Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability (MEL) Officer at Action Health Incorporated (AHI)

Project Summary

• The project seeks to improve access to quality, life-saving services and strengthen community resilience through a multi-pronged approach that integrates preventive and curative healthcare, nutritional support, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response in Project LGAs

Job Summary

• The MEL Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing a robust MEL system to track project progress, measure impact, and ensure accountability to beneficiaries and stakeholders. This role requires a strong understanding of MEL principles, data management, and qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The MEL Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring that the project is data-driven, adaptive, and effective in achieving its intended outcomes.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

MEL System Development and Implementation:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive MEL plan for the project, aligned with the project's logical framework and donor requirements.
• Design and implement data collection tools and methodologies, including surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and routine data collection systems.
• Establish and manage a project database to ensure data quality, accuracy, and security.
• Develop and implement data quality assurance procedures.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to track project progress, identify trends, and assess impact.
• Prepare regular MEL reports, including progress reports, impact reports, and lessons learned reports, for internal and external stakeholders.
• Present MEL findings to project staff, partners, and stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Maintain a knowledge management system to store and disseminate project-related information.

Accountability:

• Develop and implement accountability mechanisms to ensure that beneficiaries and stakeholders have access to information about the project and can provide feedback and complaints.
• Establish and manage a feedback and complaints mechanism.
• Ensure that beneficiary feedback is used to improve project implementation.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work closely with project staff, partners, and stakeholders to ensure that MEL activities are integrated into all aspects of the project.
• Participate in relevant meetings and workshops.

Required Languages:

• English and Hausa required; Fulani, Kanuri and/or other local languages are a plus.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as statistics, economics, public health, social sciences, or international development. A Master's degree is preferred. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of three years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, preferably in the context of development projects.
• Strong understanding of MEL principles, data management, and qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Experience in designing and implementing MEL systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis software, such as SPSS, STATA,etc
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in working on projects related to healthcare, nutrition, or GBV prevention is highly desirable.

Skills / Abilities:

• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners, community members and government partners.
• General knowledge of local and state government practices.
• Well-developed knowledge of local community cultures, leaders, customs and practices through prior involvement in the community. 
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented.
• Versatile in use of MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).