Director Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning

Description

This position is contingent upon funder approval of key personnel and availability of funds

Population Services International (PSI) Uganda is a public health international non-profit organization that works to improve the health and lives of Ugandans. By approaching care from the consumers’ perspective, PSI Uganda provides life-saving information, products, and services to tackle some of the country’s most pressing health problems so that people can lead healthier, happier, and more productive lives. Using the market development approach and targeted social behavior change, PSI Uganda works to shift policy and funding, shape mixed health systems, and strengthen the public and private health sector across the country. Our work complements that of our line ministry, the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other implementing partners. Our origins in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) have grown into a broader mission. For the past two decades, we have implemented various programs in maternal and child health, urban health, HIV/AIDS, WASH, malaria, digital health, social business, supply chain management of health commodities, among others. Increasingly, we work with consumers, local communities, market actors (private sector) and the Government of Uganda (through the MoH) to diagnose problems together, generating insights to design solutions that strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system for the long term.

 Join us!

PSI seeks entrepreneurial, dynamic candidates with significant leadership and management experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). The person will play a pivotal role as a Director of MEAL overseeing the systematic monitoring, evaluation, learning, and accountability processes for an anticipated 5-year USAID-funded Social and Behavior Change (SBC) project. The project is in support of the Mission’s health sector goal of ensuring that Ugandan’s seek and receive high-quality health and social services at decreased financial hardship through sustainable systems. The project will accomplish this result through two anticipated objectives: 1) strengthened public sector systems for oversight and coordination of SBC at the national and district levels; and 2) improved ability of individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. The project will work primarily in the areas of maternal and child health (MCH), tuberculosis (TB), and malaria with attention to other health areas, such as family planning, nutrition, water and sanitation (WASH), Global Health Security or other development sectors, as other funds become available. The Director MEAL will lead efforts to gather and analyze data, assess project impact, and promote adaptive management approaches to enhance program effectiveness.

The DMEAL should have significant experience with MEAL of health projects and knowledge of evidence-based SBC MEAL methods and strategies; current global best practices in MEAL for SBC; and be adept at working with senior government officials to influence policy based on evidence. Our ideal candidate has deep experience with health or SBC projects in developing countries, a passion for knowledge sharing and capacity building, and a positive and action-oriented attitude.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaborative, Adaptation, and Learning framework aligned with project objectives and donor requirements ensuring that the MEAL framework incorporates clear indicators, targets, and methodologies for monitoring and evaluating project activities and outcomes across the health areas.
• Design and oversee the implementation of M&E systems, including data collection tools, databases, and reporting mechanisms. This includes conduct regular data quality assessments and ensure data integrity through rigorous data verification and validation processes.
• Lead the analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data to measure progress towards project goals and outcomes. Prepare high-quality M&E reports, including narrative summaries, data visualizations, and recommendations for programmatic adjustments or improvements.
• Provides technical leadership in the design, implementation and management of strategic and activity evaluations, studies and investigations as defined Learning plan. Ensure compliance with PSI policies, Research Ethics Board approvals, donor requirements, and local ethics regulations. Support the MoH in their monitoring and research agenda, advising on HMIS system improvements and national indicator reviews.
• Design and implements systems that facilitate Continuous Learning and improvement within the project staff and stakeholders enabling them to reflect on results, adapt strategies as needed, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and documentation & sharing of best practices.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to project staff and partners on M&E methodologies, data collection techniques, and reporting standards.
• Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements and timely submission of high-quality M&E reports.
• Foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders to facilitate data sharing, joint planning, and coordination efforts.
• Prepare and submit timely and accurate donor reports, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and guidelines.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Public Health, International Development, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning for complex health or development programs, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing SBC M&E frameworks, including proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods.
• Experience in managing MEAL systems for projects focused on health systems strengthening, behavior change, or related fields.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, facilitate learning and adaptation processes, and promote a culture of learning and accountability within an organization.
• Strong understanding of donor regulations and compliance requirements related to M&E, preferably with experience working with USAID or other major donors.

Others/Extra Details

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and community members.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team environment.
• Commitment to promoting evidence-based decision-making and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.