MERL (Measurement, Evaluation, Research & Learning) Manager, LAC

SUPERVISOR

Regional Director, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) & Director of Data and Performance

Mexico (all candidates must have the legal right to work and live in Mexico), Remote

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FOUNDATION (IYF)

For 35 years, our sole focus has been to help young people succeed. Together with partners around the world, we've invested in ensuring that youth develop the leadership, technical, and life skills to earn a livelihood. Whether it's landing a first job, growing a business, or driving social change, every young person deserves the opportunity to realize his or her full potential. Rooted in the belief of youth as problem-solvers, change-makers, and leaders, our initiatives are catalysts for change. For more information, please consult

The MERL Manager is responsible for managing the implementation of Measurement, Evaluation, Research & Learning practice in the LAC portfolio. This role will support the application of capacity strengthening assessments and ensure that regional programs are applying the appropriate frameworks, tools and knowledge sharing to equip young people with skills to secure and maintain employment.

• Provide technical support to all aspects of the portfolio to ensure monitoring and evaluation plans are followed in a highly effective manner. Seek out ways to improve efficiency in data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to IYF LAC team and partners to ensure compliance and accuracy of data collection, STORM management and reporting through regular coaching, data quality audits and monitoring visits.
• Support the MERL Director in the design, management and implementation of the MERL systems for the LAC portfolio.
• Manage programs and performance data through IYF's Systematic Tracking and Organizational Records Management System (STORM), IYF's management information system built on the platform.
• Manage the advancement of IYF´s Learning Agenda in LAC region, in collaboration with the Senior Technical Advisor and key program staff.
• Collaborate with communications and program teams to translate evidence into accessible knowledge and thought leadership products.
• Maintain a clear line of sight on KPIs across all programs in the portfolio and ensure timely performance reporting, risk detection and mitigation strategies.
• Support the development of performance measurement frameworks for Regional-related proposal development and project implementation efforts (e.g., theories of change, logical frameworks, performance monitoring plans, evaluation and learning plans).
• Manage the day-to-day implementation of a strategic approach to learning and knowledge sharing within the regional portfolio that adheres to IYF's global approach.
• Manage performance measurement of programs in the portfolio and produce performance and learning reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Implement the assigned portfolio's MERL plans. Propose ideas to enhance learning and sharing of monitoring data and evaluation outcomes.
• Conduct other duties, as assigned.

Manager

Requirements:

• Commitment to youth development and a values-driven work environment.
• Bachelor's degree in quantitative or related field (economics, international development, mathematics, education, quantitative methods, engineering, finance etc.).
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in related field, including 2 or more years of experience using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies in measurement, evaluation, and learning (MERL) activities for program performance.
• Experience managing rigorous evaluations and knowledge of/experience with programs that support youth employment and/or social services (e.g. education, health) preferred. Knowledge of/experience with programs that support youth employment and education is preferred.
• Excellent knowledge of and experience with Excel is required (pivot tables, formulas, graphics, etc.). Strong command of data analysis and management software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R) and data platforms (e.g., Salesforce, MySQL) preferred.
• Proven experience in designing, managing, and analyzing rigorous evaluations; conducting assessments and data quality audits; and applying findings to inform strategy and adaptive management.
• Strong program management, presentation, team-building and interpersonal skills, as well as an analytical ability to identify and establish priorities and attend to all details in a professional manner.
• High-level analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex data for use in program improvement and decision-making.
• Familiarity with MERL requirements and standards from major private, public and multilateral donors.
• Exceptional written and oral Spanish and English language. Professional proficiency in Portuguese and/or French a plus.

We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new hire is an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to further diversify our organization. IYF is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.