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

PSI is a leading global health organization with programs targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavior change communications that empower the world's most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives.

PSI's core values are a belief in markets and market mechanisms to contribute to sustained improvements in the lives of the poor; results and a strong focus on measurement; speed and efficiency with a predisposition to action and an aversion to bureaucracy; decentralization and empowering our staff at the local level; and a long term commitment to the people we serve. PSI has programs in 67 countries. For more information, please visitwww.psi.org.

PSI and its local affiliate SFH, seeks one expert for the role of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Advisor to support the implementation of the Zambian National First 1000 Most Critical Days Program. Selected Advisor will work with PSI and SFH to provide assistance to the National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC) and key departments in the Ministry of Health to strengthen monitoring and evaluation of the program and coordinate the research and learning agenda. The MERL advisor will work to build the capacity of a range of actors including members of the NFNC, Ministries within the Government of Zambia, and local non-governmental organizations. This position will work closely with the Government of Zambia, national level technical working groups, and district structures to develop monitoring and evaluation tools; focusing on monitoring trends, investigating supply and demand side issues and testing innovative approaches relating to priority interventions. In addition, the MERL advisor will support the design, analysis and write-up effort to build an evidence base for nutrition activities and their impact on the populations we serve. The position is based in Lusaka and reports to the Country Representative. * This position is contingent upon funding.

RESPONSIBILITIES: • Work closely with NFNC in the development of logframes and monitoring and evaluation workplans in line with national priorities and objectives outlined in the First 1000 Most Critical Days Program using international best practices. • Assist in the preparation of research plans to measure progress in meeting the agreed targets of the First 1000 Most Critical Days Programme. • Support research priorities and ensure systematic documentation of what works in the implementation of the First 1000 Most Critical Days Program. • Work with SFH staff members and the NFNC to develop policy papers and documents that contribute to the nutrition evidence base • Support the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned. • Represent and position PSI and SFH at global and country level Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) fora to build partnerships with established actors and strengthen overall nutrition programming.

QUALIFICATIONS: • MD, MPH or PhD in public health, tropical medicine, or a related field • Established experience in leading a diverse team in the planning, prioritization and implementation of research and learning agenda for scaled up health interventions. • 3-5 years of professional experience in the design and implementation of M&E activities in Nutrition programs in Africa, Zambian experience preferred.
• Established international reputation in the areas of M&E in nutrition. • Extensive knowledge in monitoring and evaluation of public health programs. • Ability to train and develop capacity in regional and country-level staff. • Experience working with Child Survival donors, particularly European based donors. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Excellent IT skills, including the use of statistical software packages • Ability to effectively work with decision makers to generate actionable research. • Excellent interpersonal skills. • Fluency in English is required. • Zambian or Southern African candidates preferred.

How to apply:

APPLY ONLINE at http://www.psi.org. No calls or emails, please. PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.