MERL Specialist III

Job description

*This fixed term role is supported by grant funding that is approved for a one-year period** Locations: Arusha, Hybrid Position Summary Supports decentralized monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning for FCI implementation. The position ensures that data from communities, spokes, and hubs are complete, timely, accurate, and useful for decision-making, while linking implementation progress with performance monitoring and supporting alignment with HMIS/DHIS2 and FCI reporting requirements. Maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ, maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Compassion, and faithfully upholds Compassion’s ministry in prayer. Acts as an advocate to raise the awareness of the needs of children. Commits to and prioritizes child protection considerations in all decision-making, tasks and activities across the ministry. Abides by all behavioral expectations in Compassion’s Statement of Commitment to Child Protection and Code of Conduct. Reports any concerns of abuse, neglect or exploitation of children through Compassion’s internal reporting process and appropriately supports responses to incidents if they occur. Key Responsibilities 1. Data Collection, Management and Reporting Implement FCI data-flow processes from community/spoke level through hubs and into required reporting systems Support use of government-approved tools and FCI reporting tools without unnecessary parallel reporting Compile, clean, and validate routine program data and support timely submission of reports Maintain organized regional and district data records and evidence supporting reported activities and results 2. Data Quality Assurance and Activity Verification Conduct routine data-quality checks for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and consistency. Support DQAs, data verification, and corrective-action follow-up with facilities and community teams Where appropriate, triangulate reported activities with implementation records and technical evidence Identify discrepancies and work with technical teams to resolve them before reporting 3. Data Analysis, Performance and Adaptive Management Analyze routine performance data and prepare/use dashboards, tables and summaries Support monthly and quarterly reviews of planned activities, achievements, indicators and emerging gaps Identify trends, gaps, and outliers and communicate actionable findings to technical and management teams Support evidence-based corrective action and continuous quality improvement 4. Digital Systems and HMIS/DHIS2 Integration Support digital data collection and reporting tools implemented under FCI Support alignment/interoperability with national HMIS/DHIS2 and other approved systems Provide basic user support and follow up on data-system issues Support digital dashboards and information flows required for service delivery, referrals and performance review 5. Learning, Accountability and Capacity Strengthening Support training and coaching of staff on data tools, reporting and data use Support community feedback and accountability mechanisms within approved systems Contribute to learning products, performance reviews and documentation of implementation adaptations Provide timely evidence to support decisions on implementation pace, results and resource utilization Qualifications and Experience Bachelor’s degree in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, health informatics, information management, public health, or a related field Requires hands-on MEAL/data management, HMIS/DHIS2, data quality, reporting, and analysis at regional/field level. Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience Relevant experience in monitoring, data management, MEAL, or health information systems Experience with routine health data, HMIS/DHIS2 or digital data systems Experience working with field teams and government health structures Required Knowledge and Key Competencies Strong understanding of data quality, indicator tracking, reporting and analysis Knowledge of HMIS/DHIS2, digital data tools and spreadsheet/database applications Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking and ability to communicate findings clearly Ability to train and coach non-MEAL staff in practical data-management practices Commitment to confidentiality, responsible data handling and ethical use of information Required Travel Approximately 30–40% travel within assigned regions and districts, including frequent visits to hubs, spokes, and community sites for routine supervision, technical support, mentorship, monitoring, and coordination of community and facility-level MEAL activities. Culture Accountable for supporting, upholding, and engaging in Compassion's core "Cultural Behaviors" in all internal and external communication and relationships.