Job Summary

• The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director is responsible for coordinating the development of a performance management plan, including performance-monitoring criteria, and ensuring continuous monitoring of project progress. They will organize and coordinate data collection, analysis, and reporting on results to key stakeholders to identify problems and improve overall performance. The MEL Director is a member of the Senior Management Team and reports to the Project Director (Chief of Party).

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Performance Management Plan (PMP) to track progress against IHR (2005) capacity-building goals.
• Design evaluation and monitoring activities that enable field-based program managers to identify systemic bottlenecks and implement evidence-driven adaptations.
• Organize and coordinate rigorous data collection and analysis related to laboratory systems, surveillance, and emergency operations centers (EOCs).
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, client-focused approaches in technical areas such as One Health and pandemic preparedness are successfully monitored.
• Lead and manage a team of MEL Specialists in full accordance with JSI policies and procedures, fostering a culture of continuous learning and ensuring the team remains focused on high-quality outputs.
• Interpret and report on activity results to the CDC, NCDC, and other key governmental stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with the Technical Director and technical team to ensure MEL activities are integrated into project work planning and implementation.
• Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of all project data and oversee data quality assessments (DQAs).
• Facilitate a culture of “learning” by using data to inform project pivots and ensure alignment with the latest JEE recommendations.
• Ensure all MEL systems and processes comply with CDC operational policies and international data standards.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Epidemiology, Statistics, Public Health, Infectious Diseases, or a related field with a strong focus on quantitative and qualitative research.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in global health security, disease surveillance, or IHR implementation, preferably in West Africa, preferably Nigeria.
• Demonstrated success in designing MEL frameworks for complex health systems or IHR-related activities.
• Strong ability to interpret complex data sets and translate them into actionable insights for program managers and government officials.
• Proven experience managing a team of MEL specialists and collaborating with globally dispersed technical partners.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau) and DHIS2 is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale public health programs and working directly with national public health institutes (like NCDC).
• Proven ability to form partnerships with governments in developing countries, and work with local partners and stakeholders in national and sub-national capacities
• Fluency in English and local language(s) (e.g. Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, etc.) with strong oral and written communication.
• Comfort and familiarity with representing the Project and JSI at external events, technical working groups, and international forums, preferred.