Director, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning - Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment project in Ethiopia at Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

Director, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning - Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment project in Ethiopia

Employer: Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

Employment: Full-Time | Contract

Place of Work: Ethiopia - Ethiopia

Posted date: 8 hours ago

Deadline: March, 08/2025 (12 days left)

About the project

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is seeking to continue our work to improve equitable access to high-impact, evidence-based health services in Ethiopia. We are anticipating the release of new health sector opportunities from international development agencies and are looking for a Director, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) for a potential 5-year Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment project in Ethiopia , whose overall purpose is to strengthen partnerships and coordination at national and regional levels, promote effective use of resources, and strengthen and scale up quality assurance systems for malaria diagnosis and treatment.

Our history in Ethiopia  

Since the early 2000s, we have worked with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and local governments to empower leaders, train pharmacy workers, help health facilities select and procure medicines more cost effectively, and design information systems that support evidence-based decision making. Our programs help strengthen the capacity of local governments, institutions, and communities to combat HIV and TB, improve emergency preparedness and response plans, and provide access to safe, quality medicines and pharmaceutical services. More information can be obtained on our website: https://msh.org/countries/ethiopia/  

About your role as Director, Monitoring & Evaluation and Learning (MERL)

The Director, MERL will oversee the monitoring and evaluation and learning system for reporting progress and ensuring availability and use of quality data for adaptive management and maintain reporting procedures and guidelines in compliance with donor systems. The Director, MERL will be expected to develop a strong monitoring and evaluation and learning system and plan consistent with the donor results framework, coordinate the collection of data including conducting field visits for data validation, monitor the quality of data sets, contribute to the adaptive management of the program, oversee the development,  maintenance and use of the project technical information management system, and  document project performance against established outputs and indicators. 

The Director, MERL will also be responsible for building the capacity of the Government of Ethiopia, Ministry of Health (MOH) and other stakeholders in the collection, utilization, and dissemination of data as well as ensuring that all monitoring and data collection activities are harmonized, and information is shared. The Director, MERL will also assist the MOH to monitor programs and assess the robustness of implementing organizations’ data collection and MERL mechanisms.

This position is contingent upon award and funding.

How will YOU accomplish this?

• Design and implement the Project’s MERL system, including the development of indicators, setting targets, monitoring project progress, ensuring timely data collection, writing quarterly and annual reports, and liaising with the project financial team to track the budget in relation to all project results and outcomes.

• Provide technical inputs to the technical team to assist in developing program goals and objectives as well as MERL tools and strategies and provide monitoring data to strategically inform the decisions on project performance and future direction to the project, for enhanced adaptive management.

• Develop a learning agenda and learning system that promotes a culture of learning, whereby knowledge is systematically generated, data is regularly analyzed, and data use is encouraged for real-time remedial actions and program quality improvement. 

• Oversee the development, maintenance and use of the project technical information management system, and its interoperability with the national health information management system. Support the MOH to develop a health sector MERL framework and monitor health system strengthening interventions. 

• Provide regularly updated reports on the status of implementation against the project goals and objectives to the Project Lead, donors and other project leaders as required.

• Collaborate with the project team in identifying project activities, processes and/or outcomes that are worthy of documentation and design a knowledge management (KM) system for capturing lessons learned and good practices.

• Adhere to MSH procurement integrity and institutional standards and procedures in all project management responsibilities.

This list is not exhaustive, and we would expect our MERL leaders to be both innovative and strategic in suggesting and implementing new methods to achieve the outcomes and impact desired by our client and needed by the people the project aims to serve.

QUALIFICATIONS

What do you need to apply?

MSH employs people of passion, we seek those individuals who dream of a better world. We look for professionals who combine experience, local knowledge, and an understanding of international best practices. Individuals who share our values of treating everyone with respect while being equitable and holding all of us accountable to make an impact.

Specific requirements for this role are:

• Excellent command of methodologies, analyses, tools, and systems for MERL and knowledge management.

• MERL experience in the health sector and knowledge of issues related to integrated health services and support programs, particularly in the areas of health systems strengthening (HSS), global health security (GHS), malaria, and/or maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH)/family planning (FP)/reproductive health (RH).

• Experience developing and implementing data collection protocols, including data quality assurance, to ensure complete and accurate data collection.

• Demonstrated experience conducting data analyses and summarizing findings through data visualization to communicate key messages to stakeholders in support of adaptive management practices.

From a practical point of view, you will have:

• PhD or master’s degree in a relevant field such as epidemiology, biostatistics, demography, research methods, public health, population health, or health economics. 

• At least 8 years of demonstrated experience designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation activities and special studies for complex programs in developing countries. 

• 5+ years’ experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health, Community Health, Database or Information Systems Management, or other relevant social science activities Demonstrated experience with managing MERL on donor-funded projects; experience with malaria programs is preferred. 

• Excellent skills in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and DHIS2.

• Strong written and oral presentation skills in English and Amharic (required).

• Local candidates preferred.

What should you know about MSH? 

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is a global nonprofit advisory firm that provides governments, health organizations, and the private sector with the strategies, tools, and management support to effectively and efficiently deliver high-functioning health systems. With work in more than 40 countries across 5 continents, we advance knowledge and technology globally to support people locally to achieve health for all. From health ministry to community, private sector to civil society, as trusted advisors, we make the foundational changes that support the whole health system.  

For more than 50 years, we have focused on the people at the heart of the health system. We help by supporting local professionals to deliver improvements in the societies where we partner. To do this, MSH strives to create a welcoming work environment, where individuals are respected, and their contributions are truly valued. If you feel you have the required experience to assist MSH in implementing our vision, please submit your CV via our career portal: https://msh.org/work-with-us/ 

MSH is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, religion, creed, citizenship, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job requirements. MSH will take affirmative action to ensure that qualified applicants are employed and that employees are treated without regard to their race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and disability status. In compliance with U.S. Department of Labor Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, MSH has developed and maintains an affirmative action program and plan.