Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advsior

The Reaching Impact Saturation and Epidemic Control (RISE) program is saving lives and improving health by controlling the HIV pandemic and strengthening global health security to limit the spread of deadly disease outbreaks. RISE uses evidence-based practices from over 20 years of PEPFAR implementation to address critical HIV priorities along with global health security (GHS), maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCH-N), tuberculosis (TB), Malaria, data systems, supply chain and commodity management, and other cross-cutting areas.

In Burundi, Jhpiego is recruiting for an anticipated new project supporting Burundi’s lifesaving MNCH-N services. 

The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Advisor will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for the design, implementation, and management of the comprehensive MEL system for the RISE-Burundi Maternal, Newborn, Child Health, and Nutrition (MNCH-N) project. This role is critical for promoting data-driven decision-making, facilitating adaptive management, ensuring data quality, and demonstrating project impact, and will serve as a key member of the project’s technical leadership team.

• Lead the design, refinement, and implementation of a robust project-wide MEL framework, including a performance monitoring plan (PMP), indicators, and data collection tools, in line with donor requirements and national health strategies. The MEL framework must leverage and align with the RISE-Burundi HIV project framework to create efficiencies and to avoid duplication.
• Ensure seamless collaboration and joint implementation of MEL activities with the RISE-Burundi HIV project, harmonizing project plans and identifying efficiencies, and representing the RISE project in a coordinated fashion with key stakeholders
• Leverage learning and best practices from previous and current projects to inform the design and continuous refinement of a comprehensive project-wide MEL plan. 
• Oversee all data collection, data quality assurance, analysis, and reporting activities for the MNCH-N project, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of all data and harmonization with the RISE-Burundi HIV MEL system.  
• Facilitate regular follow ups with project staff, regional teams, and partners to ensure data is actively used for program monitoring, course correction, and adaptive management  
• Provide technical guidance and support to project staff, regional teams, and partners on MEL best practices, including data collection methodologies, data analysis, data visualization, and evidence utilization. 
• Lead the preparation of high-quality project performance reports, including quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc reports for the donor and other stakeholders.   
• Lead data review meetings to discuss and share results, facilitate cross learning and drive impact 
• Ensure the project's MEL system is effectively integrated with national health information systems (e.g., DHIS2, HMIS, eCHIS) and leverages routine data for project performance monitoring. 
• Oversee efforts to strengthen data management, analysis, and reporting capacities among local partners and government counterparts. 
• Ensure compliance with data governance, data security, and ethical considerations in MEL. 

All staff members of Jhpiego, regardless of the level of responsibilities are expected to

• Model Jhpiego mission and values
• Participate in the business development process.
• Contribute to the knowledge sharing and transfer process
• Make responsible decisions that result in both time and cost containment and clear accountability.

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, Biostatistics, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field with a strong focus on Monitoring and Evaluation. 
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in designing, implementing, and managing MEL systems for large-scale international health programs. 
• Extensive experience with USG-funded projects (USAID, CDC, DOD), including familiarity with USG MEL policies, PMPs, data quality assessments, and reporting requirements. 
• Demonstrated experience in applying adaptive management principles and CLA approaches within complex program environments
• Proven experience in providing technical leadership and mentorship in MEL to diverse teams. 

Technical Skills

• Expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive MEL frameworks, logical frameworks, and performance indicators for health programs, particularly MNCH-N. 
• Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, SAS) and data visualization tools. 
• Strong practical experience with data collection tools and platforms, including digital data collection (e.g., ODK, CommCare, KoboToolbox). 
• In-depth knowledge of national health information systems in Burundi and their use for program monitoring. 
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and communicate findings effectively to various audiences. 
• Familiarity with data governance, data security, and ethical considerations in MEL. 

Core Competencies

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with rigorous attention to detail and data accuracy. 
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to guide and mentor a team. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely for various stakeholders. 
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment and engage effectively with diverse partners and government counterparts. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a dynamic and challenging operational context.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required.