Data Systems and Digital MERL Specialist

Data Systems and Digital MERL Specialist

Africa (multi-country; remote and field-based assignments) | Framework-based consultancy | Subject to contract award and individual assignments

About Voluntās (Latin: will, goal, purpose, meaning)

Voluntās was created from the fundamental belief that all human beings have the inherent right to live a meaningful life. That is why we exist: to realize human potential in all corridors of life – making every workplace, community, and country on the planet full of hope and dignity. Philosophers by heart and advisors by profession, we use our insights to provide evidence-based inspiration, tools and recommendations for our partners around the world.

Voluntās has established offices in Beirut, Copenhagen, Dakar, Kyiv, Mumbai, Nairobi, Port Sudan, and Tunis. We build on a track record of over 270 projects across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, serving more than 150 clients. We advise private and public sector actors, including international organizations, government agencies, civil society and foundations, on how to drive meaningful change in societies and organizations.

Our field of expertise is providing fact-based recommendations and policy options grounded in extensive research and data collection in volatile regions and tailored to increase the impact and sustainability of our partners’ efforts.

Voluntās offers a wide range of services across research, policy and governance, including context and thematic analysis, public perception surveys and policy briefs. Under monitoring and social impact, we provide program design, third-party monitoring, evaluations, and social impact measurement. We work across thematic areas including agriculture and food, children and youth, economic development, education, gender, health, migration, governance, media, peace and security, and sustainability.

About the Role

Voluntās is preparing a proposal for a multi-year framework covering monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning (MERL) services for development finance programs in Africa, including agricultural finance, climate resilience and risk financing.

We are seeking an experienced Data Systems and Digital MERL Specialist to lead the design, development and implementation of an integrated digital MERL platform supporting data collection, validation, analysis, KPI tracking and reporting across multiple programs, countries and implementing partners.

The framework is anticipated to begin in late 2026 and run for five years. Specific assignments, timelines, and levels of effort will be confirmed through individual work orders; appointment and mobilization are not guaranteed.

Your Responsibilities

• Design, develop, deploy, and maintain an integrated digital MERL platform.
• Design databases, data architecture, automated reporting systems, and interactive dashboards.
• Develop digital data collection tools and integrate information from multiple programs and implementing partners.
• Establish data quality assurance processes, including validation, reconciliation, and verification.
• Support harmonized KPI tracking, indicator counting rules, portfolio-level analysis and results visualization.
• Ensure secure data storage and transfer, appropriate access controls, system interoperability and scalability.
• Train users, provide technical support, and develop system documentation.

Main Competencies

• Degree in statistics, information systems, data science, computer science or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience designing databases, dashboards, digital data collection systems, and data quality assurance processes.
• Proven experience designing, developing, deploying and supporting operational digital MERL or results management platforms.
• Strong technical skills in database management, data integration, reporting automation and dashboard development (e.g., Power BI, SQL, KoboToolbox, DHIS2, or similar).
• Experience reconciling and validating data from multiple sources and developing scalable, user-friendly systems.
• Experience supporting multi-country development programs in Africa.
• Excellent written and spoken English; French and/or Arabic is an asset.

How to apply

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• CV in English.
• One-page cover letter outlining relevant experience, including examples of operational digital MERL platforms or systems delivered, the candidate's specific role and technologies used.
• Confirmation of English proficiency and other relevant working languages.

Apply here: Data Systems and Digital MERL Specialist

The deadline to apply is 15 November 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are strongly encouraged.

Appointment is conditional on Voluntās being awarded the relevant framework agreement, selection for a subsequent assignment and final approval of the proposed team.