Program Officer, Measurement, Learning & Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employee engagement. The organization is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer (PO) for Measurement, Learning & Evaluation (MLE) will play a pivotal role in leading MLE efforts in support of one or more program areas within the India Country Office (ICO). This position involves managing a portfolio of investments and relationships, ensuring that the foundation's initiatives are informed by evidence and adapt to complex, changing environments. The PO will collaborate closely with program teams to identify MLE priorities, design learning and evaluation plans, and facilitate the application of insights to enhance program effectiveness. The role requires a strong focus on communication and the translation of evidence into actionable programmatic strategies, contributing to the overall performance management processes of the ICO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will engage deeply in several key areas:

• Partnering with program and business teams as a 'critical friend' to identify MLE priorities, shape learning and evaluation plans, and support the design of program investments. This includes facilitating the effective communication and application of evidence for programmatic use.
• Developing and managing investments, including grants and contracts, to support programmatic areas of work, focusing on complex dynamic systems, equity, and sustainability. The PO will design scopes of work, budgets, and deliverables, and manage investments in collaboration with program colleagues.
• Strengthening research and evaluation capacities by serving as a point of contact for data and evidence in select program areas, tracking trends, and pursuing opportunities to enhance evaluation practices. The PO will also engage in professional networking and stay updated with scientific literature to nurture connections within relevant communities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a field related to public health, data science, evaluation, or development economics. A minimum of five years of experience in program evaluation, particularly in the health domain, is required. The ideal candidate should have experience in designing and implementing research and evaluation for program learning and accountability, including familiarity with theories of change and results frameworks. A deep understanding of India’s healthcare system, health inequities, and primary healthcare is essential, along with experience in large-scale health projects in India or other Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Candidates should demonstrate methodological and analytical fluency, with skills in evaluation design, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and data visualization. Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work efficiently in complex environments are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, data science, evaluation, or development economics. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and the methodologies used in program evaluation and learning.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in program evaluation, ideally within the health sector. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing and implementing evaluation frameworks and methodologies that support program learning and adaptation. Experience in managing MLE plans for large-scale health initiatives is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the dynamics of health systems in India and other LMICs.

Languages:
Fluency in an Indian language is mandatory for this position, as it will facilitate communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders. Proficiency in English is also essential, given the need for effective communication of evidence and insights to diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
This is a 9-month Limited Term Employment role based in New Delhi. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in India without visa sponsorship. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience and will accommodate candidates with disabilities or medical conditions as needed. The role emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably throughout the hiring process.