Senior MEL Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a non-profit human development organization that is dedicated to advancing equity, health, and wellbeing through data-driven, locally led solutions. Established with a mission to improve lives and promote sustainable development, FHI 360 operates in over 60 countries, including all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. The organization employs a diverse team of experts across various fields such as Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research, and Technology, which allows it to address complex and interrelated development challenges effectively.

Job Overview:
The Senior MEL Advisor will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework that measures project outcomes, tracks progress, and facilitates continuous learning and improvement. This role is crucial as it ensures that project activities are evidence-based, results-oriented, and responsive to the evolving needs of beneficiaries and stakeholders. The advisor will work closely with project teams, government counterparts, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the MEL framework. This position will report directly to the Project Director and will play a key role in the EpiC project, which aims to achieve and maintain HIV epidemic control in Lesotho.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior MEL Advisor will lead the development and implementation of the project's MEL framework, which includes designing performance indicators, data collection tools, and evaluation methodologies. The advisor will supervise MEL team members, monitor their performance, lead professional development efforts, and identify opportunities for capacity building. They will establish systems and protocols for collecting, analyzing, and reporting project data in compliance with U.S. State Department, PEPFAR MER, and FHI 360 requirements. Coordination with project teams is essential to ensure that MEL activities are integrated into all stages of project planning, implementation, and evaluation. The advisor will provide technical guidance and support to project staff and partners on MEL concepts, methods, and tools, and will conduct regular monitoring visits to project sites to assess progress and capture lessons learned. They will also lead the design and implementation of project evaluations, facilitate knowledge-sharing activities, prepare and disseminate MEL reports, and ensure compliance with ethical standards for data collection and use. Additionally, the advisor will act as the country focal point for strategic information and serve as a liaison between country SI and FHI 360 SI HQ.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Senior MEL Advisor position should possess strong project management skills, with the ability to set realistic priorities and plan for successful implementation of activities. They should have in-depth functional experience with projects of similar size and scope, along with strong diagnostic, analytical, and problem-solving skills. The candidate must be able to effectively communicate information, present recommendations, and collaborate with colleagues and peers both within the organization and externally. The ability to influence others regarding the benefits of ideas or plans of action is also essential.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree or its international equivalent in Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences, International Development, Human Development, Statistics, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation in health programs.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 12 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, with at least 7 years managing MEL activities for U.S. Government or other donor-funded projects. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks for complex health programs, particularly in low-resource settings, is essential. Experience with advanced-level use of DHIS2 and managing and building the capacity of junior staff is also required.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and the project. Additional languages relevant to the local context may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timeline. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing any form of discrimination in its hiring practices. The organization emphasizes safeguarding against abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, which may involve requesting information from previous employers regarding any substantiated findings of misconduct. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and supports professional development and work/life balance.