Principal Technical Advisor, MEL

Overview

Jhpiego is an international non-profit health organization affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University. Reporting to the Principal Technical Advisor (MCGL M&E Lead), the MCGL MEL Principal Technical Advisor is accountable for applying technical expertise and knowledge to deliver, adapt and/or modify high-quality technical approaches that reflect best practices in monitoring, evaluation and learning for maternal, newborn, child health, immunization and nutrition programming. They will identify and assess changes in needs, priorities, requirements and operating conditions, ensuring MEL approaches are aligned with and responsive to organizational, client and donor needs and requirements.    supporting selected MCGL core and country teams for their routine Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, needs, such as selection of key indicators, development of Performance Management Plans (PMPs), and reporting to the donor.

 

They also are responsible for improving the use of Adaptive Management and Learning (AML) across the MCGL portfolio and for liaising with others at Jhpiego to disseminate lessons and learn from them. They will do this by dynamically assessing needs for building capacity of MEL, program, and leadership staff in AML, and influencing their motivation to use and share adaptive techniques. This can include development of materials, leading participatory workshops, mentorship, facilitating peer-to-peer learning activities, as well as identification, development and dissemination of cases studies of the use of AML. They will support Jhpiego’s global positioning and reputation in the practice of Adaptive Management by representing the organization externally.

 

The Principal Technical Advisor will manage managerial and technical staff, co-lead the development of the MEL/AM workplan, budget, and reporting to the donor.

Responsibilities

Technical Assistance & Quality Programming

• Provides senior level, high-quality technical assistance by combining best practices for MEL with strategic program expertise, guidance and advice for country programs.   
• Ensures that programs that are assisted are technically sound, cohesive, evidence-based, and responsive to the priorities and needs of the countries and donors 
• Ensures cohesive and integrated technical approach across project components to maximize impact.  
• Leads the development of guidance and learning resources as well as the lead for defining and testing new tools and innovations for accelerating achievement of results
• Assesses and analyses data and identifies trends. Addresses complex programmatic and technical challenges by working across project and partner staff to develop or adapt technical interventions or approaches to accelerate progress.  
• Obtains buy in from donors, partners and government stakeholders to ensure MEL approaches are responsive to their needs and priorities.   
• Ensures country and core performance data are captured and communicated effectively in routine country and global reports, presentations to donors
• Conducts data management, analysis and visualization for assigned technical and cross-cutting areas

Global Strategy Development & Implementation

• Provides thought leadership for development of the MEL and data systems strategy and approaches based on knowledge on global technical and donor trends and stakeholder needs
• Leads implementation of priorities identified in global technical strategy and workplan 

Organizational Capacity Building

• Builds technical capacity within Jhpiego and coaches and mentors staff accordingly, including developing and implementing annual training plans, learning activities, and materials to support capacity building

New Program Development & Donor Relations

• Supports business development activities including identifying and supporting new opportunities and leading the incorporation of appropriate M&E and AML components of proposals.  

Organizational Representation

• Identifies opportunities to demonstrate Jhpiego’s technical excellence in the field of MEL in external fora
• Positions the organization as an insightful thought leader in MEL through participation in external advisory or working groups, global meetings and events and international conferences

Knowledge Management & Learning

• Provides support to the realization of external communication priorities including supporting the development of success stories, blogs, and other program and technical related communication materials that demonstrate Jhpiego’s technical expertise, results, and programming excellence 
• Supports field staff to prese