Program and MERL Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Program and MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning) Specialist will provide technical and analytical support to the Actions to Strengthen Systems to End Trafficking (ASSET) program, funded by the United States Department of State (DoS) and implemented by Winrock International (WI). The ASSET program aims to strengthen Turkmenistan’s national systems to prevent and respond to trafficking in persons (TIP) through institutional capacity building, survivor-centered protection, and coordinated national action. 

The Program and MERL Specialist will contribute to and lead monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems development, data collection, performance tracking, and learning processes, ensuring high-quality reporting and adaptive program management. The position requires close coordination with the ASSET Project Director, partners, grantees, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely monitoring of activities and results. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program Support 

• Support implementation of ASSET program activities in line with annual work plans. 

• Assist in organizing, documenting, and following up on project events, trainings, and workshops. 

• Contribute to drafting periodic program reports, success stories, and communication materials that highlight achievements and lessons learned. 

• Coordinate with implementing partners and sub-grantees to collect monthly activity data, ensure quality assurance, and verify results. Provide technical assistance on reporting and indicators. 

• Support managing logistics and providing administrative support   

• Assist Project Director in communication with stakeholders, documentation of activities, and project planning   

• Develop and maintain updated and accurate programmatic filing system   

• Assist, as appropriate in capacity building of partners and grantees   

• Other duties as assigned   

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) 

• Lead implementation of the ASSET Performance Management Plan in line with DoS and Winrock standards. 

• Collect, validate, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on project indicator data  

• Maintain and regularly update the indicator performance tracking table, and data management systems. 

• Coordinate data collection from field partners, ensuring timely and accurate reporting 

• Support design and implementation of Management Information System (MIS) for project data management and analysis 

• Train partners in the use of the MIS 

• Conduct monitoring visits to project activities and draft monitoring reports.   

• Monitor and assist grantees in implementation of their activities   

• Support organization and administration of reflection and learning events to analyze progress, challenges, and adaptive measures. 

• Support development and revisions to the project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan, processes, and activities with input and assistance from the Project Director and US-based MEL Technical Lead 

• Assist in conducting baseline, midline, and endline assessments as needed, including survey tool development, sampling, and reporting. 

• Lead hiring and management of third party firms/consultants to conduct research and/or evaluation studies. 

• Ensure compliance with data quality, data protection, confidentiality, and ethical standards. 

• Other duties as assigned.  

Coordination and Communication 

• Maintain regular communication with the ASSET Director, finance/operations teams, and Winrock HO MEL staff. 
• Participate in coordination meetings, ensuring alignment of MEL with technical implementation.
• Collaborate with the communications team to integrate evidence-based messaging into outreach and awareness products. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:   

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized and accredited university in law, development, international relations or other related field of study; Master's degree preferred   

• At least 5 years of experience working in development projects in a relevant field (trafficking in persons, migration, rule of law, good governance, access to justice, etc.); USAID or other international donor experience preferred. 

•  Advanced training in Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Management, or Research is a plus. 

• Excellent working knowledge of office software packages preferably with Microsoft Office 365 

• Good attention to detail, ability to organize, and to meet deadlines;  

• Fluent English and Russian language, Turkmen is an asset   

• Experience with performance indicators, logical frameworks, and data visualization tools. 
  Experience working with NGOs, government counterparts, or civil society organizations in Turkmenistan is preferred. 

• Familiarity with gender-responsive and human rights–based programming. 

Skills and Competencies: 

• Strong analytical and data management skills; proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI or other visualization tools. 

• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. 

• Excellent writing and communication skills in Russian and English (Turkmen desirable). 

• High attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to meet tight deadlines. 

• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and data integrity. 

FINANCIAL TERM