About the role
The NOURISH coordination team seeks an experienced Senior MEAL Advisor to oversee the design and implementation of investment and country-level MEAL frameworks, including the creation of the Performance Measurement Framework (PMF), strategic MEAL planning, and the formulation of a comprehensive learning agenda and strategy.
This position will collaborate with technical assistance partners (Taps) to enhance government monitoring and data systems, establishing a robust foundation for results-driven decision-making and sustained success—prioritizing country-level impact and long-term sustainability before broader accountability to investment outcomes.
The Senior MEAL Advisor will collaborate 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 evaluation of investment-level Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This includes assessing the quality and reliability of the indicators, tools, and measurement approaches integrated into national systems. KPIs will serve as a benchmark to guide partners in optimizing the use and advancement of routine government data and monitoring frameworks. This objective will be accomplished through sustained support to Taps, who engage directly with country governments. A primary goal is to strengthen government-led monitoring and data systems, fostering sustainability and enhancing decision-making at both national and subnational levels.
The Senior MEAL Advisor will lead and provide expert guidance and coordination to fortify maternal nutrition data systems in Technical Assistance Partner countries as part of this initiative. This position is centered on advancing standardization, enhancing data quality and interoperability, and ensuring data is utilized in meaningful ways to strengthen accountability for maternal nutrition interventions, including Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) and Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of critical duties and responsibilities integral to the role, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. Perform essential tasks with precision, including but not limited to managing workflows, coordinating team efforts, and addressing key performance metrics. Maintain a proactive approach to problem-solving while adhering to established policies and procedures. Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive project success and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal guidelines to uphold quality and efficiency in all deliverables.
MEAL planning involves developing structured frameworks and architectures to guide performance measurement, ensuring data-driven decision-making and impactful reporting. This encompasses designing comprehensive systems for monitoring, evaluating, and learning from initiatives, while establishing robust mechanisms to track progress against set objectives. Key responsibilities include crafting strategic frameworks, defining performance indicators, and implementing methodologies to assess outcomes effectively. Additionally, it entails building scalable architectures that support real-time data collection, analysis, and reporting, fostering continuous improvement and accountability within programs.
Lead the design and continuous enhancement of the investment-level Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) strategy and plan, ensuring it aligns with the grant’s theory of change, the C2I framework, the KPI framework, and all donor requirements. This encompasses supervising country-level MEAL strategies and Performance Measurement Frameworks (PMF), embedding KPIs into national systems where feasible, and serving as the primary technical authority for results-based management implementation.
Devising a robust Investment Level Learning Strategy and guiding the formulation of Learning Agendas for the Taps are key responsibilities of this role.
Drive the creation and implementation of the investment-level learning strategy by prioritizing key learning questions and guaranteeing that rigorous evidence is consistently collected, analyzed, and leveraged to inform decision-making. This requires 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 methodologies.
We are seeking to establish standardized indicators, tools, and measurement methods to ensure consistency and accuracy in our processes and evaluations. This involves creating and refining frameworks that will serve as benchmarks for assessing performance, progress, and outcomes across various initiatives. The selected candidate will be responsible for designing scalable and adaptable solutions that can be implemented across different departments and projects, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and industry best practices. Additionally, the role requires collaboration with stakeholders to validate the relevance and effectiveness of these tools, as well as continuous improvement based on feedback and evolving needs.
Lead cross-country workshops focused on harmonizing Performance Management Frameworks, evaluating data landscapes, and designing comprehensive monitoring strategies. Offer expert technical support to Taps regarding standardized reporting protocols, indicator definitions, and data quality benchmarks. Implement structured reporting governance frameworks, encompassing annual processes, detailed work plans, and SharePoint-based repositories.
By enhancing data quality, maximizing its utility, and increasing visibility, we aim to elevate the overall value derived from data assets. This involves implementing robust processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability across all datasets. Additionally, we strive to optimize data accessibility and usability, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions with confidence. Through systematic monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives, we seek to foster a data-driven culture that supports organizational objectives and drives strategic outcomes.
Provide expert technical consultation to governmental bodies and Taps regarding Data Quality Improvement (DCI) methodologies, encompassing periodic data review frameworks, quality evaluation instruments, and supervisory and verification mechanisms. Design and implement a grant-level dashboard and analytical framework to monitor progress against KPIs, while assisting country partners in leveraging visualizations and dashboards to enhance decision-making and programmatic adaptation.
Systems strengthening, sustainability, and harmonization efforts are critical to ensuring long-term effectiveness and efficiency in organizational operations. These initiatives focus on enhancing operational frameworks, fostering resilience, and aligning processes across departments to achieve cohesive and scalable outcomes. By integrating best practices and adaptive strategies, the role emphasizes continuous improvement, resource optimization, and the establishment of robust governance structures to support enduring impact and collaborative success.
Provide strategic guidance to TAP son optimizing the interconnections between data logistics and health information systems, as well as the information exchange at community and facility levels. Deliver technical support and practical tools to assist in embedding MMS, IFA, and calcium indicators into DHIS2, HIS, LUIS, Echos, and facility registers along with reporting mechanisms. Facilitate regular learning and review sessions with Taps to evaluate progress, address quality concerns, disseminate cross-country best practices, and propose system improvements.
Risk, Compliance, and Safeguarding (Data & Content) professionals ensure the integrity, security, and ethical handling of organizational data and digital assets while maintaining strict regulatory adherence. They oversee the implementation of policies to mitigate risks associated with data breaches, unauthorized access, and regulatory non-compliance, ensuring robust safeguards are in place. Responsibilities include conducting audits, monitoring compliance with data protection laws, and addressing potential vulnerabilities through proactive measures. Additionally, they develop and enforce content governance frameworks to uphold quality and security standards across digital platforms. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to align risk management strategies with business objectives while fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
Ensure adherence to data protection and content classification protocols, implementing secure handling procedures and strict access controls for sensitive information. Oversee permission management and verify ethical data utilization, aligning with organizational, governmental, and donor mandates. Maintain compliance with safeguarding, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), and Do No Harm principles across all documentation and dissemination activities.
Oversee and manage a team of employees, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to company policies and procedures. This role requires leadership skills to guide, mentor, and motivate staff while maintaining accountability for their work outcomes. Additionally, the supervisor is responsible for delegating tasks effectively, monitoring progress, and fostering a collaborative work environment to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
The Senior MEAL Advisor will oversee and guide the Information Management & Reporting Officer (IMO), ensuring effective leadership and operational alignment.
We value candidates who hold relevant educational credentials, professional designations, and hands-on experience in their field. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is required, though advanced degrees or specialized certifications are strongly preferred. Applicants should demonstrate a proven track record of at least three years in a comparable role, showcasing expertise and a commitment to continuous professional growth. Industry-specific experience and familiarity with current best practices are essential for success in this position.
A bachelor’s degree or higher in education is required for this position.
A master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Monitoring & Evaluation, Data Science, Nutrition, or a closely related discipline is required.
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, software, or methodologies is required. Previous involvement in project management, team leadership, or client-facing responsibilities is highly desirable. Proficiency in problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic environments is a must. A proven track record of meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results is essential.
With more than a decade of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) roles specifically within health or nutrition initiatives, preferably in low- and middle-income countries (Mics), and encompassing multi-country operations across Africa.
Proven track record in enhancing national-level monitoring and data system capabilities.
Possesses practical experience in donor-funded initiatives, including collaborations with government entities, United Nations agencies, private foundations, and multilateral organizations. Demonstrates a solid grasp of donor compliance regulations and best practices.
Preferred candidates will have prior experience managing or collaborating on grants funded by bilateral organizations or philanthropic foundations.
Proficiency in international development, public health, nutrition, or NGO settings is required.
Proficiency in the regulatory frameworks governing major donors, 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 desirable.
Individuals must possess strong skills in statistical analysis and data visualization, including proficiency with tools such as State, R, Power BI, and DHIS2 analytics.
A candidate must possess a well-rounded skill set, relevant competencies, and strong personal attributes to succeed in this role. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential, along with effective communication skills to convey complex ideas clearly. Demonstrated experience in team leadership and project management is required, as is the ability to work collaboratively across departments. Adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning are critical for navigating dynamic challenges. Proficiency in industry-specific tools and technologies, as well as a customer-centric mindset, will further enhance performance in this position.
Proficiency in the MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) framework is essential for this role, requiring a strong grasp of data collection methodologies, analytical techniques, and performance tracking systems. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in designing and implementing MEAL plans, conducting impact assessments, and utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making. Familiarity with sector-specific tools, such as log frames, theories of change, and dashboards, is necessary. Additionally, experience in reporting findings to diverse stakeholders, ensuring accountability mechanisms are in place, and fostering a culture of continuous learning within teams or organizations is required. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are critical for effectively translating complex data into actionable insights.
Seasoned professionals are sought with a demonstrated proficiency in overseeing monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning initiatives within public health, nutrition, or health systems strengthening domains.
Accomplished professionals with a demonstrated history of designing indicator frameworks, creating data collection tools, establishing measurement methodologies, and implementing reporting systems.
Proven expertise in ensuring data quality, conducting regular system evaluations, and enhancing government monitoring and evaluation processes.
Skilled professionals possessing expertise in enhancing and optimizing data systems competencies are sought. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in identifying system weaknesses, implementing robust improvements, and ensuring seamless data integration across platforms. Requirements include a strong background in data architecture, system analysis, and performance tuning, along with hands-on experience in database management and software development. Responsibilities encompass diagnosing inefficiencies, designing scalable solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and maintaining data integrity while adhering to industry best practices and compliance standards.
Proven expertise in incorporating indicators into national health information systems, such as DHIS2, LUIS, HIS, and Echos, is required.
Proficient in interoperability principles, data flow mechanisms, and data governance frameworks within low- and middle-income country contexts.
Proficient in advising collaborators on integrating logistics, facility, and community data to enhance monitoring and accountability processes.
Extensive travel is required for this role, encompassing significant domestic and international destinations to meet client needs and project demands. Candidates must be prepared to undertake frequent trips, sometimes with short notice, to various locations globally. The ability to manage travel logistics efficiently and maintain flexibility in scheduling is essential for success in this position.
Travel up to 20% to TAP countries and regional meetings, including field visits supporting government systems.
Operates seamlessly across diverse time zones within a collaborative, matrix-structured, multipartner framework.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
