Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Advisor at FHI 360

Basic Functions:

• The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Advisor provides technical guidance on all MEL aspects of the Strengthening Infectious disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity in Nigeria, including overseeing the execution of day-to-day MEL activities, developing and implementing policies and processes, and ensuring quality service delivery using project data to ensure evidence-based decision-making. S/he will lead activities to develop, operationalize, implement, and manage MEL systems, tools, and procedures to collect, collate, analyze, interpret, and use data that demonstrates impact and Activity accountability and progress. The MEL Advisor will directly and indirectly supervise technical staff and subcontractors at the in-country level to ensure that in-country activities align with workplan objectives and the Activity MEL Plan (AMELP) and—by extension—USG priorities, and are implemented to the highest quality, on time, and within budget. The MEL Advisor will promote STRIDES as a thought leader in the MEL community in Nigeria, contributing to FHI 360’s thought leadership in the field through documentation of best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports design, development, planning, implementation of, and reporting against STRIDES AMELP.
• Develops, operationalizes, implements, and manages MEL systems, tools, and procedures to collect, collate, analyze, interpret, and use data that demonstrate impact and Activity accountability and progress.
• Tracks STRIDES progress against MEL indicators and targets to ensure consistent and systematic tracking and reporting.
• Ensures that relevant MEL plans integrate high-quality quantitative and qualitative methods and participatory methodologies to monitor project quality for performance and results.
• Assesses subcontractors MEL-related data and reporting efforts to verify quality.
• Builds STRIDES staff MEL capacity, including strengthening, managing and operationalizing MEL systems, data quality assurance, data demand and use, facilitating learning and knowledge exchange, documenting lessons learned and best practices, and reporting.
• Leads STRIDES learning activities and data use initiative; fosters culture of learning and knowledge sharing.
• Manages in-country relationships with national, regional, and local government counterparts and multisectoral partners in the MEL space; identifies technical support needed to fulfill national global health security and MEL objectives.
• Leads the development of country-specific MEL plans and budgets aligned with STRIDES goals and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational policies and procedures.
• Identifies and consultants with STRIDES Senior Management team on recommendations to improve Activity implementation and outcomes.
• Supervises and mentors staff; oversees recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes as needed.
• Supports performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills and Attributes:

• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with mechanisms in the area of national and international MEL practices.
• Ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; fluency in a second language (French, Spanish, and/or Russian) desirable.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated project and technical leadership.
• Ability to motivate, influence, and work well with others to achieve STRIDES objectives.
• Ability to exchange information, present recommendations and collaborate with colleagues and peers across STRIDES and externally as requested.
• Ability to influence others of the benefits/importance of an idea or plan of action and to gain their support or commitment.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to reach mutual points of agreement and benefit among peers and colleagues.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with various stakeholder communities, government officials, and other multilateral bodies and donor representatives.
• Strong organizational skills, high level of attention to detail, and effectiveness under deadlines.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Knowledge/Information Services, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Communications, Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences, International Development, Human Development, or a related field.
• Project Management (PM) Certification preferred.
• Typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience in designing and evaluating applicable programs/services in a managerial position in MEL.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a lead subject matter expert in MEL.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing complex projects spanning multiple countries.
• Experience developing publications, presentations, and reports that articulate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated expertise and skills in quantitative and qualitative methods for routine monitoring, assessment, evaluation, or learning.
• Proficiency with relevant statistical analysis and data visualization software (e.g., Strata, SAS, SPSS, Epi Info, Tableau, Power BI, etc.).
• Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts, and practices in project management, process development, and execution.
• Experience in staff development and capacity building experience. Ability to build teams and recognize, acquire, and retain talent.
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization.

Supervision Given/Received:

• Will directly and indirectly supervise FHI 360 staff in multiple countries.
• Work is reviewed in terms of meeting STRIDES objectives and schedules.
• Plays a coaching and mentoring role for others.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.
• Technology to be Used:
• Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.
• Travel Requirements:
• 10%-25%