child rights, gender equality, and evidence-based programming, this is a valuable international NGO opportunity to pursue in 2026.
FAQs
Is this a part-time role?
No. The vacancy information provided does not describe this as a part-time role. It is listed as a fixed-term contract position.
Is the job remote?
No. The role is based in Ouargaye, Burkina Faso, with travel required in the project intervention area.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline is 15 April 2026 at 12 PM GMT.
Is the salary clearly stated?
No. The job notice does not give a fixed salary amount. Plan International says salary and benefits will be shared during the recruitment process according to the Burkina Faso office salary scale.
What academic background is required?
Applicants need at least a Bachelor’s degree in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, demography, epidemiology, social sciences, economics, or another relevant field.
How much experience is needed?
At least 3 years of experience in MERL is required, including 2 years in education and WASH projects.
Is humanitarian experience important for this role?
Yes. Confirmed humanitarian experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning is specifically requested.
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