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REF/MONITORING EVALUATION AND LEARNING (MEL) OFFICER/05/10/24

IDENTIFICATION
JOB TITLE	Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer (1)
REPORTING TO	Technical MEL Manager.
DEPARTMENT/UNIT	Programmes
DURATION OF CONTRACT	2 Years (Renewable)
DUTY STATION	Lilongwe

Amef Health Africa was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become the largest African-based international health development organization, currently implementing more than 120 programs, directly reaching more than 12 million people across 35 African countries. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref Health Africa has offices in ten countries in Africa and an additional eleven advocacy and fundraising offices in Europe and North America. In the spirit of Ubuntu, partnership and networking are key elements of our approach. Amref has a staff complement of over 1,500.

Amref Health Africa in Malawi is implementing Delivering Innovation in Self Care (DISC) project (DISC MW-Amref), a CIFF funded multi-year Family planning project focusing on increasing uptake of Depo-Provera self-injectable in Chitipa, Karonga, Kasungu, Salima and Nkhotakota districts. The project goal is to achieve 35% increase in uptake of Depo-Provera Self-Injection in MOMENTUM Tikweze Umoyo Districts by 2026. Amref Health Africa in Malawi is therefore inviting suitably qualified applicants for the following position;

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer

The position holder will be based at the Head Office in Lilongwe and report to the Technical MEL Manager

Main purpose of the Job:

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will play a critical role in overseeing the monitoring, evaluation, and learning components of the Delivering Innovation in Self Care (DISC) project. The MEL Officer will ensure accurate and timely collection and management of project data.

They will also provide technical assistance to improve the collection, reporting, analysis, visualization, and utilization of DMPA-SC self-injection data in tandem with its accelerated demand and update through the project’s activities. The MEL Officer will work closely with the Momentum M&E team and report to the MEL Director.

MEL System Development:

• Design and implement a comprehensive MEL framework and system for the DISC project, including the development of indicators, data collection tools, and reporting mechanisms.
• Establish clear protocols and standard operating procedures for data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting by project objectives and donor requirements.
• Develop M&E-related initiatives e.g. digital platforms for all self-care interventions, data systems, tools, templates, procedures, guides in line with data needs and track compliance in the use of data collection and reporting tools by staff and partners.

Data Collection and Management:

• Oversee the collection, entry, and quality assurance of project data, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Coordinate data collection activities at health facilities, community levels, and other project sites, liaising with project staff, partners, and stakeholders as needed.
• Generate all the necessary data and information required for the development of internal and external program performance progress reports.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Conduct regular data analysis to track project progress, identify trends, and assess performance against targets and indicators.
• Prepare periodic MEL reports, dashboards, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting key findings, achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

Monitoring and Evaluation Activities:

• Plan and coordinate monitoring visits, data audits, and evaluations to assess the quality and impact of project interventions.
• Collaborate with external consultants, research institutions, and evaluation teams to design and implement rigorous impact assessments and studies.
• Engage districts to support rollout of new HMIS reporting tools and Data Quality Assurance guidelines that initiate Sl reporting through the National reporting mechanism.

Learning and Knowledge Management:

• Facilitate learning sessions, workshops, and reflection meetings to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the project team and with external partners.
• Document and disseminate best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to inform project planning, implementation, and scale-up efforts.
• Conduct routine critical reflection and learning (e.g. After-Action Reviews) at all levels using multiple sources of information and develop and monitor adaptation mechanisms.

Capacity Building and Technical Assistance:

• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to project staff, district self-care mentors, partners, and stakeholders on DMPA SC for SI data collection, cleaning, analysis techniques, and reporting.
• Build the capacity of project team members to effectively utilize MEL tools and resources for data-driven decision-making and program management.
• Conduct routine support supervision and data quality assurance visits across supported sites and partners to ensure accurate reporting of DMPA-SC Self Injection (SI).
• Implement focused in-depth project improvement visits to generate insights, lessons learned, and best practices that facilitate Sl expansion monitoring.

Compliance and Accountability:

• Ensure compliance with organizational guidelines, policies, and procedures related to MEL activities, data privacy, and ethical standards.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of MEL activities, including data collection and documentation protocols, consent forms, photo/video and audio consents/documentation, and data management plans.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Work closely with project managers, program officers, and technical leads to integrate MEL findings and recommendations into project planning, implementation, and evaluation processes.

• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and implementing partners, to align MEL efforts with national health reporting requirements, priorities, and strategies.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• A University degree in public health, epidemiology, statistics, population studies, social sciences, or a related field. A master’s degree in the same field is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, preferably in the field of public health or international development.
• Robust understanding and demonstrable experience in the Ministry of Health, health management information systems (HMIS) especially DHIS-2 is a MUST.

Competences& Skills:

• Strong skills in programming, and customization of digital systems e.g. roll out of DHIS2, GIS, ODK, and other mobile applications.
• Experience designing and implementing MEL frameworks, systems, and tools for health programs or projects.
• Knowledge of MEL methodologies, including indicator development, survey design, sampling techniques, and impact evaluation approaches.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, using software such as SPSS, STATA,
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex information to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment and build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with donor regulations, compliance requirements, and reporting standards, particularly USAID guidelines, is desirable.
• Ability to organize, interpret and present it in meaningful oral or written form for varied audiences and provide solid analysis leading to sound decision making.
• Commitment to principles of gender equity, social inclusion, and human rights in program planning and implementation.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested? Please visit our website https://amref.org/vacancies/ to make your application. You will be directed to our online portal where you will need to create an account in order for you to be able to submit your application. Your application should include a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for this position and your CV with relevant skills and experience. The closing date will be May 19th 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Duly note that Amref Health Africa does not require applicants to pay any money at whatever stage of the recruitment and selection process and has not retained any agent in connection with recruitment. Although Amref may use different job boards from time to time to further spread its reach for applicants, all open vacancies are published on our website under the Vacancies page and on our official social media pages. Kindly note that official emails from Amref Health Africa will arrive from an@amref.org address.

Amref Health Africa is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Amref Health Africa is an equal opportunity employer and has a non-smoking environment policy.