JOB DESCRIPTION

IDENTIFICATION
Job Title Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adaptation
Specialist (MERLA)
Reporting to Regional Head of Programmes
Duration One (1) Year
Department/Programme Learning for Life Programme:
Physical Location Dakar, Senegal

1.0 ABOUT AMREF HEALTH AFRICA

Amref Health Africa was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become the largest African-based
international health development organization; currently implementing more than 180 programmes,
reaching more than 40 million people across 35 African countries; and a staff complement of over
2,000. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref Health Africa has offices in ten countries in Africa –
Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea (Conakry), Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and
Zambia. An additional eleven advocacy and fundraising offices are located in Europe and North
America.

Amref Health Africa is driven by its vision of ‘Lasting health change in Africa’ and its mission ‘To
catalyse and drive community-led and people-centred health systems while addressing social
determinants of health’. We believe that the power to transform Africa's health lies within its
communities, and therefore strive to ensure that health systems are not only functional but that
communities are empowered to hold these systems accountable for the delivery of quality and
affordable health care.

2.0 ABOUT THE ROLE

Many policies and institutions are in place to facilitate health workforce management in the health
sector in Senegal. However, the shortage of health personnel remains a problem, particularly in rural
areas. The skilled labour density is less than one doctor, one nurse and one midwife per 1,000
inhabitants (0.1 and 0.3 respectively) and the average Community Health Worker (CHW) density is
10.99 per 100 000 inhabitants. As a result, Senegal's health system suffers from widespread vacancy
rates of health professionals and poor quality health services. Investments in training health workers
are consistently low and there is a gross mismatch with the disease burden and the needs of the
population. Contributing factors include poor compliance with, and enforcement of, professional
training, licensing and practice standards. Senegal has five medical training establishments, three
health-training establishments and 55 nursing and midwifery training establishments.

To address these challenges and accelerate current progress in Universal Health Coverage (UHC),
Amref is implementing a four-year multi-country programme (Kenya, Senegal and Zambia) with the
ultimate aim of contributing to the creation of increased and sustainable employment in Primary
Health Care (PHC) sectors across Africa.
With this context in mind, Amref Health Africa seeks a dynamic and motivated MERLA Specialist who
will be responsible for leading the design and implementation of the program monitoring and
evaluation framework and information system to track delivery against outputs, outcomes and
impacts. S/he will develop research methodologies and lead the analysis of data collected for the
assessment of progress and areas of improvement. S/he will guide reporting processes amongst
technical staff and consolidate programme reports, promote learning and knowledge sharing of best
practices and lessons learnt. S/he will support all the technical staff in M&E functions and will manage
any M&E related staff in the program. Finally, s/he will facilitate learning and adaptation processes to
ensure continuous improvement and achievement of project goals.

3.0 ABOUT YOU

You embody a unique blend of analytical rigor, innovation, and strategic acumen. With a
demonstrated history of designing and implementing MERLA frameworks for development programs,
you prioritize innovation and continuous learning. Thriving in complex environments, you leverage
data-driven insights to drive programmatic adaptations and enhancements. Your proficiency in
quantitative and qualitative research enables you to synthesize and communicate findings adeptly,
while your proactive approach identifies opportunities for innovation and knowledge dissemination.

4.0 PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical and Leadership Support on M&E System

• Maintain and update a robust M&E system for the project that ensures the highest data
quality and use of data for decision making.
• Develop and manage the Project’s Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) in collaboration with
project staff and partners.
• Operationalize the MEAL plan, relevant dashboards and institutionalize monthly data reviews
by the project management team (PMT).
• Oversee and coordinate execution of key M&E components (assessment, design,
implementation, baseline, monitoring, evaluation, transition, learning and documentation)
across the sub-grantees with a particular focus on results and impacts as well as lessons
learned.
• Ensure that Sub grantees demonstrate the required MEAL capacity and ensure that core
information for grant management, partners, and funding agencies is available.
• Identify MEAL requirements that require consultancy or partnership, planned for and
executed effectively.
• Lead the project team in setting and monitoring the project targets and milestones.
• Identify MERL technical assistance (TA) needs of partners, facilities and/or government
counterparts and provide/organize TA through training, mentorship, and/or on-site
supervision.
• Support technical staff in M&E functions and manage M&E project staff.

Project Development, Reporting and Documentation

• Ensure that project performance and accountability data is collected, analyzed and
disseminated on a timely basis during quarterly, semi-annual and annual reporting of results.
• Participate in the development of the annual work plan and budgets, ensuring alignment with
technical approach.
• Develop MERL annual work plans and budgets and ensure efficient utilization of MEL
resources.
 • Identify the need and draw up the ToRs for specific studies and action researches; procure,
guide and supervise consultants or organizations that are contracted to implement special
surveys and studies required for evaluating grant effects and impacts.
• Lead analysis of project data to assess progress and areas of improvement.
• Develop and maintain systems to collect and analyse information on inputs, outputs,
outcomes and impact of the program.
• Guide staff and sub-grantees/implementing partners in preparing their progress reports in
accordance with approved reporting formats and ensure their timely submission.
• Ensure timely communication, documentation and publication of MEAL findings and lessons
at all levels and disseminate for timely utilization and decision making.

Quality Assurance and Capacity Building

• Ensure quality, consistency and adherence to standards and best practices for M&E across the
project, including data quality and use.
• Undertake regular visits (including occasional integrated missions) to the field to support
implementation of MEAL and to identify where adaptations might be needed.
• Provide guidance and a mechanism to ensure quality assurance is maintained at all levels of
programmatic work and particularly at results level by offering technical support during DQA
and other Quality Assessments.
• Identify MERL technical assistance (TA) needs of partners, facilities and/or government
counterparts and provide/organize TA through training, mentorship, and/or on-site
supervision.
• Coordinate continuous updating and review of the project M&E standard operating
procedures.

Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA)

• Ensure the consolidation of a learning culture - based upon evidenced-based best practices
and industry standards - to enable project staff to achieve and/or surpass established targets
and standards.
• Lead the project learning agenda including design, implementation of rigorous operations
research, data analysis and manuscript writing and champion project learning through
collaborative learning and adaptation (CLA).
• Provide leadership in developing or adapting, maintaining and promoting tools and
approaches to enhance Collaborative Learning and Adaptation.
• Lead strategic collaboration activities with key stakeholders to learn from project data and
adapt interventions as appropriate.

5.0 EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

Education and Experience

• At least a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Mathematics, Statistics, Informatics,
or a related field with knowledge/skills of Geographical Information Systems and information
technology.
• At least ten (10) years of experience implementing monitoring and evaluating activities for
complex programs in collaboration with partners such as the Government Ministry of Health
Department.
• Demonstrated experience in providing technical support, setting up and managing M&E
systems that track performance as per the objectives of this activity (e.g. service integration
 and performance against each result area) and in the application of statistical methods and
database management.
• Demonstrated expertise in rigorous quantitative and qualitative research and analytical
methods including research/study design and implementation, design and data analysis, rapid
appraisals, etc.
• Experience and understanding of Government of Senegal health system.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Understanding of M&E frameworks, methodologies, and best practices.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, data collection techniques, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with program impact assessment and evaluation techniques.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing M&E systems and tools.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data analysis software.
• Understanding of project management principles.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting complex data and generating insights.
• Excellent project management abilities for overseeing M&E activities.
• Advanced data analysis proficiency using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, STATA).
• Effective communication skills for reporting and knowledge sharing.
• Ability to develop and implement research methodologies for program assessment.
• Proficiency in technology for data visualization and reporting (e.g., dashboards, GIS).
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving to address M&E challenges.
• Adaptability and flexibility in adjusting M&E approaches based on feedback.
• Collaboration and networking to promote learning among stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and quality assurance mindset for reliable M&E data.
• Commitment to continuous professional development in M&E and research.

NOTE: Please note that you must have legal authorization to work in any of the Amref
Country Offices in Africa to be eligible for this position.

6.0 HOW TO APPLY

Interested? Please visit our website https://amref.org/vacancies/ to make your application. You will
be directed to our online portal where you will need to create an account in order for you to be able
to submit your application. Your application should include a cover letter detailing why you are the
best fit for this position and your CV with relevant skills and experience. Closing date will be 4th June
2024. Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are
encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Duly note that Amref Health Africa does not require applicants to pay any money at whatever stage
of the recruitment and selection process and has not retained any agent in connection with
recruitment. Although Amref may use different job boards from time to time to further spread its
reach for applicants, all open vacancies are published on our website under the Vacancies page
and on our official social media pages. Kindly also note that official emails from Amref Health
Africa will arrive from an @amref.org address.

Amref Health Africa is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young
people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Amref Health Africa
is an equal opportunity employer and has a non-smoking environment policy.