Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Specialist/Manager

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Specialist/Manager

Location: Kansas City, Missouri 

Schedule: Full-time. Currently Hybrid. Periodic work outside of business hours. Some travel required.

Apply by June 22, 2026

Outreach International delivers solutions to poverty by partnering with communities in low-income countries to build lasting, locally-led programs that awaken their strength to overcome their struggles.

We are seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Specialist/Manager to lead and strengthen the organization’s approach to monitoring, evaluation, and learning across its global network. This role is responsible for both managing core MERL systems and driving improvements to how OI collects, analyzes, and uses data. The MERL Specialist/Manager will play a key role in shaping MERL strategy, supporting program grantees, and ensuring that data is used effectively for learning, decision-making, and communication organization-wide.

The MERL Specialist/Manager works closely with the Global Program Operations team and international program grantees to ensure that data is accurate, accessible, and used effectively for learning, reporting, and decision-making.

Primary Responsibilities:

MERL Systems and Strategy

• Lead the ongoing refinement of OI’s MERL framework and systems aligned with Strategy 2030

• Manage and strengthen core monitoring and evaluation systems, including data collection tools, reporting processes, and evaluation frameworks

• Design and implement improvements to data collection processes and workflows

• Support the rollout and adoption of MERL tools across international grantee teams

• Contribute to strategic discussions about how data is used to assess impact and inform decision-making

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Ensure data quality through review, validation, and follow-up with local teams

• Analyze monitoring and evaluation data to identify trends and insights

• Support community-led research initiatives through data analysis and synthesis

• Translate data into clear, actionable findings for internal and external stakeholders

• Prepare reporting and data visualizations for board meetings, donor communications, and grant proposals

Program Support and Capacity Building

• Provide ongoing technical support to international grantees on MERL tools and processes

• Support project-level monitoring and evaluation (e.g., survey design, indicator development, data interpretation)

• Deliver training and facilitate learning on MERL concepts and tools

• Strengthen international grantees’ capacity to independently manage monitoring and evaluation processes over time

Organizational Support and Collaboration 

• Partner with Marketing and Development teams to strengthen data visualizations to support communications and fundraising efforts

• Advise on data availability, feasibility, and measurement approaches for grant proposals and organizational planning

• Collaborate with Global Program Specialists and international grantees to support implementation and learning

• Contribute to organization-wide initiatives related to impact, learning, and strategy

• Create a positive team environment, adhering to OI's organizational values and management principles.

Experience & Skills

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a related area (e.g., social sciences, international development, public policy, data science, economics, or similar).

• 3-5 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, or data analysis

• Experience with Power BI, R, or other data analysis and visualization tools

• Experience with survey platforms (e.g., KoboToolbox, Qualtrics)

• Experience working in cross-cultural global program environments

• Strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation concepts and methodologies

• Experience designing and implementing data collection tools (e.g., surveys, trackers)

• Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills

• Proficiency in Google Sheets (pivot tables, formulas, data management)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate data for non-technical audiences

• Ability to think strategically while also managing operational details

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, cross-cultural environment with a number of remote working relationships, some outside of normal working hours

• Diverse and complex problem-solving skills as well as strong leadership with initiative, influencing skills, self-awareness, and ability to work effectively with others of diverse skill sets

• Flexibility - comfortable operating in support and stepping into leadership, including the willingness and ability to act as a spokesperson when necessary

• A high degree of honesty and integrity

• Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and belief sets, and to gender equity

• Motivation to stay abreast of professional standards, trends, and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field

Preferred: 

• Master's degree in a related field.

• Experience and proficiency utilizing AI for data management

• Experience facilitating training or capacity-building activities

• Familiarity with participatory or community-led approaches to monitoring and evaluation

• Experience designing or improving data systems or infrastructure (e.g., databases, data pipelines, or centralized data management approaches)

• Experience with and understanding of extreme poverty and international development work.

• Written and verbal proficiency in another language (Spanish, Chewa, Khmer, Nepali, Oriya, Quechua, or Tagalog are of interest)

Don't check off every item in the requirements listed above? Please still consider applying. If you are excited about this position, but your experience doesn't perfectly align, we encourage you to submit your materials of interest - you may be just the right candidate to join our team!

Salary, Benefits & Culture

• Salary is competitive with similar positions at international nonprofits of comparable size in the Midwestern United States.

• Exceptional benefits, including 13% retirement contribution, partial coverage health insurance premium, international travel, generous PTO, hybrid flexibility, and more

• Outreach International is consistently recognized as a Best Place to Work in Kansas City. 

• Consistently earns 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator

• Stunning, collaborative headquarters in the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, MO

To apply, please email your résumé and a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how you heard about it to apply@outreachmail.org.  Outreach International is an equal-opportunity employer.