Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer
Sector: Monitoring and Evaluation
Position Type: Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort: Long-Term
Position Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contractual arrangement: Eligible for Cambodian residents/citizens only
Remuneration: Attractive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience in line with CAPRED’s salary scale

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
Are you a collaborative and driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Are you eager to grow your expertise and make a meaningful impact in the development sector? Join our dynamic team as a MERL Officer, where you’ll play a key role in driving evidence-based decision-making and fostering positive change.

The CAPRED Facility is Australia’s flagship bilateral economic development program in Cambodia, focusing on economic recovery and resilience over the next three years, with a possible three-year extension.

The Facility supports Cambodia in implementing a range of necessary economic interventions and reforms to maintain the country’s economic transition. These interventions and reforms are primarily aimed at encouraging more productive and inclusive public and private investment, which promotes a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy (RISE).

CAPRED interventions fall under three technical components including: Agriculture and Agro-processing; Trade, Investment and Enterprise Development and Infrastructure Development; and one Cross-Cutting component comprising: Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Climate Resilient initiatives, and policy support. and policy support. GEDSI is at the heart of all that CAPRED does.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer will be responsible for leading the implementation of CAPRED’s MERL Strategy and System, ensuring robust systems for data collection, analysis, reporting, and knowledge sharing. This role will facilitate evidence-based decision making across portfolios, contributing to adaptive learning and demonstrating program results to stakeholders.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Implement and operationalise MERL strategy: Support the operationalisation of CAPRED’s MERL strategy, including the Intervention Guides, key performance indicators, evaluation questions, data collection methods, management, analysis, and reporting.
• Collaborate across teams: Work closely with Investment Managers and the rest of the MERL team to track program beneficiaries, measure long-term impact, and support knowledge management and evidence generation for facility learning and communication.
• Conduct or commission studies: Oversee evaluative or research studies in collaboration with M&E and/or Research short-term consultants, following the MERL Framework and Plan.
• Report preparation: Contribute to the preparation and timely delivery of high-quality reports for DFAT (e.g., six-monthly Progress Reports, Performance Assessment Framework), the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), target ministries, the Program Steering Committee, and any external reporting requirements.
• Maintain ethical standards: Ensure that MERL and data collection processes adhere to ethical standards, embedding principles of inclusivity and resilience across all components.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Essential Criteria
• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development studies, public policy, statistics, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of MERL principles, including monitoring indicators, data collection, and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, clean, and organise data for analysis and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow data management and quality assurance protocols.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to contribute to team-based learning and reporting processes.
• Commitment to GEDSI principles and interest in learning inclusive MERL practices.
• Desirable Criteria
• Up to one year of work or internship experience in a MERL, research, or administrative support role, preferably in a development context.
• Familiarity with digital data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, Google Forms) or Microsoft Excel for basic analysis.
• Understanding of or interest in gender-responsive and inclusive evaluation practices.
• Ability to write short summaries or contribute to reports and data visualizations.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to project sites for field monitoring and support.
• Fluency in Khmer and good working knowledge of English (spoken and written).

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please send your CV​​ and cover letter with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees to recruitment@capred.org mentioning the position you apply for in the subject line ”MERL Officer”.

Closing Date:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application process will close once the position is filled, or if not, at 5 PM Cambodia time on 31 January 2026.

Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

About the Organization

ABOUT US

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017. 

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.