Monitoring, Evaluation, Research

**Location**: Umgeni Park, Durban North

**Type**: Full-time, Permanent

**Reports to**: MERL Manager

**Working Hours**: 08:00-16:00, Monday to Friday

TREE-ECD is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Assistant to support data collection, management, reporting, research, and learning across its programmes. The role focuses on ensuring high-quality data, supporting evaluations, and promoting learning to improve project effectiveness and accountability.

**Minimum Requirements**:

- A degree or diploma or related qualification in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Development Studies, Social Sciences.
- 1-2 years of relevant experience in data collection, M&E, or research (internships or volunteer experience considered).
- Strong computer skills, including Excel, databases, and data visualization tools.
- Good analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
- Attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn and grow in the MERL field.
- Must be comfortable travelling to rural communities
- Must have a drivers license

**Key Responsibilities**:
**1. Monitoring and Data Collection**
- Support routine monitoring activities and data collection across projects.
- Conduct or assist with field visits to gather data and track progress against indicators.
- Ensure the use of approved tools and verify accuracy and completeness of collected data.

**2. Data Management and Reporting**
- Enter, clean, and manage data in M&E databases and spreadsheets.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date digital and physical M&E records.
- Support preparation of reports, dashboards, charts, and presentations.

**3. Evaluation, Research, and Learning**
- Assist in baseline, midline, and endline evaluations.
- Conduct basic research and data analysis to inform program design and learning.
- Participate in lessons-learned sessions and contribute to documentation of findings.
- Stay updated on MERL best practices and help promote learning within the organisation.

**4. Knowledge Management and Stakeholder Engagement**
- Contribute to the development of knowledge products such as case studies, success stories, and lessons learned.
- Help maintain organised knowledge repositories and learning materials.
- Support donor and partner data requests and prepare materials for meetings and presentations.

**5. Administration, Compliance, and Coordination**
- Ensure data confidentiality and compliance with organisational policies.
- Maintain organised MERL documentation and support audits or external reviews.
- Coordinate with programme and field staff to ensure timely data submission and reporting.

**Competencies**:

- **Data Management and Analysis** - Collects, cleans, manages, and analyses data accurately using appropriate tools to ensure data quality and reliability.
- **Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Skills** - Understands M&E principles, frameworks, indicators, and methodologies to support effective programme monitoring and reporting.
- **Analytical and Critical Thinking** - Interprets data, identifies trends, and draws meaningful insights to inform decision-making and learning.
- **Communication and Reporting** - Presents data and findings clearly through reports, dashboards, and presentations; communicates effectively with teams and stakeholders.
- **Attention to Detail and Accountability** - Demonstrates accuracy, integrity, and responsibility in handling data and meeting MERL deadlines and standards.

**To Apply**:
**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to R15 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person