Project Description
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing - creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges.
STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) is the United States Government’s flagship project for global health security. It aims to strengthen countries’ capacity across laboratory and surveillance systems to prevent, detect, and rapidly and effectively respond to emerging infectious diseases and other public health threats. STRIDES is a global mechanism, a contract with a five-year (2024–2029) period of performance, led by FHI 360 as the prime, with core partners such as Black & Veatch focusing on biosecurity and biosafety and PATH on surveillance activities.
Job Summary:
The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer provides technical guidance on all MEL aspects of the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity in Colombia, including overseeing the execution of day-to-day MEL activities, developing and implementing policies and processes, and ensuring quality service delivery using project data to ensure evidence-based decision-making. S/he will lead activities to develop, operationalize, implement, and manage MEL systems, tools, and procedures to collect, collate, analyze, interpret, and use data that demonstrates impact and Activity accountability and progress. The Sr. MEL Officer will indirectly supervise technical staff and subcontractors at the country level to ensure that activities align with workplan objectives and the Activity MEL Plan (AMELP) and—by extension—USG priorities, and are implemented to the highest quality, on time, and within budget.
Accountabilities:
Technical Requirements:
- Supports technical aspects of projects including staff and partner capacity building.
- Monitors and maintains project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and reports related to technical area of expertise.
- Develops or writes technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate research, best practices, policies, and procedures.
- Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategy and guidelines.
- Assists with the implementation of research studies by providing technical support and overall management to ensure coordination and field-level implementation.
- Collaborates with the research and evaluation team to interpret data sets and other assessment findings.
- Provides technical support in the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and intervention for research projects.
- Provides technical input on subject matter best practices to assist with implementation
- May create technical portion of the project plan, within the given resources and financial constraints.
- Assists with implementing components of the technical portions of the project plan
- Participate in client / funder meetings and draft reports / presentations.
- Supports design, development, planning, implementation of, and reporting against STRIDES AMELP.
- Develops, operationalizes, implements, and manages MEL systems, tools, and procedures to collect, collate, analyze, interpret, and use data that demonstrate impact and Activity accountability and progress.
- Tracks STRIDES progress against MEL indicators and targets to ensure consistent and systematic tracking and reporting.
- Builds STRIDES staff MEL capacity, including strengthening, managing and operationalizing MEL systems, data quality assurance, data demand and use, facilitating learning and knowledge exchange, documenting lessons learned and best practices, and reporting.
- Leads STRIDES learning activities and data use initiative; fosters culture of learning and knowledge sharing.
- Leads the development of country-specific MEL plans and budgets aligned with STRIDES goals and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational policies and procedures.
Data Management, Reporting & Coordination:
- Oversees data compilation, cleaning, database management, and secure storage of project information.
- Develops and maintains indicator trackers, dashboards, and data visualizations.
- Monitors compliance with established MEL standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Contributes to quarterly, annual, and ad hoc donor reports writing.
- Lead internal and external meetings to present MEL findings as requested.
- Ensures timely, accurate, and complete documentation of project activities and results.
- Provides technical leadership to program staff and partners on MEL tools, reporting templates, and data quality standards.
- Contributes to fostering a culture of data use and continuous learning within the project team.
Project/Program Reporting:
- Prepares reports and papers summarizing project results and analyzing data sets and technical assessment findings.
- Drafts / prepares client technical reports.
- Creates technical content (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts).
Quality Assurance:
- Develops in-depth knowledge of quality standards through formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives.
- Coordinates and direct activities to meet client/funder and regulatory requirements.
Applied Knowledge & Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures with providing technical support in the area of national and international MEL practices
- Demonstrated applied knowledge of public health, global health security, health security initiatives, or infectious disease detection and response programs.
- Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required
- Comprehensive knowledge of relevant databases and data information systems in key government stakeholders in Colombia (Health, Agriculture, and Environment).
- Ability to manage MEL tasks, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities.
- Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
- Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish and English is required.
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
- Ability to influence and collaborate with others.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex data functions, pivot tables, and data management techniques.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization software (e.g., Stata, SPSS, R, Epi Info, Power BI, Tableau or similar tools).
- Experience with digital data collection platforms (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare, or similar).
- Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.
- Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed.
Education: ** **
- Bachelor's degree or its international equivalent in administration, engineering, social sciences, economics, development, health sciences or a related field.
- Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Epidemiology, Public Health, Knowledge/Information Services, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences, International Development, Human Development, or a related field, preferred.
Experience: ** **
- Minimum of 6+ years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, surveillance systems, strategic information, or data management for public health or health security programs.
- Demonstrated experience serving as a lead subject matter expert in MEL.
- Experience on primary data collection, conducting field visits, and data verification activities required.
- Demonstrated experience in data analysis with key STRIDES government stakeholders in Colombia (Health, Agriculture, and/or Environment).
- Experience developing publications, presentations, and reports that articulate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrated expertise and skills in quantitative and qualitative methods for routine monitoring, assessment, evaluation, or learning.
- Proficiency with relevant statistical analysis and data visualization software (e.g., Stata, SAS, SPSS, Epi Info, Tableau, PowerBI, etc.).
- Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts, and practices in project management, process development, and execution.
- Experience in staff development and capacity building experience. Ability to build teams and recognize, acquire, and retain talent.
- Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO),local or government agency, or private organization.
Typical Physical Demands:
- Typical office environment.
- Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
- Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.
Technology to be Used:
- Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.
Travel Requirements:
The expected hiring salary range for this role is COP 130,000,000 - 170,000,000 for annual basic salary for national local hire. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, market pay, and budget. For internal candidates, salary placement will also follow FHI 360’s current promotional increase guidelines.
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.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.
FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org.
FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.
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