Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a diverse workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to addressing the interconnected challenges of health, education, and economic development, and it emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices and community engagement in its programs.

Job Overview:
The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will play a crucial role in the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) activity in Vietnam. This position is responsible for managing the implementation of MEL systems at the country level, ensuring that data collection, analysis, and reporting are conducted effectively to demonstrate program progress and accountability. The officer will develop and operationalize MEL tools and dashboards that facilitate evidence-based decision-making. Additionally, the MEL Officer will provide technical support and guidance to the STRIDES Vietnam team, ensuring that MEL activities align with the Activity MEL Plan (AMELP) and organizational standards. The role involves close collaboration with both the STRIDES Vietnam and STRIDES US teams to enhance country capacity building for staff and partners, support data quality assurance, and promote the use of data for program improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior MEL Officer will be responsible for leading and managing the implementation of MEL systems, tools, and procedures at the country level. This includes tracking STRIDES Vietnam indicators, producing reports, and providing guidance to project staff on MEL-related matters. The officer will support the MEL aspects of STRIDES implementation, including capacity building for staff and partners, and will monitor and maintain project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to MEL. The officer will also assist with technical activities by providing support, monitoring, and documenting processes. Mentorship and team building at the task level will be part of the role, as well as collaboration with the STRIDES US MEL team to interpret data sets and findings. The officer will develop and monitor MEL aspects of technical work plans and budgets, participate in client and funder meetings, and draft reports and presentations related to MEL work in the country. Furthermore, the officer will implement components of the AMELP, contribute to documenting lessons learned, and develop strategies and tools for specific MEL components. The role also includes ensuring project MEL activities are on track with work plans and creating technical content related to MEL work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of MEL concepts, practices, and procedures for country-level monitoring. A broad understanding of MEL quality standards is essential, along with proficiency in database management software and data visualization tools such as Excel, Tableau, and Power BI. The ideal candidate will have sensitivity to cultural diversity and an understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are required, as well as excellent organizational and analytical skills. Project management skills are crucial, along with the ability to influence and collaborate with others. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is mandatory, and the ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports is necessary.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree or its international equivalent in Data Science, Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, International Development, Human Development, or a related field is required. A Project Management (PM) Certification is preferred.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have at least 6 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, including managing data collection, analysis, and reporting at the program or project level. Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or international organization is preferred. Proficiency with data visualization tools and statistical software such as Excel, Tableau, Power BI, SPSS, or Stata is desirable. Experience in supporting MEL capacity building, data quality assurance, and evidence-based decision-making is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with the ability to read, write, and speak clearly. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel of 10% to 25%. The job is based in a typical office environment, with the expectation of spending long hours looking at a computer screen and performing repetitive tasks. The organization emphasizes a commitment to safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable laws. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and supports professional development and work/life balance.