SSA - Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Officer

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Background The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Lead of the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV Unit in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and will also be co-supervised by the Public Health Specialist in the Pacific Health Security and Communicable Disease Unit (PSC) in the WHO Division of Pacific Support (DPS). The Lead of the SRH and HIV Unit will be the primary focal point for day-to-day operational reporting and technical guidance. The Public Health Specialist at WHO DPS will be the primary focal point for contract and operational administration and will also provide additional technical guidance as needed. The WHO PSC Coordinator will also provide technical guidance. The incumbent is expected to work independently but can escalate complex issues and cases to both supervisors.

Job Description

1. Support the development of a national Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) framework and indicator matrix covering HIV, STI, BBV, and sexual health outcomes. This includes reviewing existing national strategies, global guidance, and reporting requirements, harmonising indicators across programmes, and defining clear data sources, frequencies, and responsibilities. The framework will support routine monitoring, evaluations, and reporting to national and international stakeholders. Deliverables: A finalized national MERL framework; a comprehensive indicator matrix with definitions, targets, and data sources; stakeholder validation meeting report.
2. Work with MHMS (Data for Impact Sub-Committee) and partners to design and align data collection and reporting tools with WHO, UNAIDS M&E frameworks and all donor reporting framework. Assess existing tools, identify gaps and duplication, and adapt or develop standardized tools to ensure consistency and data quality across service delivery points and partners. Deliverables: Updated or newly developed data collection tools; harmonized reporting templates; user guidance notes for implementers.
3. Conduct baseline and midline evaluations, including community survey instruments where required. This includes developing evaluation protocols, sampling approaches, data collection instruments, and analysis plans, with attention to ethics and inclusion of key populations. Deliverables: Baseline and midline evaluation reports; approved evaluation protocols; survey questionnaires and data collection instruments; cleaned datasets and analysis summaries.
4. Develop SOPs and operational tools to support rollout and implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) framework, adapting existing WHO and UNAIDS global tools. This includes reviewing relevant WHO and UNAIDS MERL guidance and tools, contextualising them to national systems and priorities, and translating them into practical, step-by-step SOPs for routine use by implementers. Deliverables: A set of nationally adapted MERL SOPs; customised WHO/UNAIDS reporting and analysis tools; an implementation guide for rolling out the MERL framework; job aids and templates to support consistent application at national and subnational levels.
5. Deliver capacity-building workshops and training sessions targeting Divisional and Subdivisional M&E focal points. This includes assessing capacity gaps, delivering tailored trainings, and providing ongoing mentorship to strengthen national ownership and sustainability. Deliverables: Training curriculum and materials; completed training sessions; mentorship plan; pre- and post-training assessment reports.
6. Conduct other tasks:

• Contribute to operational and implementation research and learning studies to improve programme effectiveness. Support analysis and documentation of evidence, best practices, and innovations. Contribute to policy briefs, technical papers, and knowledge products.
• Ensure all MERL activities adhere to ethical standards, informed consent, and confidentiality.
• Integrate gender, equity, disability, and inclusion (GEDSI) considerations in data collection and analysis.
• Apply safeguarding principles when working with children, adolescents, key populations, and vulnerable groups.
• Ensure secure data storage and responsible data sharing. Deliverables: Regular reports including relevant activities.

Educational and experience requirements:

Education

Essential: Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in public health, epidemiology, statistics, or related field.
Desirable: Postgraduate qualifications in any of the above disciplines will be an advantage.

Experience

Essential: At least 2 years’ experience in M&E or research in health or general science.
Desirable: Experience in sexual health or HIV programs is an advantage.

Technical skills and knowledge

• Proficient in data analysis.

Competencies

1. Fostering Integration and Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective relationships with colleagues and team members. Deals constructively with conflicts.
2. Producing Results: Produces and delivers quality results. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving outcomes.
3. Knowing and managing yourself: Manages ambiguity and pressure in a self-reflective way. Uses criticism as a development opportunity. Seeks opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
4. Communication: Expresses oneself clearly in conversation and interaction with others; actively listens. Produces effective written communications. Ensures that information is shared.

Languages

Essential: Written and spoken fluency in the English language.
Desirable: Fluency in the iTaukei language is an asset.

Details of the proposed position:

• Salary for this role will start from FJD 32,999.24 to FJD 53,034.50 (equivalent to the Fiji Govt. Band G, Step 1-7), based on qualifications and experience.
• Duration of contract: 12 months initially, with potential extension.
• This role is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by Fiji nationals recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.
• Alternatively, applicants who face technical issues accessing the portal can submit a cover letter and a detailed CV, with the subject line “2602451: SSA - Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Officer” via email to DPSRecruitment@who.int, addressed to:
  The Team Coordinator
  Pacific Health Security and Communicable Diseases
  World Health Organization Office of WHO Representative
  Division of Pacific Technical Support
  Suva, Fiji

Additional Information

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test/interview may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/ diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits workforce regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics. The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter (https:// www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) into practice. · WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of short-listed candidates.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• SSAs shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority.
• WHO shall have no responsibility for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the SSA. The SSA shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the SSA in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the SSA shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.
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