The role of the MERL Coordinator is to ensure the quality and timely implementation of the MEAL framework of the BRAVE project that is funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs - MFA). BRAVE project is expected to run from 2026-2029*. The project is a continuation to the ongoing MFA funded SRHR programme and the impact to be delivered is that children, adolescents and youth in all their diversity have control over their bodies and futures in a healthy, safe and supportive environment.

The specific project the MERL Coordinator will support, aims to realize gender transformative and disability inclusive sexual and reproductive health rights of children, adolescents, and youth in all their diversity and will be implemented in the targeted 4 districts West Hararghe zone, particularly in Meisso,Gumbi Bordode, Chiro zuria, and Guba Koricha woredas in the Oromia region.

The MERL Coordinator will work in close collaboration with the project manager, the SRHR Coordinators, SRHR Thematic Sector Lead, and Insight Lead at Country Office as well as other project staff and relevant partner staff working in the Oromia Program Area Addis Ababa office.

The Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of all MEAL products as defined in the specific MEAL framework of BRAVAE project and aligned with the BRAVE program´s MEAL strategy being implemented in 6 countries and that of PIE’s new Country Strategy (2025-2029). The incumbent will also support the building of MEAL technical capacities of the project staff and partners, especially considering Results-Based Monitoring (RBM) perspectives, and contribute to and strengthen evidence-based decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities

1. MEAL Planning & Implementation (35%)

• Lead planning, coordination, and delivery of project MEAL activities in line with donor requirements and project plans.
• Ensure effective monitoring, reporting, documentation, and use of MEAL tools and resources.
• Oversee data collection (quantitative & qualitative), analysis, and reporting.
• Support project planning (annual/quarterly plans, budgets) and track progress against targets.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and project achievements.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, government, and partners.
• Promote youth engagement, gender equality, inclusion, and rights-based approaches.

2. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (35%)

• Strengthen MEAL systems, tools, and processes for quality data management.
• Coordinate baseline, midline, evaluations, and research activities.
• Provide training and technical support to staff and partners on MEAL.
• Analyze data and produce reports for donors and internal use.
• Ensure proper documentation, learning, and knowledge sharing.
• Support community feedback mechanisms and results-based monitoring.

3. Program Integration (5%)

• Integrate gender, disability, safeguarding, climate, and livelihoods into MEAL activities.
• Align project implementation with organizational and national strategies.

4. Partner Capacity Strengthening (15%)

• Build partners’ MEAL capacity through training, tools, and ongoing support.
• Support planning, implementation, and monitoring with partners.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and regular performance reviews.
• Ensure inclusive participation of communities, youth, and vulnerable groups.

5. Networking & Representation (10%)

• Build partnerships with NGOs, government, and networks for collaboration and learning.
• Represent the project in relevant forums and share knowledge and best practices.
• Support partnerships with research institutions and stakeholders to enhance project impact.

Safeguarding Children and Program Participants (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI)

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed per the appropriate procedures.
• Ensures that all staff in the unit/function/department are properly inducted on and understand their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day-to-day work.
• Ensures that Plan Ethiopia contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted