Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work encompasses a wide range of health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, among others. The organization is committed to achieving health for all and works closely with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to implement health programs and policies.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the development and implementation of a national Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) framework specifically focused on HIV, STI, BBV, and sexual health outcomes. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and partners, to ensure that data collection and reporting tools align with WHO and UNAIDS frameworks. The officer will be responsible for conducting evaluations, developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and delivering capacity-building workshops to strengthen national ownership and sustainability of health programs. The role demands a high level of independence while also providing opportunities for technical guidance from supervisors. The incumbent will be expected to produce high-quality deliverables, including finalized frameworks, evaluation reports, and training materials, while adhering to ethical standards and integrating considerations of gender, equity, disability, and inclusion in all activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Officer include:

• Supporting the development of a national MERL framework and indicator matrix covering HIV, STI, BBV, and sexual health outcomes, including reviewing existing strategies and harmonizing indicators.
• Designing and aligning data collection and reporting tools with WHO and UNAIDS frameworks, assessing existing tools, and developing standardized tools to ensure data quality.
• Conducting baseline and midline evaluations, including developing evaluation protocols and data collection instruments.
• Developing SOPs and operational tools to support the rollout of the MERL framework, contextualizing WHO and UNAIDS tools to national systems.
• Delivering capacity-building workshops and training sessions for M&E focal points, assessing capacity gaps, and providing ongoing mentorship.
• Contributing to operational and implementation research, policy briefs, and knowledge products.
• Ensuring all MERL activities adhere to ethical standards and integrating gender, equity, disability, and inclusion considerations.
• Ensuring secure data storage and responsible data sharing, while delivering regular reports on relevant activities.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Officer position include:

• Essential: A Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in public health, epidemiology, statistics, or a related field.
• Desirable: Postgraduate qualifications in any of the above disciplines will be considered an advantage.
• Essential: At least 2 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation or research in health or general science.
• Desirable: Experience in sexual health or HIV programs is an advantage.
• Proficiency in data analysis and familiarity with relevant software and tools is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in public health, epidemiology, statistics, or a related field. Candidates with postgraduate qualifications in these disciplines will have an advantage. The educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation or research, specifically in health or general science. Experience in sexual health or HIV programs is considered an asset, as it aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of M&E frameworks and methodologies, as well as the ability to conduct evaluations and analyze data effectively.

Languages:
The essential language requirement for this position is written and spoken fluency in the English language. Additionally, fluency in the iTaukei language is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The salary for this role will start from FJD 32,999.24 to FJD 53,034.50, which corresponds to the Fiji Government Band G, Step 1-7, based on qualifications and experience. The duration of the contract is initially set for 12 months, with the potential for extension. This role is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by Fiji nationals recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station. Candidates facing technical issues accessing the application portal can submit their applications via email, including a cover letter and detailed CV. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or interview may be used as a form of screening. Candidates will need to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications in advance of the interview. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.