Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) Manager

Job Overview

Grassroot Soccer Zambia invites applications for the position of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) Manager based in Lusaka, Zambia. This role unifies previously separate monitoring, evaluation, and research functions into a single integrated unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic direction for integrated MEL and research activities.
• Lead technical management of Salesforce and the SKILLZ App.
• Guide research study design and evaluation standards, managing ethics and IRB approvals.
• Act as GRS Zambia’s Data Protection Officer per Zambia’s Data Protection Act (2021).
• Supervise and mentor MERL Coordinators and build staff capacity.
• Prepare and quality-assure KPI and donor reports.

Requirements

• Master’s degree preferred in public health, Monitoring & Evaluation, social sciences, statistics, or related field.
• 5–8 years of progressive experience managing M&E and/or research functions in international health or development programmes.
• Hands-on experience with Salesforce or similar CRM/databases and mobile data collection platforms.
• Familiarity with adolescent health, SRHR, HIV/AIDS, and/or mental health programming.