MERL & Data Systems Officer

Job Description

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Position: MERL & Data Systems Officer

Contract Type: Fixed-term (Local Contract)

Location: Chama / Musalangu Game Management Area

About Us

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an international conservation organisation dedicated to conserving wildlife and ecosystems in some of the world’s most outstanding wild places. FZS implements long-term conservation programmes across Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. In Zambia, FZS operates through the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP), supporting protected area management and community-based natural resource management. Under the EU NaturAfrica–funded Connecting Livelihoods and Landscape (CoLiLa) Project, FZS is expanding its work within the Malawi–Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area (MAZA TFCA), focusing on biodiversity conservation, inclusive livelihoods, and strengthened governance.

About the Role

The MERL & Data Systems Officer will lead the implementation and coordination of monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning systems for the EU NaturAfrica CoLiLa Project. The role ensures that project performance, results, and impacts are accurately measured, analysed, and reported in line with the approved EU log frame and the Global Europe Results Framework indicators. Working closely with programme staff, field teams, and partners, the position will support evidence-based decision-making, adaptive management, and donor reporting, while strengthening data systems and learning across the Landscape.

Your Tasks

• Lead implementation of the project MERL framework, ensuring alignment with approved indicators and targets
• Coordinate baseline studies, surveys, and assessments (e.g. KAP, BNS, IMET, governance and livelihood indicators)
• Manage and maintain project data systems and databases (including digital data collection tools)
• Ensure data quality assurance, verification, and secure data management
• Support field teams in data collection, tool use, and reporting protocols
• Analyse and synthesise data to inform adaptive management and learning
• Contribute to technical inputs for EU narrative and results-based reports
• Support documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and knowledge products
• Ensure compliance with EU reporting, safeguards monitoring, and visibility requirements
• Perform any other duties required to support effective project implementation

Your Profile

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Development Studies, Environmental Management, Social Sciences, or a related field
• Formal training in M&E, data analysis, or research methods is an advantage
• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in MERL or M&E roles within development or conservation programmes
• Proven experience working with log frames, indicators, and donor reporting systems
• Practical experience with data collection tools (e.g. ODK, Kobo, Survey123, SMART, GIS-based systems)
• Experience conducting surveys, assessments, and data analysis
• Familiarity with EU-funded or large donor programmes is an advantage

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Close attention to detail and data accuracy
• Ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Strong coordination and communication skills
• Ability to work independently in remote field settings

We Offer

• Meaningful work supporting conservation impact and community resilience
• Opportunity to work in a complex transboundary conservation landscape
• A professional, supportive, and collaborative work environment
• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Application Deadline

Please submit your Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation by 2nd April 2026. Applicants should include three (3) traceable referees with a brief description of the working relationship and contact details. Appointment is subject to the submission of ZAQA-certified qualifications. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.