Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist
at Plan International, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
- Contract
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Closing date
- 24 November 2026
- Listed
- 22 October 2026, from Plan International
The advert
Join Us at Plan International Bangladesh: Make a Lasting Impact! Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And its girls who are most affected and mostly during crisis. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children. For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries. Over the 30 years journey in Bangladesh, we envision a 2030 where children and youth, particularly girls and young women, are recognized as leaders of change in gender norms and can make decisions about their lives. Since 24 September 2017, Plan International has been responding to the Rohingya refugee influx in Cox’s Bazar with special focus on protecting girls and boys from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation; improving hygiene and sanitation; and restoring access to safe, quality, and inclusive education for refugee children and adolescents. Guided by our core values, we remain unwavering in our commitment to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls so that children, especially girls, and their communities can learn, lead, decide, and thrive. For the past three decades, our work in Bangladesh has made a significant impact, and we are now looking for a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist. The Role Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist will be responsible for designing and leading the monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) activities and ensuring result-based management in program and project areas as defined in the country strategy. The position holder will develop the theory of change (TOC), result framework, and indicators to measure success in respective projects & programmes through regular monitoring and evaluation activities. In line with PQI team the Specialist will track output delivery and assess outcomes to understand projects & programmes progress towards achieving objectives, conduct regular process monitoring, compile information, capture learning and produce quarterly reports for the projects & programme team and country management team to support decision-making. Data quality assurance is one of the key responsibilities of this role. The MERL Specialist will also contribute to capacity building of staff at Plan and partner organizations to enhance skills in programme monitoring. The role requires continuous support to resource mobilization initiatives for the Cox’s Bazar Programme. This position provides intensive support to different projects in Cox’s Bazar and other geographic locations and addresses donor requirements in the areas of MERL. Another major responsibility will be supporting the implementation of AAP (accountability to affected population) in different projects. What we’re looking for Relevant Academic Grounding: A Master’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related discipline, providing the methodological and analytical foundation needed for robust evidence generation. Proven M&E Practitioner with Emergency Expertise: At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience leading M&E systems in development or humanitarian settings, including a minimum of 1 year on the frontline of emergency response projects in Cox’s Bazar. Strategic Framework Architect: Demonstrated mastery in designing, operationalizing, and tracking Theories of Change (ToC), results frameworks, logframes, and indicator matrices to measure project and programme success systematically. Advanced Data & Analytics Specialist: Strong quantitative and qualitative expertise—from managing digital data