Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs a diverse team of experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, and economic development. The organization operates in more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories, showcasing its extensive reach and commitment to global health and development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer plays a crucial role in enhancing project design and implementation for the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity in Thailand and Southeast Asia. This position is responsible for tracking project performance against key indicators, ensuring quality assurance, and managing effective data systems. The Senior MEL Officer will work under the guidance of the STRIDES Thailand Project Director to identify risks and challenges, develop project deliverables, and ensure compliance with MEL standards. The role requires collaboration with both project and global teams to evaluate program effectiveness and contribute to the development of annual workplans that align with global MEL standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior MEL Officer will support the design and implementation of the STRIDES Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP). Responsibilities include developing technical reports that ensure data validity and compliance, managing MEL systems and tools for data collection and analysis, and tracking progress against MEL indicators. The officer will also assess subcontractors' MEL-related data, manage relationships with government counterparts and partners, and develop country-specific MEL plans and budgets. Additional duties may include performing other tasks as assigned, ensuring that all MEL plans incorporate high-quality quantitative and qualitative methods, and providing technical assessment reports to support project objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess comprehensive knowledge of national and international MEL practices, including the development of scopes of work and deliverables for partners. Proficiency in database management software and online search tools is required, along with sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of political and ethical issues in the assigned areas. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential, as well as excellent organizational and analytical skills. The ability to influence and collaborate with others, along with demonstrated project management skills, is also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree or its international equivalent in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, Statistics, Environmental Health, or a related field is required. A Project Management (PM) Certification is preferred, indicating a strong foundation in managing projects effectively within the public health sector.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have at least 6+ years of relevant experience in data management and the implementation of MEL systems. Experience in public health program MEL systems is preferred, along with demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods for monitoring and evaluation. Technical skills in data processing and analysis using statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, R, Python, SAS, Epi Info, Tableau, or PowerBI are advantageous, particularly in the context of disease surveillance and public health decision-making. Previous work experience in NGOs, government agencies, or private organizations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with the ability to read, write, and speak clearly. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the regions served by the STRIDES project.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve supervising junior-level staff and reports directly to the STRIDES Thailand Project Director. The typical physical demands include working in an office environment, with the ability to spend long hours on a computer and perform repetitive tasks. The role may require travel of 10%-20%. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse and harassment in the workplace. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and supports professional development and work/life balance.