About the role
The NOURISH coordination team seeks a Senior MEAL Advisor to spearhead investment and country-level MEAL frameworks, with responsibilities spanning the creation of the Performance Measurement Framework (PMF), strategic MEAL planning, and the design of the learning agenda and corresponding strategy for the investment.
This position will collaborate with Technical Assistance Partners (Taps) to enhance government monitoring and data systems within countries, establishing a robust foundation for results-driven decision-making and long-term sustainability. Initially focused on country-level impact, the role will also ensure accountability for broader investment outcomes.
The Senior MEAL Advisor will collaborate with the Information Management & Reporting Officer, the Senior Consortium and Project Director, and the Technical Assistance Partners (Taps) to enhance the application of routine information systems and establish rigorous measurement of investment-level Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This includes evaluating the quality and reliability of the indicators, tools, and measurement methodologies integrated into national systems. The KPIs will serve as a benchmark to guide partners in optimizing the use and refinement of routine government data and monitoring frameworks. These efforts will be executed through continuous support to the Taps, who are directly engaged with country governments. A key focus will be strengthening government-led monitoring and data systems to ensure sustainability and improve decision-making at both national and subnational levels.
The Senior MEAL Advisor will lead efforts to bolster maternal nutrition data systems in Technical Assistance Partner countries through this initiative, offering strategic direction, specialized expertise, and coordination. This position is dedicated to advancing standardization, enhancing data quality, fostering interoperability, and ensuring data is utilized effectively to improve accountability for maternal nutrition interventions such as MMS and IFA.
Key responsibilities include managing and overseeing daily operations to ensure efficiency and productivity, developing and implementing strategic plans aligned with organizational goals, and maintaining compliance with industry regulations and company policies. Additionally, the role requires supervising teams, fostering collaboration, and resolving conflicts to cultivate a positive work environment. Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills, along with a proven track record of delivering results in a fast-paced setting. Proficiency in relevant software and tools, as well as the capacity to analyze data and make informed decisions, are also essential.
We design and implement robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems, including comprehensive strategic planning for meal programs, the development of performance measurement frameworks, and the establishment of scalable MEAL architectures to ensure data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement in program delivery.
You will spearhead the design and enhancement of the investment-grade MEAL plan and strategy, ensuring full alignment with the grant’s theory of change, the C2I framework, the KPI framework, and donor specifications. This encompasses supervising country-level MEAL strategies and Performance Measurement Frameworks (PMFs), embedding KPIs into government systems where feasible, and delivering expert guidance on results-based management practices.
Devise a comprehensive Investment Level Learning Strategy and lead the creation of structured Learning Agendas for the Taps.
Drive the development and implementation of the investment-level learning strategy by defining key learning priorities and ensuring rigorous, evidence-based insights are consistently collected, analyzed, and leveraged to inform strategic decisions. This includes harmonizing country-specific learning agendas with the broader strategy and fostering cross-country collaboration to encourage reflective practices, drive innovation, and scale proven methodologies.
The creation of standardized indicators, tools, and measurement methods is essential to ensure consistency and reliability across evaluations. This involves designing frameworks that align with organizational goals and best practices, as well as developing user-friendly instruments for data collection and analysis. The role requires expertise in indicator development, methodological rigor, and the ability to translate complex requirements into practical solutions. Responsibilities include conducting research, consulting stakeholders, and validating tools to meet quality standards and support evidence-based decision-making.
Lead workshops across regions to synchronize Performance Management Frameworks, evaluate data ecosystems, and design monitoring strategies. Offer specialized support to Technical Assistance Providers (Taps) on standardized reporting protocols, indicator specifications, and data integrity protocols. Implement structured reporting governance, comprising yearly cycles, operational schedules, and centralized SharePoint repositories.
Enhancing data accuracy, optimizing data utilization, and increasing data transparency represent the core objectives of this role.
Offer expert technical assistance to governments and TAP son enhancing Data Quality Improvement (DCI) procedures, which encompasses establishing structured data review protocols, deploying quality assessment tools, and implementing supportive supervision and verification mechanisms. Design and deploy a grant-level dashboard and analytical framework to monitor performance against KPIs, while guiding country partners in leveraging data visualizations and dashboards to inform strategic decisions and adaptive management.
Systems strengthening, sustainability, and harmonization are critical pillars for ensuring long-term impact and operational efficiency. These efforts focus on reinforcing institutional capacities, aligning processes with strategic goals, and fostering cohesive collaboration across stakeholders. By integrating these principles, organizations can enhance resilience, optimize resource utilization, and maintain alignment with broader objectives.
Advise Technical Assistance Providers (Taps) on enhancing the connections between data logistics and health information systems, as well as the information flows at community and facility levels. Offer technical support and practical tools to integrate Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), Iron-Folic Acid (IFA), and calcium indicators into DHIS2, HIS, LUIS, Echos, and facility registers and reporting tools. Facilitate regular learning and review sessions with Taps to evaluate progress, address quality concerns, exchange best practices from different countries, and propose improvements to the systems.
Seeking a candidate to oversee risk, compliance, and safeguarding measures specifically focused on data and content. The role involves ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, managing data protection protocols, and implementing safeguarding procedures to mitigate potential risks. Responsibilities include monitoring compliance with relevant laws, assessing content for regulatory alignment, and developing strategies to enhance data security and integrity. Ideal candidates should possess expertise in risk management, a thorough understanding of data protection regulations, and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing safeguarding concerns. Strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail are essential for this position.
Ensure adherence to data protection and content classification policies, implementing secure handling protocols and access controls for sensitive information. Oversee permissions management while guaranteeing the ethical utilization of data, aligning with organizational, governmental, and donor-established standards. Maintain compliance with safeguarding protocols, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) measures, and Do No Harm principles throughout all documentation and dissemination activities.
Oversee the performance and productivity of teams or departments, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and fostering a collaborative work environment. Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide guidance to staff to optimize workflow efficiency. Address performance concerns, offer constructive feedback, and support professional development initiatives to enhance team capabilities. Maintain clear communication channels to facilitate transparency and accountability among team members.
The Senior MEAL Advisor will oversee the Information Management & Reporting Officer (IMO), providing direct supervision and line management to ensure effective leadership and operational guidance.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, supplemented by applicable professional certifications, is required. A minimum of five years of progressive work experience in a comparable role is essential, with demonstrated expertise in key responsibilities and specialized skills.
A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is required for this position.
Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Monitoring & Evaluation, Data Science, Nutrition, or related field.
Seeking applicants with prior work experience in a relevant field. Candidates must have at least two years of hands-on experience in roles directly related to the position. Familiarity with industry-specific tools and software is required, along with a solid understanding of key processes and methodologies. Experience leading projects or teams is highly desirable. Additionally, a track record of problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic environments is necessary.
With a decade of professional experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Assessment, and Learning (MEAL) roles within health or nutrition programs—preferably in low- and middle-income countries (Mics)—including cross-border collaboration across multiple African nations.
Exhibits a proven track record in enhancing national monitoring and data systems.
Proven track record in managing donor-funded initiatives across diverse funding sources, including governmental bodies, United Nations agencies, private foundations, and multilateral donor organizations, coupled with a strong grasp of donor compliance frameworks and requirements.
Preferred candidates will have prior experience managing bilateral or philanthropic grants.
Seeking candidates with a proven track record in international development, public health, nutrition, or within an NGO setting.
Proficiency in the regulatory frameworks governing major donors, including Global Affairs Canada, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the European Union, and both private and public foundations, is essential.
Experience with maternal nutrition or micronutrient supplementation programs is an asset.
Requires expertise in statistical and visualization software, including State, R, Power BI, DHIS2 analytics, and related tools.
Skills, Competencies and Personal Attributes
MEAL Technical Competencies
Demonstrates advanced proficiency in overseeing, assessing, and enhancing monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning initiatives within the realms of public health, nutrition, or health systems strengthening.
Developed and implemented indicator frameworks, data collection tools, measurement methodologies, and reporting systems with a demonstrated track record of success.
Adept at ensuring data quality, conducting routine system evaluations, and enhancing government monitoring and evaluation processes.
We seek a professional with expertise in enhancing the capabilities and performance of data systems to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive knowledge of data infrastructure, including design, implementation, and optimization, along with proficiency in identifying and resolving system inefficiencies. Responsibilities include evaluating current data systems, developing strategic improvement plans, and ensuring seamless integration with existing frameworks. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills to interpret data trends, forecast potential challenges, and implement data-driven solutions. Experience in database management, system architecture, and cross-functional collaboration is essential to drive meaningful advancements in our data ecosystem.
With proven experience in embedding indicators into national health information systems, including DHIS2, LUIS, HIS, and Echos, the ideal candidate will bring a strong background in this specialized area to the role.
Proficiency in interoperability frameworks, data flow mechanisms, and data governance principles within low- and middle-income country contexts is essential.
Proven skill in advising collaborators on integrating logistics, facility, and community data to enhance monitoring and responsibility frameworks.
The role may necessitate regular national or international travel, with trips potentially lasting several days or weeks, depending on project demands and client locations. Candidates must be prepared to accommodate travel schedules, including overnight stays and potential last-minute adjustments. Flexibility in travel arrangements and the ability to manage logistics independently are essential. Additionally, the position may require adherence to strict travel policies, including expense reporting and itinerary approvals.
Travel may require up to 20% of your time, visiting TAP countries and regional meetings, as well as conducting field visits to strengthen government systems.
Operates effectively within a globally distributed, matrix-structured organization comprising multiple collaborative partners across diverse time zones.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
