Senior Technical Officer, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

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 in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, education, economic development, and social justice, and is committed to ensuring that its programs are evidence-based and culturally sensitive. FHI 360 emphasizes collaboration with local partners and communities to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Officer, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plays a pivotal role in the STrengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity. This position is responsible for overseeing the execution of day-to-day MEL activities, implementing policies and processes, and ensuring quality data collection, analysis, and reporting. The Senior MEL Officer is crucial in providing quality assurance for monitoring, evaluation, and learning, which is essential for evidence-based decision-making. The role requires strong communication and teamwork skills, as well as the ability to manage contributions across projects and time zones. This position is ideal for creative and passionate individuals who are committed to development and have a proven track record in integrating learning and adaptive management into development programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior MEL Officer will provide overall technical direction and guidance to project staff to support the planning, implementation, and reporting against the STRIDES Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP). Responsibilities include leading MEL activities, assisting with implementation, and supporting staff and partner capacity building in MEL. The officer will monitor and maintain project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to monitoring and evaluation. They will ensure that AMELP implementation is technically sound and adheres to company strategy and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The officer will develop technical briefs, reports, and other materials to facilitate research and best practices. They will conduct analysis of MEL data to identify areas for improvement, assist with research studies, collaborate with the project team to interpret data sets, develop and monitor MEL plans and budgets, participate in client meetings, and prepare reports summarizing project results. Additionally, the officer will provide technical support in the development and dissemination of tools and materials for research projects and ensure quality assurance on MEL deliverables and reported data.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of MEL concepts, practices, and procedures, with experience providing technical support for research studies. They should have experience developing scopes of work and deliverables for partners and consultants, as well as a deep understanding of MEL quality standards. Proficiency with database management software is required, along with sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in South Sudan. Candidates must be articulate, professional, and able to communicate clearly with clients and staff. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Juba Arabic or other local languages is highly desirable for roles involving direct engagement with local communities. Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills are essential, along with the ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree is required in a relevant field such as Public Health, International Development, or Economic Development. A Project Management (PM) Certification is preferred, indicating a strong foundation in managing projects effectively and efficiently.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6+ years of experience in developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation methodologies, including impact evaluations, managing data collection activities, and providing M&E technical assistance to projects. Ideally, candidates will have 7-8 years of experience. Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization is preferred, along with experience working internationally. Experience working with diverse teams and applying research-to-practice principles to support program implementation is also important. Candidates should have experience effectively communicating and utilizing research and technical content for practical application, with direct experience in Knowledge Management and Communication being a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Juba Arabic or other local languages is highly desirable, especially for roles that involve direct engagement with local communities. This linguistic capability can enhance communication and understanding within the local context, facilitating better project outcomes.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, and may require travel of 10% to 25%. South Sudanese nationals are encouraged to apply. The expected hiring range for this role is equivalent to USD 30,000 - 40,000 annually for basic salary. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 considers multiple factors, including relevant years of experience and education, internal equity, market pay, and budget. This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job and does not prescribe or restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs.