[Consultancy] Technical and Operational Support to the MERL Unit

Terms of Reference – Short-Term MERL Support Consultant

Accelerating Change Through InnoVation In Agricultural TVET (ACTIVATE)

Location

Ghana

Duration of Contract

1st September, 2026 – 31 December 2026 with the possibility of extending to 31 August, 2027

Reports to

MERL Manager

Application Deadline

20th August, 2026

Expected Start Date

1st September, 2026

Level of Effort

48 days

Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to provide technical and operational support to the MERL Unit to ensure timely implementation of priority MERL activities, strengthen data quality, improve database management, and support routine monitoring and reporting during the intensive Year 3 implementation period.

The consultant will be engaged on a five-month assignment, working up to 12 working days per month, based on MERL priorities and the availability of tasks.

Scope of Work

The consultant will work under the supervision of the MERL Manager/Lead and will undertake assignments based on monthly MERL priorities. Key responsibilities include:

Learner Profiling and Data Validation

• Support Year 3 learner profiling activities.
• Coordinate participant data validation and verification exercises.
• Review learner records for completeness, consistency, and accuracy.
• Resolve data quality issues with implementing partners and Zonal Coordinators.
• Review and track milestones reviews process

Database Management

• Manage routine updates to the Airtable MERL database.
• Perform routine database cleaning and validation.
• Maintain backup copies of key MERL databases.
• Support database maintenance and troubleshooting.

Digital Data Collection

• Develop and update Kobo Toolbox and other digital data collection tools.
• Deploy digital questionnaires for field data collection.
• Test and monitor functionality of digital tools.
• Support data synchronization and troubleshooting during field activities.

Monitoring, Reporting and Data Quality Assurance

• Support routine programme monitoring activities.
• Conduct data quality checks and validation.
• Follow up with implementing partners on identified data quality issues.
• Compile monitoring information for routine reporting.
• Support the implementation of Tracer Study and Outcome Surveys
• Support preparation of programme dashboards and data summaries.

Expected Deliverables

The consultant will deliver, as applicable to the monthly work plan:

• Verified participant validation records.
• Airtable database updates completed and maintained.
• Digital data collection tools developed and deployed.
• Field monitoring and support provided to Partnership Facilitators report
• Routine database quality assurance reports.
• Milestone verification support reports.
• Data quality issue logs and follow-up actions completed.
• Monthly progress summary of assignments undertaken.
• Technical support provided for the Tracer Study, Outcome Surveys, and Midterm Evaluation.
• Backup copies of designated MERL databases.

Consultant(s) Qualifications

The Consultant(s) or firm should meet the following minimum qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Information Management, or a related field.
• At least six (6) years of experience supporting monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning activities.
• Demonstrated experience in participant profiling, data validation, and data quality assurance.
• Experience managing digital databases such as Airtable or similar systems.
• Proficiency in Kobo Toolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO, or similar digital data collection platforms.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and reporting skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other data management tools.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report directly to the MERL Manager and will:

• Agree on a monthly work plan before commencing assignments.
• Submit a brief monthly progress report summarizing activities completed, deliverables produced, challenges encountered, and recommendations.
• Submit a timesheet indicating the actual number of days worked each month.

Payment Arrangement

The consultant will be paid based on the actual number of days worked, up to a maximum of 12 working days per month, upon satisfactory completion of assigned tasks, submission of agreed deliverables, approved timesheets, and certification by the MERL Manager.

Submission of Applications

Interested candidates should submit their applications to https://wusc.bamboohr.com/careers/377 by 20th August 2026.