Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist

SCOPE AND PURPOSE:

USAID Advancing Nutrition is USAID’s flagship multi-sectoral nutrition project, led by the JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), and a diverse group of experienced partners. Launched in September 2018, USAID Advancing Nutrition implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners. The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change, and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.

In Burkina Faso, USAID Advancing Nutrition will work to: strengthen institutional capacity of the government and stakeholders for the development, implementation, and accountability of nutrition interventions; strengthen country understanding, use, and monitoring of data-driven investment in nutrition, including reinforcing already existing multi-sectoral nutrition information systems; and support social and behavior change nutrition interventions.

SUMMARY:

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist is responsible for implementing a system for routine monitoring to assess project progress against work plan and indicators, preparing reports, documenting project processes, and overseeing the baseline and final surveys. (S)he will work under the direction of the Chief of Party to complete all MEL-related activities, including the design and implementation of the project’s monitoring system, as well as in learning, collaborating and adapting interventions based on the obtained results. This position is based in Ouagadougou and reports to the Chief of Party.

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:**

● Leads the project’s efforts to build the Government’s capacity for data analysis, information sharing, and the use of data for decision-making. This includes supporting Government in prioritizing, analyzing, and synthesizing information and indicators to produce nutrition profiles for various target regions in Burkina Faso.

● Works with stakeholders to update and/or finalize a monitoring and evaluation plan for the Government’s Social and Behavior Change Strategy for Nutrition.

● Works with Chief of Party to develop monitoring, evaluation and learning systems that include appropriate indicators, baseline data, targets and a plan to evaluate project performance and produce timely, accurate and complete reporting, and identify ways to provide feedback of results.

● Develops and maintains project performance tracking database.

● Documents and presents program results and lessons learned to USAID and other key stakeholders via routine reporting and targeted documentation and communication efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

● A Master’s Degree or higher in Public Health, Statistics, Social Sciences, or other relevant discipline.

● Minimum 8 years working on M&E in public health or international development.

● Demonstrated expertise in designing rigorous quantitative and qualitative data collection systems and in methods for data analysis.

● Hands-on practical experience setting up and managing MEL systems for health programs in developing countries, and the ability to coach and train others in their use.

● Hands-on experience strengthening the capacity of government stakeholders in data analysis, information sharing, and the use of data for decision-making. Knowledge of M&E issues and indicator development for nutrition and service delivery strengthening; familiarity with USAID indicators and reporting requirements.

● Excellent report writing, analytical and oral presentation skills.

● Experience in knowledge management and dissemination of research findings.

● Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with national and district government authorities, USAID and other donors and implementing partners.

● Fluency in French required. Proficiency in English strongly preferred.

COMPETENCIES:

The competencies listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

● Highly organized and attentive to detail.

● Excellent communicator, able to synthesize and convey complex information clearly.

● Ability to identify and differentiate between important and urgent tasks, and quickly prioritize in a fast-paced, fluid, start-up environment.

● Comfortable independently managing multiple long and short-term tasks simultaneously.

● Comfortable with ambiguity and confidence to request clarity when necessary.

● Team-oriented, supportive work style with willingness to work outside role when necessary.

● Maintain confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information.