Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Associate

Job Overview

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Associate plays a pivotal role in strengthening HTI’s impact across Uganda. This position ensures that every program decision is backed by robust data, rigorous analysis, and continuous learning. Working at the intersection of research, evaluation, and organizational performance, the Associate will help translate complex criminal justice data into actionable insights. The role is central to HTI’s mission of decimating human trafficking by empowering local authorities with evidence and tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the collection, cleaning, and validation of human trafficking case data from field partners and police units.
• Conduct statistical analysis of trafficking trends to identify hotspots, victim profiles, and prosecution outcomes.
• Develop and update MERL frameworks, indicators, and data collection instruments aligned with global standards.
• Collaborate with program teams to design baseline assessments, mid-term evaluations, and end-line studies.
• Produce concise reports, dashboards, and briefs for leadership and donor stakeholders on a quarterly basis.
• Facilitate learning workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions to build staff capacity in data use and MEL practices.
• Maintain secure databases, ensure ethical handling of sensitive victim and perpetrator information.
• Support the Global MERL team by contributing to cross-country research syntheses and learning products.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• A Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field with strong quantitative coursework.
• At least two years of hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting within NGO or research settings in Uganda.
• Proficiency in SPSS, Stata, R, or Excel for statistical analysis and data visualization; experience with SQL or Power BI is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Luganda; ability to present findings to non-technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset; comfortable working across multidisciplinary teams and remote partners.

Desirable

• A Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Science, International Development, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience working on human rights, gender-based violence, or criminal justice reform projects in East Africa.
• Familiarity with KoboToolbox, ODK, or SurveyCTO for digital data collection in low-connectivity environments.
• Prior exposure to human trafficking research, victim support systems, or law enforcement collaboration.
• Certification in data protection, research ethics, or trauma-informed data practices.
• Publications or presentations at academic or practitioner conferences on MEL, trafficking, or development evaluation.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive monthly salary of UGX 2.9 to 3.3 million, adjusted based on experience and performance reviews.
• Comprehensive health insurance covering inpatient, outpatient, and mental health services for the employee and immediate dependents.
• Monthly transport allowance to cover commute within Kampala and occasional field visits to districts like Wakiso, Entebbe, or Jinja.
• Accommodation support for the first three months, including a furnished studio apartment near the HTI office in Nakawa.
• Professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications in MEL, data science, or human trafficking research.
• Flexible working hours with a hybrid model: three days in the office, two days remote, subject to project demands.
• Annual leave of 21 days plus public holidays, with additional compassionate leave for personal or family emergencies.
• Opportunity to work with a global team of experts and contribute to high-impact anti-trafficking initiatives across Africa and beyond.
• Clear career progression path from Associate to MERL Officer, Manager, and eventually Country MERL Lead.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a detailed curriculum vitae, a one-page cover letter explaining their relevance to HTI’s mission, and any relevant certificates or portfolio links. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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