Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MERL) Specialist

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 Botswana, Jhpiego is recruiting for an anticipated new project supporting Botswana’s lifesaving HIV services.

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MERL) Specialist will support the implementation of the RISE Botswana project’s MEL strategy. Working under the supervision of the MERL Director, the MERL Specialist will assist in routine data collection, analysis, quality assurance, and reporting. The role will contribute to performance monitoring, documentation of results, and promotion of data use for program improvement. The Specialist will work closely with district teams, sub-partners, and technical staff to ensure high standards of data quality and MEL system implementation. Key responsibilities include:

• Support the implementation of the MEL plan, ensuring alignment with national frameworks and donor reporting requirements.
• Collect, compile, and verify program data from service delivery points, sub-partners, and community interventions.
• Assist in conducting routine data quality assessments (DQAs), site verifications, and performance reviews.
• Support analysis and visualization of data to inform program performance and strategic decision-making.
• Facilitate timely and accurate reporting in MER indicators and contribute to donor reports (e.g., DATIM).
• Provide capacity building and mentorship to district and partner staff in data collection, entry, and indicator interpretation.
• Contribute to documentation of best practices, success stories, and lessons learned for learning and dissemination activities.
• Participate in learning sessions, after-action reviews, and adaptive management discussions.
• Ensure adherence to Jhpiego and donor data protection, confidentiality, and compliance standards.
• Collaborate with the digital health and data systems team to improve data capture tools and reporting processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, statistics, epidemiology, social sciences, or related field. Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in M&E or data management for health programs, preferably HIV/AIDS and PEPFAR-funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience with data collection tools, data quality audits, and reporting systems in Botswana.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools (e.g., DHIS2, Power BI, or similar platforms).
• Strong understanding of Botswana’s national health indicators, M&E frameworks, and reporting systems.
• Good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English and Setswana.