MERL Graduate Intern

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity.

We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. In Zimbabwe, we have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 31 years. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity.

Reporting to the Eastern Cluster MERL Specialist, the MERL Graduate Intern will be assisting in designing and implementing the MERL initiatives for cluster-based projects, assisting in preparing reports for projects and monitoring the project activities and will be responsible for the collection and analysis of different data in relation to the project interventions.

Accountabilities:

1. Monitoring and Performance Management

• Assist coordination and monitoring of PIZ projects to ensure generation of quality evidence for project progress, performance and results.
• Assist development and regular updates of Project M&E frameworks for projects in line with MERL standards.
• Assist development of Project M & E tools and promote their effective application in tracking project progress.
• Support the development and rollout of project targets and standards to ensure delivery of quality outputs.
• Monitor the implementation of the M&E process by ensuring regular monitoring spot-checks and reviews; compile and analyze the collected data to assess performance and identify lessons learned
• Support data quality assurance, including frequent data auditing and data spot checks for projects.
• Support utilization of PMERL for data collection, storage, analysis, reporting, data aggregation at different levels ensuring quality and complete data entry; and reporting in the system.
• Support regularly tracking of project progress and update the project indicator performance trackers to support the project reporting obligations to different stakeholders.

2. Evaluation and Research

• Assist in the planning, design and coordination of evaluations and research initiatives including supporting quality implementation of the sampling methodology and data collection.
• Assist review of project evaluation and research reports and give recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of projects evaluation/research findings to donors, partners, key stakeholders and communities and their utilization in learning activities.

3. Knowledge Management and Learning

• Work collaboratively with the MERL team to develop a learning culture based on evidence collected and lessons-learned.
• Assist in building database for learnings from evaluations, project implementation, and other relevant information; ensure that users can navigate and upload or retrieve information quickly.
• Support deployment of appropriate, gender sensitive and inclusive community feedback mechanisms, ensuring processes are in place for timely and adequate analysis and response.
• Assist generation of quarterly and annual reports by providing timely and quality data to the Cluster MERL Specialist.
• Support documentation of best practices, case studies, lessons learnt, Most Significant Change Stories and reflection of the project to provide evidence on project impact including inclusiveness
• Support research, evaluation and learning initiatives including reviewing and validating reports, and leading reflection and dissemination processes

4. Safeguarding, Gender Equality and Inclusion

• Ensure that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Knowledge and Skills

• A recent Graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Social Work, or a related field
• Demonstrated skills and experience in report writing, and a good understanding of donor compliance, rules and regulations in regards to M&E and budget management.
• Good communication and Analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret and work in accordance with laid down procedures.

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are required to submit their curriculum vitae & cover letter outlining their suitability for the position. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This position is open to people with the legal right to work in Zimbabwe

Location: Mutare Office

Type of role: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 10 September 2026

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.