MERL Advisor at Sanitas Health and Development Foundation (SANHDEF)

Job Summary

• The MERL Advisor will lead and ensure the high-quality design, implementation, and capacity building for MERL activities in the PHC strengthening project, driving data-driven decision-making and supporting the project's strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive MERL strategy that aligns with project objectives and donor requirements.
• Ensure that MERL activities are integrated into the project cycle from the design phase through implementation and close-out.
• Design and oversee the implementation of robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including indicators, tools, and methodologies.
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Develop and implement data quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the reliability and validity of data.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the implementation of project activities and verify data accuracy.
• Lead the design and implementation of operational research studies to generate evidence for decision-making and policy development.
• Promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement by facilitating knowledge-sharing and reflective practices within the project team and among stakeholders.
• Synthesize and disseminate research findings, lessons learned, and best practices through reports, presentations, and publications.
• Build a maturity model to track the progress of the PFM system in the state
• Develop tools and support the institutionalization of result-based budgeting.
• Utilize advanced data analysis techniques and software to generate insights and inform programmatic decisions.
• Conduct a 360° rapid diagnostic assessment of the PHC system to identify strengths, weaknesses, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with other project teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment and coherence in MERL activities.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning
• Proven experience working on donor-funded projects or in NGO settings.
• Strong background in data management, statistical analysis, and research methodologies.

Desired Competencies:

• Excellent analytical skills
• Problem-solving skills, with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R).
• Expertise with Data visualization software (Power B.I)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Stakeholder management and networking skills
• Experience working in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with the health landscape in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State.
• Commitment to promoting gender equality, equity, and social inclusion in MERL activities.