Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Advisor

Job description

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Advisor for a potential one-year Health System strengthening project in Ukraine, funded by the US Government. This position is subject to project award and funding. Overall Responsibilities: MERL Advisor reports to the MERL Principal Technical Advisor (PTA) and is responsible for timely, reliable operation of project recurring MEL processes. These include routine indicator tracking and reporting, milestone tracking and verification pipeline that supports the project’s Results-Based Management (RBM) framework, data quality assurance, and applied research and Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (CLA) activities. The MERL Advisor maintains the MEL system, trackers, and reporting cadences that keep the project’s evidence base current and audit-ready. This position collaborates closely with the MERL PTA, interacts regularly with project technical teams, and is expected to manage recurring processes with a high degree of precision and independence. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain and update the project MEL Plan indicator tracking system and compile data for the quarterly/annual reporting cycles. Draft quarterly and annual MEL Plan indicator reports and other recurring donor and government reports (e.g., the MEASURE Quarterly Report, semi-annual reports to the Cabinet of Ministers and Ministry of Health) for PTA review. Compile indicator analysis and performance data to support Quarterly Technical Performance Reviews (TPR). Maintain the monitoring tools, mechanisms, and documentation established under the MEL Plan, ensuring they remain current and fit-for-use. Maintain field-level MEL presence at project events, trainings, and forums, including on-site monitoring visits, and prepare post-event reports with actionable recommendations. Maintain the centralized milestone tracking and reporting pipeline for project RBM framework, flagging to the PTA and project leadership where data trends indicate a milestone threshold is at risk. Collect and validate milestone-specific data from primary government and partner sources and calculate threshold achievement following the approved methodology. Maintain living methodology documentation for each milestone (definitions, attribution conditions, threshold calculation approach) and log definitional changes to support audit readiness. Draft responses to U.S. Government reviewer queries on milestone-related indicators for PTA review and finalization. Reconcile the milestone verification cycle with the standard quarterly/annual PMP indicator cycle to ensure consistency where milestones are linked to existing indicators. Monitor and flag to the PTA risk factors and assumptions affecting milestone achievement (e.g., government budget cycle changes, shifts in partner data methodology). Implement data quality assurance protocols for embedded technical assistance (consultants) per guidance, templates, and standards established by the PTA. Track deliverable readiness across the project against the deliverables typology and guidance established by the PTA, and maintain the tracking system supporting the monthly deliverable review cycle (final technical review of consultant reports and program-team deliverables remains with the PTA). Apply the milestone-specific data quality assurance cycle, including pre-submission cross-source verification. Support project teams and counterparts with data-use capacity building and preparation of data-rich presentations and technical reporting materials. Support implementation of operational research studies and pilot assessments, including survey design and administration. Provide data and logistical support to external evaluators/vendors, and support directly-conducted evaluations (baseline, midline, endline) when required. Maintain the learning and documentation plan and supporting mechanisms for structured reflection on learnings, challenges, and course corrections. Support identification and internal/external dissemination of national and international best practices. Support delivery of MEL fundamentals training for technical teams. Other activities as requested by the direct supervisor. QUALIFICATIONS Education Requirements Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field. Work Experience Requirements 5-6 years of relevant work experience in monitoring and evaluation, data collection, or data analysis. Experience with complex donor-funded programs is preferred. Preferred: Familiarity with Results-Based Management, milestone- or threshold-based reporting, or performance-based mechanisms. Experience working in Ukraine with the Ministry of Health, National Health Service of Ukraine, or similar national institutions. Prior experience working on a US Government-funded or other donor-funded project KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Professional working proficiency in English and Ukrainian. Practical experience with quantitative and qualitative M&E methods, including survey design and administration. Experience implementing data quality assurance systems, standardized reporting templates, and tracking tools. Strong Excel skills; familiarity with Power BI or other data visualization software is a plus. High attention to detail and process discipline; demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple recurring deadlines and tracking systems in parallel. Strong written communication and report-drafting skills. Ability to work independently in a cross-functional, government-facing environment. Willingness to use AI-assisted tools for MEL workflows in line with established quality and ethical safeguards. COMPETENCIES Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and a strong focus on results. Gathers and analyses relevant information, exercises sound judgment, communicates clearly, and builds productive working relationships. Client focus, managing and measuring work, information sharing, priority setting, and problem solving. MSH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. MSH complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, as amended, and all related applicable regulations. Know Your Rights - Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (English) Know Your Rights - Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (Spanish)