Company: Plan International
Location: Mutare, Zimbabwe
Job Type: Fixed Term Contract
Closing Date: 10 September 2026
About Plan International
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
In Zimbabwe, Plan International has been building partnerships for children for over 31 years. The organisation operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity.
Plan International MERL Graduate Intern Job Vacancy in Mutare, Zimbabwe
Job Title: MERL Graduate Intern
Job Location: Mutare, Zimbabwe
Closing Date: 10 September 2026
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Organisation: Plan International
Reporting to the Eastern Cluster MERL Specialist, the MERL Graduate Intern will assist in designing and implementing MERL initiatives for cluster-based projects, preparing project reports, monitoring project activities, and collecting and analysing data related to project interventions.
Job Summary
- Employer: Plan International
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Mutare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Monitoring and Evaluation
- Closing Date: 2026-09-10
Key Responsibilities
- Assist coordination and monitoring of Plan International Zimbabwe projects to ensure generation of quality evidence for project progress, performance and results.
- Assist development and regular updates of Project M&E frameworks in line with MERL standards.
- Assist development of Project M&E tools and promote their effective application.
- Support development and rollout of project targets and standards.
- Monitor M&E processes through regular monitoring spot-checks and reviews.
- Compile and analyse collected data to assess performance and identify lessons learned.
- Support data quality assurance, including data auditing and spot checks.
- Support utilisation of PMERL for data collection, storage, analysis, reporting and data aggregation.
- Track project progress and update project indicator performance trackers.
- Assist in planning, design and coordination of evaluations and research initiatives.
- Support implementation of sampling methodologies and data collection.
- Assist in reviewing project evaluation and research reports and provide recommendations.
- Assist in development and dissemination of evaluation and research findings to donors, partners, stakeholders and communities.
- Work collaboratively with the MERL team to develop a learning culture based on evidence and lessons learned.
- Assist in building databases for learning from evaluations and project implementation.
- Support appropriate, gender-sensitive and inclusive community feedback mechanisms.
- Assist in generating quarterly and annual reports by providing timely and quality data.
- Support documentation of best practices, case studies, lessons learnt and Most Significant Change Stories.
- Support research, evaluation and learning initiatives, including reviewing and validating reports and supporting reflection and dissemination processes.
- The MERL Graduate Intern will ensure that Plan International’s global policies on Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are embedded in accordance with the relevant principles, standards and guidelines.
Requirements
- A recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Social Work or a related field .
- Demonstrated skills and experience in report writing.
- Good understanding of donor compliance, rules and regulations relating to M&E and budget management.
- Good communication and analytical skills.
- Ability to interpret and work in accordance with laid-down procedures.
- This position is open to people with the legal right to work in Zimbabwe .
How to Apply
About the Company
Plan International Zimbabwe is a dedicated development organization committed to advancing the futures of young women across the nation. The entity focuses on equipping girls with a range of practical and vocational skills crucial for economic independence. Programmes in Zimbabwe include training in traditional crafts like sewing and baking, alongside modern technical skills such as welding. Furthermore, they provide essential computer training to enhance digital literacy and broaden income-generating prospects. This work ultimately empowers girls to secure employment or start businesses, enabling them to earn a living and significantly support their families' prosperity within Zimbabwe.
Empowering girls in Zimbabwe through skills for self-reliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and skills are typically required for this MERL internship?
Applicants usually need a degree in Statistics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. Proficiency in data collection tools like KoboToolbox or ODK and basic knowledge of Excel are highly valued in the Zimbabwean NGO sector.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a MERL Graduate Intern?
Daily tasks often include assisting with field data collection, cleaning datasets, and drafting progress reports. Interns also support the monitoring of project indicators to ensure program goals are being met.
What is the work culture and expectation for interns in Zimbabwe's NGO sector?
The culture is generally professional and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on accountability and donor compliance. Interns are expected to be proactive, adaptable to field conditions, and respectful of local community protocols.
What are the realistic career progression paths after completing this internship?
Successful interns often transition into Junior M&E Officer or Project Assistant roles within the same organization. With experience, one can progress toward becoming a MERL Manager or a specialized Consultant.
What typical benefits can a graduate intern expect in this role?
Benefits usually include a monthly stipend to cover transport and meals, along with allocated leave days. Some organizations may provide medical insurance or professional development training during the internship period.
How should I apply and what do Zimbabwean employers look for in a MERL candidate?
Apply through the official portal with a tailored CV and a cover letter highlighting your analytical skills. Employers look for candidates who demonstrate a passion for community development and a strong attention to detail in data management.
