MERLA Specialist
- CO Congo DRC
- Published: 2026-03-13
- published till: 2026-03-26
About CBM
CBM (registered as CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V.) is an international development organisation committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the persons communities of the world. Based on our Christian values and more than 100 years of professional expertise, we address poverty as a cause and a consequence of disability. We work in partnership to create an inclusive society for all.
These are your responsibilities
Strategy & Frameworks
- Design and operationalize MERLA frameworks aligned to donor logframes, guidelines, and CBM MERLA practices; define Theory of Change, logframes, indicators, data flow pathways, and learning and adaptation approaches.
- Maintain a robust performance management plan with indicators (reflecting inputs→ outputs→ outcomes→ impact), baselines, targets, disaggregation types (sex, age, disability, geography), data sources, reporting frequency, risks and assumptions.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research
- Lead routine monitoring, including in-person and virtual monitoring visits; use monitoring to identify and address programme quality issues.
- Conduct data quality assurance, including Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), spot checks, and supervision.
- Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data capture, validation, cleaning, storage, and access control; ensure data protection compliance.
- Plan and oversee implementation of evaluations (baseline, midline, endline); may include developing terms of reference, managing consultants or groups to implement evaluations, reviewing evaluation reports, and linking findings to adjust project implementation and inform future project design.
- Develop research/evidence-gathering priorities, activities, protocols, consent processes, sampling strategies, and statistical analysis plans, steward ethical approvals.
Learning & Adaptation
- Develop and oversee implementation and application of Learning Agendas.
- Lead country-specific After-Action Reviews (AARs), pause-and-reflect sessions, and adaptive management cycles; document lessons, scale what works, and retire ineffective approaches.
- Produce Learning Briefs and Evidence-to-Action notes for decision-makers.
- Contribute to cross-organizational learning which may include activities such as Pause and Reflect sessions, Global Learning Forums, peer exchanges, and the MERLA Community of Practice.
Reporting & Visualization
- Deliver timely donor reports (e.g., monthly/quarterly/annual), dashboards, maps, and scorecards.
- Translate complex data into actionable insights for project, country office, and Initiative leadership and external partners/stakeholders.
- Maintain project-specific dashboards.
- Oversee routine reporting of Standard and Custom Indicators to CBM; contribute to semi-annual narrative reports as needed.
Capacity Strengthening
- Train staff and partners on MERLA); may include developing materials, facilitating workshops, mentoring, and coaching.
- Support partners to implement high-quality MERLA practices to improve programme quality
These are your qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, development studies, or related fields. Minimum of 8 years with an international development agency in a similar role, preferably with solid experience in project- or technical-area specific topic.
- Strong understanding of and experience implementing MERLA concepts and best practices.
- Proficiency in quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis and data visualization techniques (e.g., using Power BI, Tableau).
- Experience implementing evaluations for project- or technical-area specific topic.
- Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner.
- Experience in solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in.
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; professional-level fluency in English and French (reading, writing, speaking).
- Strong attention to detail.
- Highly organized, with an appreciation for meeting reporting commitments.
- Ability to prioritize and manage demanding workloads.
- Strong ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Identification with CBM values and mandates.
What we offer
- A meaningful position with a lot of creative freedom in the world's leading organisation in the field of Disability Inclusive Development
- A fair salary and other social benefits based on the local conditions in DRC
- An approachable, agile organisation with self-reliant people in a diverse and collegial team and great team spirit
How to apply
A letter of motivation, CV and relevant (school & work) references complete your application.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Your contact person: Mr. Guy Rajabu ,
We would like to further promote diversity in our teams and therefore welcome applications from people of different ethnic and social backgrounds, religions and world views, different ages and genders, and especially from people with disabilities.
