Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer (Roving)

TITLE: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer

PROGRAMS/DEPARTMENTS: USAID Ethiopia Lowlands Health Activity (LHA)

REPORTS TO: Regional Team Lead and Learning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (LME) Advisor        

PLACE OF WORK:  Borana (Yabello) and South Ethiopia (Jinka) 

COMPANY SUMMARY 

EngenderHealth (EH) envisions a gender-equal world where all people achieve their sexual and reproductive health and rights. We believe this is essential for ensuring all people can attain their full potential. To realize this vision, we implement high-quality, gender-equitable programs that advance sexual and reproductive health and rights.”

BACKGROUND

The five-year (January 2024-December 2028) USAID/Ethiopia Lowlands Health Activity (LHA) works to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Ethiopia by focusing on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition. LHA is implemented by EngenderHealth in partnership with international organizations, JSI Research and Training Institute (JSI), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills Carolina Population Center (UNC-CPC), and local organizations consisting of Pastoralist Concern, Ethiopian Muslims Relief & Development Association and Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA). Geographically, the Activity will cover 35 selected pastoralist woredas of Afar, Somali, South Omo Zone in South Ethiopia, and Borena Zone in Oromia regions. The goal of the LHA project is to improve health and nutrition outcomes in pastoral areas by increasing access, quality, and utilization of health and nutrition services.

Qualified female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

JOB SUMMARY

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer, under the supervision of the Regional Team Lead and Learning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (LME) Advisor, will be responsible for implementing comprehensive planning, monitoring, and evaluation systems and ensuring the effective operation of these systems at the respective field programs. The MEL Officer will be the focal point for LHA monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and health management information system (HMIS) activities across the region and partners. The MEL Officer will ensure that the project database is regularly updated, compile project Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and assist in meeting project commitments to the donor, including timely performance outcomes. The MEL Officer will also participate in baseline, midline, and end-line assessments; engage in detailed implementation planning, indicator development, and the preparation of monitoring and evaluation plans, tools, and databases. Additionally, the MEL officer will assist the MEL advisor and program team in program/project monitoring and evaluation to ensure that EngenderHealth Projects perform as planned and achieve the desired impact. The MEL Officer will compile data, maintain databases, synthesize and prepare reports, assist in documentation and dissemination of findings and lessons, and provide feedback as per the MEL plan. The MEL Officer will also prepare monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and annual reports for EngenderHealth internal systems, donors, governments, and other partners, as well as interim status reports as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1) Data Collection, Data quality and Management:

• Ensure timely collection, entry, storage, and use of project data for program improvement activities at regional field offices.

• Coordinate and oversee data collection processes to ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Maintain and update the regional MEL database.

• Ensure data quality through regular verification and validation checks by conducting periodic data quality assessments (DQA) at supported health facilities and provide appropriate recommended action points and follow the implementations accordingly.

2) Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop and implement regional MEL plans in alignment with the overall MEL framework.

• Conduct field visits to monitor program activities and collect qualitative and quantitative data.

• Support the development and implementation of tools and systems for monitoring and evaluation.

• Follow and assist in the use of updated data collection forms, procedures, and guides in project regional field offices.

• Ensure proper use of databases (DHIS2 and KOBO) in the regional field office.

3) Reporting and Analysis:

• Analyze data and prepare comprehensive reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Provide feedback and recommendations based on MEL findings to improve program effectiveness.

• Ensure timely submission of regional reports to the central MEL team and the collection and quality of quarterly data for donor reporting at regional field offices.

• Support the preparation of regular (quarterly, semi-annual and annual) government and donor reports.

4) Capacity Building:

• Conduct periodic M&E focused supportive supervision with program teams.

• Train and support local partners and stakeholders in MEL methodologies and practices.

• Facilitate review meetings, workshops and training sessions to enhance MEL capacity at the regional level.

• Assist the MEL advisor in the training and orientation of the program, local implementing partners, and government staffs.

5) Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work closely with program teams to integrate MEL activities into program planning and implementation.

• Collaborate with other regional program staffs to document and share best practices and lessons learned.

• Draft quality project learnings and share them with the Sr. implementation research advisor.

• Lead and participate in periodic project review meetings at the regional offices.

• Represent the organization in regional MEL forums/ TWGs and meetings.

• Frequent travel to project woredas in the field, as needed.

6) General Support:

• Assist the MEL advisor in the development and revision of the MEL plan.

• Design and implement a mechanism for evidence generating activities (design, data collection, analysis, and report writing) for different interventions.

• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the Supervisor from time to time.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Demography, Statistics, Health Informatics, Information Management Systems or related fields.

• Six plus years’ experience for a bachelor's degree and four-plus years’ experience for a master’s degree in programming, monitoring, and evaluation in an international NGO or donor organization.

• Experience and a good understanding of the Ministry of Health’s Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), and Experience with DHIS2; database customization and data analysis is a plus.

ESSENTIAL SOFT SKILLS:

• Commitment to EngenderHealth’s core organizational values of reflection, inclusion, integrity, respect, and transformation.

• Computer skills, especially in managing project databases (DHIS2) and data management using statistical software like SPSS, Excel, Epi Info, among others.

• Demonstrated ability in data collection, management, and analysis.

• Previous experience in monitoring and evaluation of projects; experience with consortium-managed projects will be a plus.

PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrated communication and analytical skills.

• Good understanding and working experience with RMNCH and Nutrition interventions among youth and women of reproductive age.

• Proficiency in one or more local languages of areas supported by LHA and English is required.

How To Apply

Interested and well qualified candidates can send their CV with an application letter through the following link.

https://www.engenderhealth.org/about/work-with-us/careers

You are not required to attach your credentials at this stage.

DISCLAIMER
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed and assigned.

EngenderHealth provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, creed, ancestry, citizenship, religion, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, political belief, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a survivor of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy status, disability, or any other protected characteristic or status under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

EngenderHealth complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in the United States in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

EngenderHealth is committed to safeguarding all people, particularly children, vulnerable adults, and beneficiaries of assistance from any harm that may be caused due to contact with EngenderHealth. This includes harm arising from the conduct of staff, associates, and partners, and the design and implementation of programs and activities.