Mercy Corps Ethiopia seeks a Market Systems and MERL Advisor in Addis Ababa to lead monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning for a Hilton Foundation-funded childcare and economic empowerment project.

Job Description

Mercy Corps – Market Systems and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MMERL) Advisor
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Position Type: Full-time
Open Positions: 1
Safeguarding Risk Level: High
Application Deadline: October 20, 2025

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization driven by the belief that a better world is possible. In over 40 countries—and especially in times of crisis—we partner with communities to turn bold ideas into action, helping people overcome adversity and build resilient, inclusive futures.

Since 2004, Mercy Corps has worked across Ethiopia—in Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, SNNPR, Dire Dawa, and Addis Ababa—reaching more than five million people through life-saving and livelihood-strengthening programs. Our mission in Ethiopia centers on fostering a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive society, with a strong focus on youth, women, market-driven development, climate resilience, governance, and integrated humanitarian response.

About the Program

Empowering Families, Enriching Lives: Scaling LIWAY’s Childcare Models for Two-Generational ECD is a two-year initiative (September 2024 – August 2026) funded by the Conrad Hilton Foundation and implemented in Addis Ababa. The project addresses systemic gaps in childcare access to simultaneously advance early childhood development (ECD) and economic empowerment for vulnerable families—including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and host communities.

Key strategies include:

• Establishing and upgrading affordable, high-quality childcare centers in underserved areas.
• Enabling women’s workforce participation through reduced childcare burdens.
• Integrating childcare support into labor market interventions, skills training, and entrepreneurship programs.
• Conducting rigorous research to inform national and local policy on institutionalizing childcare services.
• Applying a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach to catalyze sustainable, private-sector-led childcare solutions and job creation for women and youth.

Position Overview

The Market Systems and MERL Advisor will provide technical leadership in both market systems development and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) for this innovative two-generational project. Reporting to the Project Manager, this role ensures that interventions are evidence-based, adaptive, and effectively measured—driving continuous learning, accountability, and impact.

The Advisor will design and oversee market-based childcare and employment interventions, lead the implementation of the MERL framework, manage data systems (including Tola Data, CNMS, and IPTS), build partner and team capacity, and ensure that gender, equity, diversity, and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles are embedded throughout all activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Market Systems & Intervention Design

• Design scalable, inclusive market interventions focused on childcare services, labor market access, and vocational training for vulnerable women (host, refugee, and IDP communities).
• Map market actors, value chains, and support systems; identify and onboard strategic partners.
• Develop viable business models that promote social cohesion and economic inclusion.

2. MERL Leadership & Implementation

• Lead the design, execution, and adaptation of the project’s MERL strategy and M&E plan.
• Ensure high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting across all partners.
• Conduct baseline, midline, and endline evaluations; support sub-activity assessments.
• Institutionalize learning through regular reflection sessions, case studies, success stories, and feedback loops.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Collaborate with government agencies, private sector actors, civil society, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the project in external forums to share evidence and advocate for systemic childcare reforms.
• Support partner management, compliance, and performance tracking.

4. Capacity Building & Team Support

• Train staff and partners on MERL tools, GEDSI integration, and adaptive management.
• Mentor team members in data-driven decision-making and research methodologies.
• Promote a culture of accountability, learning, and innovation.

5. Compliance, Reporting & Safeguarding

• Ensure all activities comply with donor requirements, Mercy Corps policies, and safeguarding standards.
• Produce timely, high-quality reports for donors, government, and internal stakeholders.
• Uphold Mercy Corps’ zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Economics, International Development, Statistics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in MSD, MERL, labor markets, or childcare/economic empowerment programming.
• Proven expertise in designing MERL frameworks, managing mixed-methods data, and using findings for program adaptation.
• Strong understanding of GEDSI principles and their application in fragile contexts.
• Fluency in English and Amharic; proficiency in data tools (e.g., Excel, Tola Data) and Microsoft 365.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in complex, fast-paced environments.

Values & Commitments

• Accountability: Engage communities as equal partners in program design and evaluation.
• Inclusion: Champion gender equity, youth engagement, and protection of marginalized groups.
• Learning: Dedicate 5% of work time to professional development and organizational learning.
• Integrity: Adhere to Mercy Corps’ Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies at all times.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a CV, cover letter, three professional references, and any relevant certifications electronically via the Mercy Corps careers portal:
🔗 Apply Here

Deadline: October 20, 2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, youth, and candidates from diverse backgrounds.