Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Director- USAID Nepal Better Health Act.

About ADRA:

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is a global humanitarian and development organization that operates in more than 130 countries. ADRA Nepal works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action. We collaborate closely with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of our projects. We prioritize community participation, capacity building, and a holistic approach to development, aiming to uplift vulnerable populations and promote long-term positive change in Nepal.

Job Summary:

ADRA Nepal is searching for an experienced MEAL Director to join their team and contribute to the anticipated USAID/Nepal Better Health Activity. This activity will support the three tiers of governments to improve the health system, especially around improved governance, improved demand-side barriers and accountability of communities in the health system, and improved quality of health care services at the facility and community level. The activity will focus on improving quality of care for maternal, newborns and family planning services, prioritizing marginalized communities. The support will complement the USAID Health Direct Financing Project, improve readiness of health facilities and prepare the health system for the possible future health emergencies with increased coordination across three tiers of government. The MEAL Director will play a pivotal role in providing strategic guidance, vision, and management for the effective monitoring and evaluation of the program. This position will be supervising the MEAL team ensuring integration of all MEAL activities and fostering collaborative partnerships with sub-awardees and USAID. The MEAL Director will assume responsibility for overseeing, providing technical direction, and supporting all MEAL activities, guaranteeing accurate reporting of results pertaining to program initiatives. Working closely with the program staff, the MEAL Director will be responsible for designing the MEAL Plan and Performance Measurement Plan, developing, and overseeing the MEAL system for monitoring project performance, and tracking progress towards project objectives and expected outcomes. The MEAL Director will also lead routine data collection, analysis, data management, reporting, data quality assurance (DQA) exercises and supervisory visits to enhance monitoring systems and data utilization at project sites. By collaborating closely with project staff, partners, and stakeholders, the MEAL Director will analyze and interpret project data, document, and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and project deliverables to facilitate continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. The position will be based in Kathmandu and report to the Chief of Party. This position is only open to Nepali nationals. This position is contingent upon donor approval and funding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop robust quantitative and qualitative tools and context-appropriate systems for data collection, quality assurance, analysis, and reporting.
• Oversee a team responsible for data collection, entry, verification, analysis, and reporting, ensuring accurate and high-quality data is reported and highlighting emerging patterns and findings.
• Provide clear direction for implementation of all Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities under the project, ensuring their effective execution.
• Strengthening the MEAL capacity of the local partner to demonstrate our commitment to localizing the intervention.
• Ensure high-quality data standards, integrity, and security procedures aligned with national and USAID monitoring and evaluation guidelines and protocols.
• Conduct analysis and contribute to the preparation of periodic project reports, capturing performance results and integrating lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Monitor the implementation of the project’s learning agenda to identify best practices, lessons learned, and opportunities for adaptation and knowledge management.
• Provide training, mentoring, and coaching on data use and management to project and subcontractor staff.
• Design a reporting system that facilitates regular data flow, utilization, and provides insights on activity performance and areas for strategic decision-making and project planning.
• Collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), project leadership, partners, and stakeholders to develop and implement a robust learning agenda.
• Participate in relevant MEAL technical working groups and coordinating bodies, collaborating with USAID, ministry departments, and project staff as necessary.
• Ensure project scope and activities comply with USAID policies.
• Coordinate with the COP, other directors, and staff to ensure compatibility and coordination within the MEAL framework, and alignment with national and donor requirements.
• Contribute to project deliverables, including annual workplans, and quarterly and annual reporting.
• Oversee the publication and dissemination of information on successful approaches, lessons learned, and program results to partners, donors, counterparts, and key stakeholders.
• Gather and evaluate information, ensuring accurate presentation of findings in USAID reporting and tracking tools.
• Ensure robust accountability mechanisms are integrated into and followed through in all aspects of the project.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced or master’s degree in public health, social science, international public health, statistics, epidemiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning in public health, maternal and child health, family planning, and/or infectious disease programs, including knowledge of monitoring results-based financing programs.
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience with experience in collecting, analyzing, and managing donor-funded project data for health projects.
• Demonstrated experience in managing M&E systems consistent with USAID protocols for data collection and reporting. Expertise in designing rigorous quantitative and qualitative data collection systems and methods for data analysis, evaluation, and research findings.
• In-depth knowledge of management information systems and data use in a complex program environment with multiple implementing organizations.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate and translate complex technical and policy data and issues in English to build consensus among different stakeholders.
• Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with host country government personnel, stakeholders, NGO partners, and international donor agencies.
• Strong analytical and computer skills, including statistical software skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize concurrent activities, and meet deadlines.
• This position is only open to Nepali nationals.