MERL Advisor at Sanitas Health and Development Foundation (SANHDEF)

Sanitas Health and Development Foundation (SANHDEF) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that specializes in providing technical assistance to achieve sustainable development solutions. With an operational presence across the country, our dedicated team is committed to making a lasting impact on the communities where we work.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: MERL Advisor

Location: Kano
Division / Department: Technical
Reporting:Director-Technical Services
Type:  Full-time

Job Summary

• The MERL Advisor will lead and ensure the high-quality design, implementation, and capacity building for MERL activities in the PHC strengthening project, driving data-driven decision-making and supporting the project's strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive MERL strategy that aligns with project objectives and donor requirements.
• Ensure that MERL activities are integrated into the project cycle from the design phase through implementation and close-out.
• Design and oversee the implementation of robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including indicators, tools, and methodologies.
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Develop and implement data quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the reliability and validity of data.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the implementation of project activities and verify data accuracy.
• Lead the design and implementation of operational research studies to generate evidence for decision-making and policy development.
• Promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement by facilitating knowledge-sharing and reflective practices within the project team and among stakeholders.
• Synthesize and disseminate research findings, lessons learned, and best practices through reports, presentations, and publications.
• Build a maturity model to track the progress of the PFM system in the state
• Develop tools and support the institutionalization of result-based budgeting.
• Utilize advanced data analysis techniques and software to generate insights and inform programmatic decisions.
• Conduct a 360° rapid diagnostic assessment of the PHC system to identify strengths, weaknesses, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with other project teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment and coherence in MERL activities.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning
• Proven experience working on donor-funded projects or in NGO settings.
• Strong background in data management, statistical analysis, and research methodologies.

Desired Competencies:

• Excellent analytical skills
• Problem-solving skills, with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R).
• Expertise with Data visualization software (Power B.I)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Stakeholder management and networking skills
• Experience working in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with the health landscape in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State.
• Commitment to promoting gender equality, equity, and social inclusion in MERL activities.

Application Closing Date
11th September, 2024.

How to apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their cover letter (no more than a page) and an updated CV in one document to: [email protected] using the job title as the subject of the mail.