MERL Assistant

VACANCY: MONITORING, EVALUATION, RESEARCH AND LEARNING (MERL) ASSISTANT

Location: TREE Head Office, Durban
Reports to: Project Manager / MERL Manager
Contract: Fixed-term
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday (08:00–16:00). Working hours may vary according to project requirements. Where employees are required to work outside of normal working hours, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) will be provided in accordance with TREE’s policy.

About the Role

TREE is seeking an organised and analytical MERL Assistant to support the MERL Department and Kuyakhanya Project through data monitoring, verification, quality assurance, analysis, reporting and technical support. The role will also assist with MERL-related tasks as required.

Minimum Requirements

· Degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Public Policy, Development Studies and Community Development only.

· 3-5 years’ experience in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), data management, data collection or programme support.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with Kobo or similar data collection platforms is advantageous.

· Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to project sites.

Key Responsibilities

1. Monitoring, Evaluation & Compliance

· Track and monitor key project indicators, compliance and infrastructure.

· Consolidate, verify and maintain accurate district and CPF data.

· Conduct routine data support visits, Routine Data Quality Assessments (i.e., RDQAs) and consent verification.

· Compile weekly progress updates and monthly project reports.

· Provide ongoing MERL support and other duties as required by the MERL Department.

2. Data Analysis & Reporting

· Support the consolidation, analysis and reporting of bi-annual child progress assessments.

· Consolidate and analyse pre- and post-training assessment data.

· Assist with the preparation of reports and data summaries to support programme monitoring and decision-making.

· Identify data trends, gaps and areas requiring follow-up.

3. Training & Technical Support

· Provide regular in-service training to CPFs on data collection tools and processes.

· Provide onboarding training to new CPFs on Kobo and other relevant project data tools.

· Provide basic troubleshooting and technical support for Kobo and other data collection tools.

· Support CPFs to improve the accuracy, completeness and timely submission of project data.

· Provide technical assistance to project staff on data collection and reporting tools where required.

4. Knowledge Management and Stakeholder Engagement

· Contribute to the development of knowledge products such as case studies, success stories, and lessons learned.

· Help maintain organised knowledge repositories and learning materials.

· Support donor and partner data requests and prepare materials for meetings and presentations.

5. Administration, Compliance, and Coordination

· Ensure data confidentiality and compliance with organisational policies.

· Maintain organised MERL documentation and support audits or external reviews.

· Coordinate with programme and field staff to ensure timely data submission and reporting.

Key Competencies

· Strong analytical, data management and reporting skills.

· Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

· Strong communication, training and facilitation skills.

· Effective problem-solving and ability to manage multiple priorities.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with willingness to travel.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive CV and all required supporting documentation to: christina@tree-ecd.co.za

Closing Date: 11th of September 2026

Important Application Requirements

Please ensure that your application includes:

• Your reason(s) for leaving your current or previous employer(s).
• Your current and expected salary.
• A copy of your valid driver’s licence.
• All relevant supporting documents, including:
• ID document
• Qualifications and certificates
• Academic records, where applicable
• Matric certificate
• Reference letters, if available.

Important Notice

This position is based at TREE Head Office in Durban and requires regular travel to project sites. Your CV must clearly reflect your current residential location. Failure to submit the required supporting documentation may result in your application not being considered.

Pay: R15 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Are you proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)

Education:

• Bachelors (Required)

Experience:

• Monitoring and Evaluation: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• isiZulu (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: In person