Pathfinder has received funding from the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, FCDO – Kampala, to implement the ‘Empowering Women for Better Reproductive Health Outcomes Programme’ (EMPOWER) from February to January . EMPOWER will be implemented in 80 districts in Uganda, to strengthen public sector health systems capacity to deliver maternal health services, mentor health workers on family planning and maternal, child health, and generate demand, while tackling myths and misinformation about family planning, and harmful traditional practices and gender norms that deny women agency over their own bodies.
The interventions are aimed to contribute to a reduction in preventable deaths of mothers, babies, and children, and women and girls’ empowerment through choices about whether and when to have children.
Your Impact : As a MEAL Advisor, you will work closely with all partners and field-based teams to develop, refine, and implement Pathfinder’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems in Uganda. You will ensure robust, accurate, and timely data collection and monitoring systems are in place for all programme activities which routine performance tracking, data management and analysis, benchmarking, and accountability systems to ensure program quality. You will assist in the consolidation of key performance indicators and contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for donors and stakeholders.
Reporting directly to the MEAL Director, you will closely work with technical leads to develop and refine log frames and results frameworks, ensuring that programme indicators align with SMART objectives and contribute to programme goals. You will also lead efforts to develop a strong accountability system, ensuring timely follow-up on any issues raised by the MEAL and programme teams. You will create processes for consistent data utilization and learning to enable evidence-based decision-making for programme teams and by Senior Management Team (SMT).
Key Responsibilities :
MEL Strategic Planning and Implementation :
- Develop and update project MEAL logical frameworks, M&E Plans, work plans, data collection tools, and standard operating procedures, aligning with Pathfinder’s MEAL standards, donor requirements, and other national systems such as DHIS2 as may be required.
- Promote a culture that prioritizes programme quality by championing MEAL role within all programme activities and ensuring there are strong linkages to MEAL, across programmes
- Liaise with partners, stakeholders, and regional MEAL teams to align with Pathfinder’s and donor MEAL requirements and standards.
- Support the Strategic Information Management Officer (SIMO) in the development and maintenance of the management information system.
- Contribute to business development activities by supporting development of new projects and proposals in conjunction with business development team.
Performance Monitoring :
Create a system to ensure systematic tracking of programme achievements and progress towards objectives.Design and develop performance Dashboards to strengthen monitoring, measurement, and analysis of relevant programme data ensuring efficient, timely, and accurate performance data tracking.Establish and implement protocols for regular data quality assurance (DQA) mechanisms to improve efficiency.Collaborate with technical specialists to develop and implement sectoral quality benchmarks or targets.Standardize data collection tools, reporting formats, and methodologies across all programme activities to capture the specific characteristics of different target groups of interest.Work with program teams to develop a comprehensive MEAL planRegularly review and consolidate MEAL outputs, such as the Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT), ensuring they are up-to-date and accurate.Research, Evaluation and Learning :
Work in collaboration with technical teams and consultants to design and develop research protocols, qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, and participate in evaluation / assessments related activities including baseline surveys to inform programme design and implementation.Collaborate with technical teams to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities that will contribute to the Evidence & Learning agenda.Foster a learning culture by promoting the collection, analysis, and dissemination of evidence and lessons learned from programme implementation across the implementing partners.Program Reporting :
Compile, analyze data to provide clear and accurate conclusions and recommendations to programme staff, SMT, and stakeholders to guide decision-making.Assist in providing data for donor reporting requirements, and ensuring MEAL reporting requirements to programme teams and donors are metReport results of MEL activities internally and externally and document progress toward achieving indicators / targets, as appropriate.In collaboration with MoH, Districts, and partners, support linkage and analysis of DHIS2 data. Ensuring timely routine data retrieval, reporting, and integration of HMIS data.Support the Country Director and Team Leader to write and prepare quality conference presentations and publications.Capacity Building in MEAL :
Build the MEAL capacity of programme staff, partners, and district local government. By working closely with MEAL Director and relevant stakeholders to develop and implement MEAL capacity strengthening plans, tools, and guides to facilitate knowledge transfer and provide technical MEAL training and support.Provide routine technical guidance and support to field-based MEAL staff, ensuring they receive regular feedback and supervision.Accountability and Communication :
Ensure all staff, including senior management, understand and promote MEAL policies and procedures to ensure beneficiary or participant personal information are protected.Establish systems to effectively manage feedback and complaints, ensuring transparent and responsive communication among programme teams, partners, and SMT.Establish and maintain a good working relation with the relevant government departments, ministries, districts, as well as other stakeholder groups.What You Bring :
Master’s degree in statistics, quantitative economics, demography, epidemiology, public health, or a related field or a combination of education and experience that yields the required competencies.Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in monitoring and evaluation of health / development projects.Minimum of 4 years’ MEAL experience at a managerial / Advisory level.Excellent understanding of statistical, analytical and data management systems, including ability to process and analyze data using one or more statistical software packages, including at least one of the following : SPSS, STATA, SAS, or software for qualitative data analysis (Nvivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose, etc.) and Power BI, DHIS2 or other analytical platforms.Demonstrated experience and familiarity with behavioral surveillance surveys, research methodologies, qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis, sampling techniques, and establishing M&E systemsExperience in program management and administration, financial management, award compliance and sub award management, and tracking activity performance and costs.Demonstrated leadership skills in working collaboratively with other donors, host country institutions, and international organizations.Demonstrated depth and breadth of relevant technical expertise and experience, interpersonal skills, and professional relationships.Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop direct reports within a matrix culture.Experience with proposal writing and budget oversightWhy You’ll Love Working with Us :
Join an innovative, forward-thinking organization that values your growth and ideas.Work within a supportive, collaborative environment.Make a meaningful impact on our organization's programmingEnjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.Benefit from the opportunity for global engagement.Ready to Apply? If you are passionate about family planning / MCH delivery and are eager to make a difference, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role via this website no later than July 18th, . You are also requested to include the contact details for at least 3 references in their resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities
Pathfinder International provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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Safeguarding and Protection
Pathfinder is committed to the safeguarding and protection of the people we serve and our staff. We have zero tolerance for any type of behavior that inflicts harm on children, young people, adults, our staff, and partners including sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, and exploitation. We do everything possible to ensure that we recruit only those who are suitable to work with for us and expect that everyone we hire will abide by our safeguarding and related policies and will report any suspected or known violations. This job is subject to a range of vetting checks as legally permitted in the country where they are being hired. By applying, the job applicant acknowledges they understand our intent to verify suitability to work with us