Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Advisor at Health Systems Consult Limited (HSCL)

Health Systems Consult Limited (HSCL) is a public health and development consulting firm established by a team with extensive experience in international development and public health programming. We provide technical assistance for health system reforms towards access to cost-effective and quality health care across Nigeria and the continent of Africa. With a network of over 50 global partners and consultants, we develop programmes and provide sustainable solutions for a broad spectrum of health and development challenges.

HSCL is registered with the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission (2009), the Tanzanian Registry of Companies (2014), the Office of Administration and registration in Sierra Leone (2015) and the Office of the Registration of Companies in Zambia (2016). HSCL has established offices in Nigeria, Tanzania and Sierra Leone and has also done work in several African countries including Cameroun, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mauritius, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zanzibar. In Nigeria, HSCL with it’s headquarters in Abuja, has offices in Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Borno, FCT, Kaduna, Kebbi, Lagos, Niger, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Advisor

Location: Kebbi
Division/Department: MERL
Reporting: MERL Manager
Type:  Full-time/Non-exempt

Job Summary

• The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Advisor will lead the design, implementation, and management of a comprehensive MERL framework for the ACE3 (Accelerating Control of the HIV Epidemic in Nigeria) USAID-funded HIV/AIDS project.
• The role focuses on driving data-driven decision-making, ensuring accountability, and achieving the project's objectives to address HIV/AIDS-related challenges.
• The MERL Advisor will oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting processes, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and promoting continuous learning to improve program outcomes and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and manage the MEL system, including the use of tools such as LamisPlus, DHIS2 and DATIM (Data for Accountability, Transparency, and Impact Monitoring) to enhance data management and program activity tracking across health facilities.
• Support the development and regularly review of the Project’s MEL Plan to ensure alignment with the Data Management Plan.
• Supervise sub-contractors involved in data collection and reporting for baseline, midterm, and final evaluations, ensuring compliance to established quality standards.
• Manage data analysis processes and generate key performance indicator (KPI) reports using data visualization tools to facilitate program decision-making and stakeholder reporting
• Provide training and ongoing support to project staff and partners regarding MEL responsibilities, ensuring the effective use of monitoring tools and data systems.
• Collect, analyze, and validate performance indicator data to produce comprehensive stakeholder reports.
• Provide technical oversight to the MEL team, including field-based staff, ensuring accurate data collection, reporting, and compliance with project standards.
• Capture and document lessons learned, sharing best practices and success stories through presentations, reports and technical documents for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise with various stakeholders and project-related donors on MEL concerns and ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Take overall responsibility for project reporting, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, final, and ad-hoc reports.
• Present data analyses and periodic reports in consultation with technical staff to support program improvement efforts.
• Perform other duties as required or directed by the supervisor.

Education

• BA / B.Sc or equivalent in Social Science, International Development, Evaluation Research, Statistics, Economics or related fields. 
• At least five (5) years of experience in managing, and implementing MEL activities for large-scale, results-based programs.
• Experience with health data management systems (e.g., LamisPlus, DHIS2, DATIM, NDARS and NDR) with a strong understanding of how these platforms contribute to tracking and reporting HIV/AIDS data.
• Demonstrated relevant technical skills in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data using statistical analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R).
• Extensive knowledge of reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, and tools for monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

Desired Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• High proficiency in Microsoft office suite (Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and familiarity with data management systems.
• Excellent data management skills and proficiency in data visualisation using platforms like Power BI and Tableau.
• Strong analytical, and problem-solving skills with a results-driven approach and capable of using data to inform decision-making and program improvement.
• Strong communication and writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and deliverables promptly under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs) and proficiency in using tools like Google sheets.
• Experience in abstract writing and publication of research findings, reports, and technical documents related to health programs or HIV/AIDS interventions.

Application Closing Date
24th January 2025.

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 email.