Health Unit MEAL Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. The IRC is dedicated to delivering impactful humanitarian aid and strives to help people survive, regain control of their futures, and strengthen their communities. With a mission to lead the humanitarian field, the IRC implements high-impact, cost-effective programs and utilizes its learning and experience to influence policy and practice.

Job Overview:
The Health Unit MEAL Advisor will play a pivotal role in leading the Health Unit’s coordination of the annual statistics process, managing core indicators, and analyzing global and regional data sets. This position involves developing and managing data collection tools for core indicators and overseeing cross-sectoral MEAL tools. The advisor will also provide MEAL advisory support for evaluations and research projects led by the Health Unit and country programs. The role is crucial for ensuring the integrity and utility of health data, which informs decision-making and program improvements across IRC’s health initiatives. The advisor will work closely with various stakeholders, including Measurement Unit staff, Technical Advisors, and country programs, to ensure data completeness and accuracy, and to identify gaps in health data reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Unit MEAL Advisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the coordination of the Annual Statistics process, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of submitted health data, maintaining the Core Indicator List for health, nutrition, and environmental health, developing and updating data collection tools, analyzing global and regional data for reporting purposes, and providing advisory support to health program staff. The advisor will also be responsible for capacity strengthening in the use of data visualization tools and supporting health-focused advocacy and communication efforts. Additionally, the advisor will engage in project support activities, including monitoring, evaluations, and learning advisory support for health-related projects, which encompasses data analysis, protocol development, and dissemination of results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a related field, complemented by a Master’s degree in Public Health, Statistics, or a similar discipline. A minimum of seven years of experience in public health, particularly in low-resource contexts, is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong technical skills, initiative, and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams. Excellent communication and presentation skills are essential, along with a commitment to fostering a positive work environment. Proficiency in data analysis and a solid understanding of health monitoring and evaluation in low-resource settings are critical. Candidates should also be committed to principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a university degree in a relevant field, along with a Master’s degree in Public Health, Statistics, or a related area. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of health data management and evaluation in humanitarian settings.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of international experience in leading health monitoring and evaluation within humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have expertise in monitoring and evaluating primary health care programs, with additional knowledge of environmental health being advantageous. Experience working in challenging environments and with diverse teams is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in French, Arabic, or Spanish is highly desirable but not required. Strong communication skills in these languages can enhance the candidate's effectiveness in a multicultural work environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in an IRC office that is willing to host HQ staff, with the expectation of travel up to 30% to IRC country offices and field sites, which may involve challenging conditions. The compensation for this role varies based on factors such as the labor market, job type, and internal equity, with specific pay ranges provided for U.S. and U.K. candidates. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program. The organization is committed to equal opportunity employment and considers all applicants based on merit without discrimination.