Vacancies

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Specialist

Duty station: Bishkek/Osh

Contract Duration: July–December 2026 (6-month temporary position)

Department: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL)

Supervisor: AKF/MSDSP MERL Manager

Preamble

These Terms of Reference (ToR) describe the tasks of a Specialist necessary for the execution of the services. The Specialist should keep in mind the obligation to follow the most efficient approach, the need to strictly maintain the These Terms of Reference (ToR) outline the responsibilities of the Specialist required for the execution of the services. The Specialist is expected to adopt the most efficient approach, adhere strictly to the timeline for deliverable submissions, and operate within the proposed consultancy budget. It is understood that the Specialist will carry out all tasks necessary to achieve the objectives of MSDSP KG.

Objective and Scope of services

The MERL Specialist will be responsible for data administration and field support tasks and will play a critical role in facilitating data collection processes, ensuring data quality, and managing digital data systems. The Specialist will ensure the efficient and timely collection, entry, and reporting of data for ongoing projects. The role will also contribute to routine field monitoring, verification visits, and the capacity-building of implementing partners and field staff in the use of data collection tools and platforms.

All responsibilities will be carried out under the overall supervision of the AKF/MSDSP MERL Manager.

Main Responsibilities

• In collaboration with other members of the MERL Department, provide support in data collection operations, including the design of data collection tools, surveys, and instruments.
• Support database administration, architecture, and integration efforts in coordination with the MERL Department team.
• Facilitate effective communication between the project and relevant stakeholders, including the MERL team, AKF and MSDSP KG programs, the Communications Department, and the Partnerships Department.

Field Data Collection and Monitoring

1. Coordinate and conduct regular field visits to monitor project activities, collect primary data, and verify partner-reported results.
2. Support implementing partners and project staff in accurate and timely data collection using standardized tools.
3. Train partners and field teams on data collection protocols and tools as needed.
4. Participate in baseline, midline, and endline assessments, including qualitative data collection when required.

Data System Administration

5. Manage and maintain AKF’s digital data platforms (e.g., Ona, Excel-based databases etc).
6. Ensure data is uploaded, cleaned, and validated regularly.
7. Provide troubleshooting and technical support for digital data tools used by project and field teams.
8. Contribute to the development and refinement of digital data collection forms and dashboards.

Reporting and Data Quality

9. Work with the MERL team to prepare data summaries, tables, and inputs for donor and internal reports.
10. Support data quality assurance processes, including spot-checks, consistency reviews, and feedback loops with program teams.

Safeguarding:

• Information on safeguarding are integrated into the M&E reports for all projects.
• The M&E processes/outcomes also assess whether projects are safe for the targeted communities.

Gender:

• Ensure that Global Indicators on Gender are reflected in the logframes of any new project proposals submitted.
• Ensure the systematic tracking of gender-related indicators under each project and across AKF-MSDSP programs.

Qualifications and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in statistics, social sciences, international development, IT, or a related field.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and/or data administration.
• Demonstrated experience implementing M&E activities within projects funded by international development agencies.
• Proven experience in conducting or supporting field-level monitoring and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data cleaning/analysis tools; knowledge of Power BI is considered an asset.
• Experience working with digital data collection platforms (e.g., KoboToolbox, Ona).
• Ability to maintain databases, verify data accuracy, and conduct regular data quality assessments.
• Strong report writing skills in both English and Russian.
• Self-motivated, dynamic, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Other Considerations

• Willingness to travel frequently to field sites across Naryn, Osh, Chui, Jalal-Abad, and Batken oblasts. 

Languages: Excellent oral and written communication skills in Kyrgyz, Russian and English.

Interested and qualified candidates could express their interest in writing by submitting their applications by July 14, 2026, 18:00 (Bishkek time) to the following email address msdspkg.hr@akdn.org , indicating the job title and their name in the subject line.

For example: "MERL Specialist" and attach the following documents:

1. Cover letter, no more than 200 words;
2. CV;
3. Contact information for three referees;
4. Copies of educational documents verifying qualifications.

Applications that do not meet the above requirements will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for interviews.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks which include criminal record checks. AKF Kyrgyzstan also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. You can find out more on this scheme on this link: https://misconduct-disclosure-scheme.org/

The Public Foundation Kyrgyzstan Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP KG)  is committed to safeguarding, which means it promotes respectful relations with and between all staff, associates, beneficiaries and wider communities with whom it works, and takes all reasonable measures to prevent harm, including all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment (PSEAH), bullying, discrimination, harassment and abuse of power that may arise from contact with its staff, programmes or operations.

MSDSP KG also adheres to child safeguarding principles, as set out by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s), employment history and any potential history of misconduct. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a full background check.

All employees of MSDSP KG are required to adhere to the organizational safeguarding standards and principles and at all times to act with dignity, respect and to contribute to a safe environment free from any type of harassment, abuse or discrimination