About the Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD):
The Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD) is a Non-Governmental Organization duly registered by the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Board of Kenya. It has its Head Office in Lodwar town and field offices in Kakuma and Lokiriama, Turkana County. Founded and registered as a Community-Based Organization in 2002, APaD transitioned to an NGO in 2019. APaD envisions a community that is empowered, secure, dignified, and resilient. The organization implements its programs in pastoralist Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) in Northern Kenya, with a particular focus on Turkana and West Pokot Counties; and across the international borderlands with Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia (the IGAD’s Karamoja Cluster).
To contribute to addressing issues plaguing the pastoralist communities within the IGAD’s Karamoja Cluster, APaD implements programs in the following thematic areas of focus: Peacebuilding and Governance; Food Security and Livestock Development; Community Health and Nutrition; Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management (NRM); Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Humanitarian Response; Women and Youth Empowerment; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); and, Research, Advocacy, and Policy Influence.
As part of its commitment to impactful and sustainable change, APaD employs a comprehensive set of programmatic approaches that integrate peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian action to ensure seamless transitions from emergency response to long-term resilience (the twin-track approach). Its multi- sectoral and community-led interventions address complex challenges—such as conflict, climate change, food insecurity, and governance deficits—through participatory, inclusive, and rights-based strategies. APaD emphasizes evidence-based programming, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and policy advocacy, while actively promoting women’s and youth leadership. The organization also adopts adaptive management and continuous learning to enhance the relevance, innovation, and effectiveness of its programs in cross-border pastoralist contexts.
As part of its organizational growth and program expansion, APaD is seeking to recruit qualified, competent, passionate, and committed professionals for the following position:
MONITORING, EVALUATION, RESEARCH & LEARNING (MERL) OFFICER
Location: Kakuma, Turkana County, Kenya
Reports To: Head of Programs
Position Type: Full-time
Contract Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance and funding availability)
Application Deadline: 21st July 2025
Position Summary
The Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD) is seeking a results-oriented, analytical, and highly organized Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer to strengthen its evidence-based programming, accountability mechanisms, and organizational learning. The MERL Officer will design, implement, and maintain systems that measure the performance and impact of programs while promoting learning and continuous improvement across APaD’s initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement robust M&E plans, logical frameworks, and performance monitoring
systems in alignment with APaD’s strategic goals and donor requirements.
- Lead data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Conduct baseline surveys, mid-term reviews, endline evaluations, and thematic assessments to measure outcomes and impact.
- Maintain and update a centralized MERL database and dashboard to support real-time project tracking and decision-making.
- Ensure data quality through field verification, spot checks, and regular internal audits.
- Produce high-quality, timely M&E reports, infographics, and success stories for donors, management, and external partners.
- Facilitate quarterly learning and reflection sessions with program teams, integrating findings into adaptive management.
- Document and disseminate best practices, innovations, and lessons learned from field implementation.
- Contribute to resource mobilization by providing M&E inputs to concept notes and proposals, including indicator frameworks and targets.
- Build the capacity of staff, partners, and community actors on M&E tools, methodologies, and data use for decision-making.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. A postgraduate diploma or professional certification in M&E is an added advantage.
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in M&E, research, or learning roles in the humanitarian, peacebuilding, or development sector.
- Proven experience in designing M&E systems, tools, and surveys, and in managing data across the full program cycle.
- Strong proficiency in data analysis tools and platforms such as Excel, SPSS, STATA, Power BI, KoboToolbox, and ODK.
- Excellent analytical, report writing, and communication skills.
- Experience working with donor-funded projects (e.g., USAID, EU, UN) and familiarity with donor reporting requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to promote a learning culture, facilitate adaptive programming, and integrate feedback loops.
- Knowledge of pastoralist systems, cross-border dynamics, and conflict-sensitive programming is desirable.
- High levels of integrity, accountability, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
Core Competencies
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Technical Rigor: Demonstrated competence in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
- Strategic Thinking: Aligns monitoring and learning efforts with broader programmatic and institutional goals.
- Communication and Presentation: Clearly conveys findings to diverse audiences through reports, visuals, and presentations.
- Collaboration and Facilitation: Engages teams and partners in participatory learning and results- based management.
- Adaptability and Initiative: Responds effectively to changing needs in dynamic environments.
- Ethics and Confidentiality: Upholds the highest standards of data protection, ethics, and accountability.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
- A cover letter
- A detailed and up-to-date CV
- Copies of academic certificates, professional certifications, and testimonials
- Contact information for three professional referees
Applications should be sent via email, addressed to the Human Resource Officer, at recruitment- hr@apadkenya.org. The email subject line should clearly indicate the position being applied for, e.g., “Procurement & Logistics Officer Application.” The deadline for submission is 21st July 2025, at 5:00 PM EAT (Close of Business).
Alternatively, hard copy applications may be hand-delivered during official working hours (Monday to
Friday) to the organization’s Head Office in Lodwar and addressed to:
The Human Resources Officer
Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD)
P.O. Box 342-30500
Lodwar, Turkana County; Kenya.
Turkwel Buildings, Off NORAD Road; Nawoitorong’.
The Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD) is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. All employment decisions are made without regard to gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Female candidates and other qualified applicants from Turkana County are strongly encouraged to apply.
We appreciate ALL applications. However, due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
