Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist

Banyan Global is an international development consulting firm focused on improving livelihoods through market-driven solutions. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Banyan Global operates across five practice areas: Global Health, Economic Growth, Gender, Youth, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning. The firm is currently implementing the USAID/Malawi Learn to Perform (L2P) Activity, now in its third year. The L2P activity strengthens USAID/Malawi’s capacity to make data-driven decisions to advance its Country Development Cooperation Strategy.

We seek a dynamic and motivated Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist with a strong background in health and nutrition. The MEL Specialist will support performance monitoring, evaluations, assessments, and other analytical activities within the L2P project. The role is based in Lilongwe, only Malawian nationals are eligible to apply.

Evaluations, Studies and Assessments (ESA) technical support

• Initiate or support the development of scopes of work for evaluations, studies, and assessments (ESAs).
• Serve as task manager for health sector ESAs.
• Participate in ESAs as a team member (evaluation design, data collection, data analysis, report writing).
• Review and provide feedback on ESAs designs, methods, and reports.

Other MEL technical support

• Provide technical assistance to USAID/Malawi and implementing partners in the development, review, and revision of MEL frameworks and data quality assessments.
• Design indicators and methodologies to monitor L2P’s MEL framework and USAID health sector initiatives.
• Perform data analysis using Stata, SPSS, Power BI, Excel or other relevant software.
• Develop and maintain MEL dashboards and prepare MEL reports and presentations.
• Support spatial data analysis using GIS tools like ArcGIS and QGIS, particularly for health initiatives.

MEL capacity building

• Participate in the development of MEL capacity strengthening resources.
• Train, mentor, and coach USAID/Malawi, implementing partners, and government staff on MEL tools, data collection methods, reporting standards, and other MEL topics to strengthen MEL capacity.

Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA)

• Lead or participate in post-ESA documentation, utilization and adaptation activities.
• Participate in the USAID/Malawi MEL Community of Practice activities, share best practices, and foster collaboration.
• Assist with designing, facilitating, reviewing, and writing reports for CLA events.

Consultant management

• Develop/review job descriptions for ESA consultants.
• Participate in ESAs consultants recruitment.
• Manage MEL consultants and ESA teams.

Compliance and Standards

• Ensure adherence to USAID MEL policies, including the Automated Directives System (ADS) 201.
• Maintain high ethical standards in data management, safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of health data.

Education:

• Master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, Statistics, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Additional MEL-related training preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in MEL, focusing on health programs in Malawi or similar contexts.
• Experience in conducting or managing ESAs.
• Experience with USAID-funded projects, especially in health, is highly desirable.
• Experience with health information systems (e.g., DHIS2, HMIS) and managing both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Experience in capacity building and providing technical assistance for MEL projects.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, SPSS) and GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Strong understanding of USAID MEL guidelines and best practices.
• Familiarity with USAID health systems and health indicators in the Malawi context.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, proficiency in Chichewa is an asset.
• Knowledge of the USAID writing style guide is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and implementing partners.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Application Process

Banyan Global is an equal opportunity employer. Banyan Global is committed to diversity and inclusion in our workforce. We do not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender expression. We recognize the importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace and intentionally strive for diversity and inclusion at all organizational levels.

To apply, please visit careers-banyanglobal.icims.com