Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe
Job Description
Position: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer
Location: Harare
Reports to: Programmes Coordinator
Summary
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer is responsible for designing, coordinating, and
implementing an effective monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning (MERL) system for PELUM
Zimbabwe. The role ensures that all programmes and projects are systematically monitored, evidence
of outcomes and impact is documented, and learning is actively used to inform decision-making,
programme adaptation, accountability, and resource mobilisation. The MEL Officer plays a central role
in strengthening a results-based, learning-oriented organisational culture, ensuring alignment with
PELUM Zimbabwe’s strategic objectives. As such, the role works very closely with programmes,
communications and fundraising departments of the organisation.
Specific Areas of Responsibility
A. Monitoring and Data Management
a.) Develop, maintain, and continuously improve a harmonised MERL system for all PELUM
Zimbabwe programmes, projects, and network activities.
b.) Design and standardise monitoring tools, data collection methodologies, and reporting
templates to track activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
c.) Establish and manage routine monitoring schedules for all programmes, projects, and
network activities.
d.) Coordinate the use of digital data collection and management platforms, including
KoboToolbox, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI etc.
e.) Develop and manage a central indicator tracking system that consolidates indicators
across all donor-funded projects, programmes, and network activities.
f.) Ensure data quality through regular data verification, validation, and consistency checks.
B. Evaluation and Impact Assessment
a.) Plan and conduct periodic evaluations and impact assessments, including quarterly impact
assessments using Outcome Harvesting and other participatory approaches.
b.) Support programme teams of partners and members to document impact.
c.) Coordinate baseline, midline, and endline assessments where required.
d.) Support external evaluators and consultants by providing documentation, data, field
coordination, and technical guidance.
C. Reporting and Accountability
a.) Produce comprehensive periodic MERL reports covering all programmes, projects, and
organisational activities, highlighting progress, challenges, risks, and lessons learned.
b.) Prepare programme and project-specific indicator reports in line with donor reporting
schedules and requirements.
c.) Contribute MERL inputs to narrative reports, proposals, concept notes, and organisational
publications.
d.) Ensure timely submission of accurate MERL information to internal management, donors,
partners, and other stakeholders.
e.) Support programmes by documenting activity reports as necessary.
D. Learning, Knowledge Management and Adaptive Programming
a.) Conduct monthly context analysis to inform programming.
b.) Facilitate quarterly organisational learning and reflection sessions to promote evidence-
based learning and adaptive management.
c.) Systematically document learning from programmes and projects to inform programme
improvement, strategic planning, and proposal development.
d.) Support the integration of feedback mechanisms from farmers, partners, and
stakeholders into programme design and implementation.
e.) Contribute to strengthening knowledge management systems, including information
sharing and documentation practices.
E. Capacity Building and Technical Support
a.) Design and deliver targeted MERL training sessions, workshops, and mentorship for staff,
member organisations, and partner focal persons.
b.) Strengthen staff and stakeholder understanding of indicators, reporting requirements,
and results-based management approaches.
c.) Provide ongoing technical support to programme staff to improve data collection,
analysis, and use.
F. Cross-Cutting Responsibilities
a.) Promote gender, youth, inclusion, and safeguarding considerations within MERL
processes and tools.
b.) Ensure MERL systems align with organisational values, donor compliance requirements,
and accountability standards.
c.) Participate in organisational planning, review, and strategy processes as required.
G. Other Duties
a.) Participate in team and other organisational meetings or working groups as required.
b.) Participate in monthly meetings and performance appraisals.
c.) Share information through PELUM Zimbabwe’s information and relationship
management systems.
d.) Perform other duties and tasks as assigned by the Programmes Coordinator and Country
Coordinator.
Desired Skills and Competencies
• Strong analytical, data management, and reporting skills.
• Practical experience with digital data collection and analysis tools (e.g. KoboToolbox, Excel,
Power BI or similar platforms).
• Sound understanding of results-based management, participatory monitoring, and learning
approaches.
• Ability to translate data into clear insights, learning products, and decision-support
information.
• Strong facilitation, training, and communication skills.
• Adaptable and down to earth
• Creative, artistic and imaginative
• Youthful and energetic
• High level of organisation, attention to detail, and ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Commitment to Agroecology
Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Statistics or a related field. A
relevant Master’s degree and or additional relevant qualifications are an added advantage.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a monitoring, evaluation, and learning role within an NGO, civil
society organisation, or development programme (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience supporting donor-funded projects and reporting processes.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and grow with the organisation.
Values and Safeguarding
PELUM Zimbabwe is committed to safeguarding, accountability, integrity, and respect for all
stakeholders. The MEL Officer is expected to uphold organisational policies, promote ethical data
collection practices, and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested candidates should send their Cover Letters, Curriculum Vitaes and Certificates ‘as a single
document’ to pelumapps@gmail.com by close of day Friday 30 January 2026.
Applications should indicate (in their Cover Letters) expected gross salary and availability to
commence work.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted