About the role
The NOURISH coordination team seeks a Senior MEAL Advisor to spearhead investment and country-level MEAL frameworks, encompassing the design of the Performance Measurement Framework (PMF), MEAL planning, as well as the formulation of a comprehensive learning agenda and strategy for the investment.
This position will collaborate with Technical Assistance Partners (Taps) to enhance in-country government monitoring and data systems, establishing a robust foundation for results-driven decision-making and sustainable progress. The primary focus will be on bolstering country-level capabilities and ensuring long-term viability, followed by accountability for broader investment outcomes.
The Senior MEAL Advisor will collaborate closely with the Information Management & Reporting Officer, the Senior Consortium and Project Director, and Technical Assistance Partners (Taps) to enhance the utilization of routine information systems and ensure rigorous measurement of investment-level Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This includes evaluating the quality and robustness of indicators, tools, and measurement methods embedded within national systems. The KPIs will serve as a benchmark to assist partners in optimizing and improving the use of routine government data and monitoring systems. This support will be delivered through continuous engagement with Taps, who maintain direct collaboration with country governments. A primary goal is to strengthen government-owned monitoring and data systems, fostering sustainability and enhancing decision-making at both national and subnational levels.
The Senior MEAL Advisor will offer leadership, technical direction, and coordination to bolster maternal nutrition data systems in Technical Assistance Partner countries within the scope of this investment. This position will concentrate on advancing standardization, enhancing data quality, ensuring interoperability, and promoting the practical application of data to strengthen accountability for maternal nutrition interventions, including MMS and IFA.
Oversee and execute critical duties and responsibilities integral to the role, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational excellence. Deliver outstanding performance in assigned tasks while maintaining high standards of accuracy, efficiency, and professionalism. Provide strategic input to enhance processes, optimize workflows, and contribute to the achievement of departmental and company-wide goals. Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to foster a cohesive work environment and drive collective success. Demonstrate adaptability in responding to evolving priorities and challenges, ensuring seamless continuity and sustained productivity. Uphold compliance with policies, procedures, and industry regulations to mitigate risks and safeguard organizational integrity.
MEAL planning, the development of performance measurement frameworks, and the establishment of MEAL architecture are integral components of this role.
Oversee the creation and enhancement of the investment-level MEAL plan and strategy, ensuring full alignment with the grant’s theory of change, the C2I and KPI framework, and donor specifications. This involves supervising the development of country-level plans and Performance Measurement Frameworks (PMF), embedding KPIs into government systems where feasible, and offering technical guidance in results-based management.
Devising a comprehensive Investment-Level Learning Strategy and guiding the formulation of Learning Agendas for the Taps are core responsibilities of this role.
Drive the creation and implementation of the investment-level learning strategy by determining critical learning questions and guaranteeing that strong evidence is consistently collected, analyzed, and utilized to inform decision-making. This includes harmonizing country-specific learning agendas with the broader strategy and fostering cross-country collaboration to encourage peer-driven reflection, innovation, and the adoption of proven practices.
The creation of standardized indicators, tools, and measurement methodologies is essential.
Lead nationwide workshops to harmonize Performance Management Frameworks, evaluate data ecosystems, and design monitoring strategies. Deliver expert counsel to Technical Assistance Providers (Taps) on standardized reporting protocols, indicator frameworks, and data integrity standards. Implement reporting oversight by defining annual workflows, structured work plans, and centralized SharePoint repositories.
Enhancing data integrity, optimizing utilization, and increasing transparency represent key objectives in this role.
Offer expert technical support to governments and Taps in implementing Data Quality Improvement (DCI) processes, encompassing periodic data review protocols, quality assessment tools, and supervisory and verification methodologies. Design and deploy a grant-level dashboard and analytics framework to monitor KPI progress, while collaborating with country partners to enhance their ability to utilize visualizations and dashboards for more informed decision-making and adaptive strategies.
Systems enhancement, long-term viability, and alignment are essential to our strategic objectives, ensuring robust frameworks, cohesive integration, and enduring operational effectiveness.
Advising Taps, the role involves strengthening the connections between data logistics and health information systems, as well as improving information flows at both community and facility levels. Technical support and job aids will be provided to integrate MMS, IFA, and calcium indicators into DHIS2, HIS, LUIS, Echos, and facility registers and reporting tools. Regular learning and review sessions with Taps will be conducted to evaluate progress, address quality concerns, facilitate cross-country knowledge exchange, and propose system improvements.
Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, mitigates organizational risks, and upholds data protection protocols while safeguarding sensitive content across all operational platforms.
Ensure strict adherence to data protection and content classification policies, implementing robust security measures and access controls for sensitive information. Oversee permission management and verify the ethical utilization of data, aligning all practices with organizational, governmental, and donor requirements. Maintain rigorous safeguarding standards, uphold SEA principles, and apply the Do No Harm framework consistently across all documentation and dissemination efforts.
Supervises a team of employees, ensuring adherence to company policies and fostering a productive work environment. Delegates tasks effectively, monitors performance, and provides constructive feedback to support staff development. Manages schedules, resolves conflicts, and maintains accountability for team goals and deadlines. Ensures compliance with organizational standards and promotes collaboration across departments.
The Senior MEAL Advisor will oversee the Information Management & Reporting Officer (IMO), offering direct supervision and line management to ensure effective performance and professional development.
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, along with professional certifications and at least three years of hands-on experience in a similar role.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as education, child development, or a related discipline. A valid teaching certification or license is required, along with prior experience working in an educational setting, whether in classrooms, administrative roles, or support services. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, as is the ability to collaborate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues. Familiarity with curriculum development, classroom management techniques, and educational technology is preferred. The role demands a commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment while adhering to state and federal education standards.
A Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Monitoring & Evaluation, Data Science, Nutrition, or a closely related discipline is required.
Experience
With a decade of dedicated experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Assessment, and Learning (MEAL) roles, particularly within health or nutrition programs, you have ideally contributed in low- and middle-income countries (Mics), with a focus on multi-country initiatives across Africa.
Experienced in enhancing national monitoring and data systems.
Demonstrated expertise in managing projects financed by external donors, including governmental entities, United Nations agencies, philanthropic foundations, and multilateral organizations, coupled with a comprehensive grasp of compliance frameworks and regulatory obligations.
Preferred experience includes involvement with bilateral or philanthropic grants.
Proficiency in international development, public health, nutrition, or within an NGO setting is required.
Proficiency in regulatory frameworks governing major donor organizations, including Global Affairs Canada, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the European Union, as well as private and public foundations, is required.
Proficiency in maternal nutrition or micronutrient supplementation initiatives is highly advantageous.
Skilled in leveraging statistical and data visualization tools such as State, R, Power BI, DHIS2 analytics, and other relevant software.
Seeking a highly motivated professional with exceptional analytical abilities and a proven track record in data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, with the capacity to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders. Must possess advanced proficiency in relevant software tools and methodologies, coupled with meticulous attention to detail. Requires exceptional problem-solving acumen, adaptability in dynamic environments, and a commitment to continuous learning. Preferred qualifications include leadership experience, project management expertise, and a customer-centric mindset. Responsibilities encompass strategic planning, process optimization, and driving organizational growth through innovative solutions.
Technical expertise in the MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) framework is essential, requiring proficiency in data collection methodologies, indicator development, and performance measurement systems. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical skills to interpret complex datasets and generate actionable insights, alongside experience in designing and implementing robust evaluation strategies. Knowledge of digital tools for data management and visualization, such as GIS, SPSS, or Power BI, is highly desirable. Familiarity with participatory approaches, gender-sensitive analysis, and ethical safeguarding principles is also required. Additionally, the ability to develop clear, concise reports and present findings to diverse stakeholders is critical.
Requires extensive proficiency in overseeing monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning processes within public health, nutrition, or health systems strengthening initiatives.
Proven track record in designing indicator frameworks, creating data collection tools, establishing measurement methodologies, and implementing robust reporting systems.
We demonstrate exceptional proficiency in ensuring data quality, conducting routine system evaluations, and enhancing government monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
The role involves enhancing and optimizing data systems to improve their overall performance and reliability. This position requires expertise in identifying system vulnerabilities, implementing robust security measures, and ensuring seamless data integration across platforms. Key responsibilities include analyzing existing infrastructure, recommending scalable solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align data strategies with organizational objectives. Candidates must possess a strong background in data management, proficiency in relevant technical tools, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of data integrity and accessibility. Additionally, the ability to troubleshoot complex issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives will be essential for success in this position.
Proven expertise in incorporating indicators into national health information systems, including DHIS2, LUIS, HIS, and Echos, is essential.
Proficient knowledge of interoperability frameworks, data flow architectures, and data governance principles specifically within low- and middle-income country contexts.
Proficient in advising collaborators on integrating logistics, facility, and community data to enhance monitoring and responsibility.
Frequent travel is a key aspect of this role, requiring extensive domestic and international trips to fulfill business obligations. The selected candidate must be prepared to spend significant time away from home, with travel demands varying based on project needs and client engagements. Flexibility in scheduling and the ability to adapt to changing travel requirements are essential to success in this position.
You may be required to travel up to 20% of the time to TAP countries and regional meetings, which encompasses field visits aimed at strengthening government systems.
Operates effectively across various global time zones within a collaborative, matrix-structured organization involving multiple partners.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
