Overview
The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Advisor (MEL) will support the monitoring, evaluation and learning capacity building work for the DoS funded Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project that serves the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and other related initiatives. The project supports select governments and their relevant ministries to implement complementary strategies and activities, building on previously made investments, to achieve the desired regulations and improved GHSA capacities to strengthen in-country laboratories and surveillance systems. In addition, the project will strengthen capacity for monitoring, evaluation, and learning practices, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and promote evidence-based strategies that enhance resilience and preparedness within global health security initiatives.
Position Summary
The position will be based in Bujumbura, Burundi and will involve in-country travel. The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor will provide strategic and technical leadership for the design, implementation, and strengthening of the projectโs MEL systems. The position ensures that monitoring, evaluation, data quality assurance, and learning functions are fully integrated into project planning and operations. The MEL Advisor will guide the development and operationalization of M&E plans, tools, and reporting systems aligned with project strategy, national frameworks, and donor requirements.
The incumbent will oversee the collection, management, analysis, and dissemination of high-quality data; support performance monitoring against key indicators; lead data use initiatives; and ensure robust learning and adaptive management processes. The MEL Advisor will work closely with project staff, government counterparts, and partners to ensure that activities proceed as planned and that project outcomes and results are clearly demonstrated.
Accountabilities
Technical Leadership & Strategy
- Provide technical leadership in the design, planning, and implementation of MEL systems, tools, and processes aligned with national, regional, and global standards.
- Lead the development and refinement of project MEL frameworks, including performance monitoring plans (PMPs), results frameworks, indicator reference sheets, and MEL SOPs.
- Conduct periodic reviews of MEL systems and guide improvements to strengthen data use, reporting, and learning.
Capacity Strengthening & Technical Assistance
- Provide technical assistance, supportive supervision, and mentoring to project teams and Ministry of Health (MOH) staff to strengthen reporting systems and data management capacities.
- Support the development and rollout of data collection tools, dashboards, and reporting platforms.
- Facilitate the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and evidence across project networks.
Data Management, Quality Assurance & Reporting
- Lead processes for collecting, aggregating, validating, analyzing, and using project data for national, donor, and global reporting.
- Ensure data quality standards are met through coordination of Data Quality Audits (DQAs), routine data verification, and system assessments.
- Prepare or contribute to routine performance reports, project briefs, donor reports, and learning products.
- Coordinate timely submission and review of QI data feedback reports and follow up with country teams on data use for decision-making.
Learning, Adaptation & Knowledge Management
- Support the development of learning questions, study designs, and analytical products to inform program adaptation.
- Organize learning reviews, reflection sessions, and documentation of lessons learned, success stories, and innovations.
- Promote data use for program improvement and strategic decision-making across stakeholders.
Applied Knowledge & Skills
- Strong technical knowledge and experience in monitoring, evaluation, surveillance, and data use for global health programs.
- Demonstrated ability to lead MEL system design and capacity strengthening in resource-limited settings.
- Proficiency with data management and analysis software such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, SAS, SPSS, Stata, or R.
- Strong communication, coordination, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of ethical considerations in research, surveillance, and data management.
- Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English and French.
Problem Solving & Impact
- Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills to plan, manage, and execute MEL activities.
- Ability to exercise judgment and develop plans that align with strategic objectives and organizational goals.
- Demonstrated diplomacy, representation, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills.
- Proven ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and foster a collaborative working environment.
Supervision Given/Received
- Supervises MEL staff and consultants assigned.
Education
- Masterโs degree in public health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Information Systems, or a related field.
Experience
- Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting for large-scale health programs.
- At least three (3) years in a leadership or technical MEL role, preferably in a resource-limited setting.
- Experience with global health security, surveillance systems, or related health programs is highly desirable.
- Prior experience supervising technical staff and leading MEL activities for donor-funded programs (DoS experience preferred).
Travel Requirements
- 20%โ30% domestic travel, as required.
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
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- 20%โ30% domestic travel, as required.
- Masterโs degree in public health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Information Systems, or a related field.
- Supervises MEL staff and consultants assigned.