Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer
FHI 360
About FHI360
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing - creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges.
Job Summary
The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will support the implementation of the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) project in Guatemala. Under the supervision of the MEL Advisor, the MEL Officer will oversee the operational implementation of the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP), including data collection systems, indicator tracking, routine data collection, data verification, database management, maintenance of monitoring systems, field visits, and preparation of draft reports and documentation.
The MEL Officer will contribute technical input and analytical support related to public health surveillance systems, laboratory strengthening, health security initiatives, and outbreak detection and response. S/He will support the refinement of MEL tools and processes, validate data quality, assist in interpreting surveillance and laboratory-related indicators, and help ensure that project data is translated into actionable information for decision-making.
Working closely with the MEL Advisor, the Officer will provide technical inputs, identify implementation challenges, and contribute to recommendations to strengthen monitoring systems and data use. S/He will ensure timely, accurate, and complete data collection and reporting, support program staff and partners in the correct use of MEL tools and templates and contribute to program improvement and donor reporting.
Accountabilities
General Technical Requirements:
Support the day-to-day operational implementation of the approved Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP).
Leads routine tracking, verification, and analysis of performance indicators and targets.
Supports the refinement and adaptation of data collection tools and monitoring systems in coordination with the MEL Advisor.
Conducts data quality assessments (DQAs) and validates reported data through documentation review and field verification visits.
Conducts regular field visits to verify reported data, assess implementation progress, and monitor performance against established indicators.
Identifies data gaps, inconsistencies, or implementation challenges and proposes recommendations for improvement under the guidance of the MEL Advisor.
Contributes analytical insights to support evidence-based decision-making and program adjustments.
Ensures alignment of MEL processes with national surveillance and laboratory reporting systems, in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
Data Management, Reporting & Coordination
Oversees data compilation, cleaning, database management, and secure storage of project information.
Develops and maintains indicator trackers, dashboards, and data visualizations.
Monitors compliance with established MEL standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Contributes to quarterly, annual, and ad hoc donor reports writing.
Supports preparation of technical briefs, presentations, and learning products.
Participates in internal and external meetings to present MEL findings as requested.
Ensures timely, accurate, and complete documentation of project activities and results.
Provides technical input and guidance to program staff and partners on MEL tools, reporting templates, and data quality standards.
Contributes to fostering a culture of data use and continuous learning within the project team.
Applied Knowledge & Skills:
Strong knowledge of MEL concepts, frameworks, and implementation practices.
Demonstrated applied knowledge of public health, global health security, health security initiatives, or infectious disease detection and response programs.
Strong skills in data collection, data cleaning, data management, and basic data analysis.
Ability to interpret surveillance, epidemiological, and laboratory-related data and translate findings into actionable insights.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex data functions, pivot tables, and data management techniques.
Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization software (e.g., Stata, SPSS, R, Epi Info, Power BI, Tableau or similar tools).
Experience with digital data collection platforms (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare, or similar).
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to identify data quality issues and propose corrective actions.
Ability to synthesize and present data clearly in written and visual formats.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in Spanish required.
Written and verbal English skills are required.
Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary technical teams and stakeholders.
Sensitivity to contextual, cultural, and political dynamics in public health and health security environments.
Problem Solving & Impact:
Works independently on complex MEL assignments with general guidance from the MEL Advisor.
Provides technical recommendations related to surveillance and laboratory monitoring systems.
Identifies systemic data quality issues and proposes corrective measures.
Decisions directly affect the accuracy, credibility, and strategic use of project data.
Supervision Given/Received:
Has no supervisory responsibility.
Reports to the MEL Advisor and works with general guidance.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Statistics, Data Science, Health Informatics, Laboratory Sciences, or related field.
Master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable.
Relevant certifications in disease surveillance, laboratory systems, quality standards, health security, or outbreak response are desirable.
Experience:
4+ years of professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, surveillance systems, strategic information, or data management for public health or health security programs.
Experience on primary data collection, conducting field visits, and data verification activities required.
Demonstrated experience supporting or contributing to disease surveillance, laboratory strengthening, outbreak response, or infectious disease programs.
Experience conducting data analysis and translating findings into reports or technical products.
Experience working with multi-partners or donor-funded projects preferred.
Experience coordinating with government health institutions is an asset.
Typical Physical Demands:
Typical office environment.
Ability to work extended periods at a computer.
Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods during field verification activities.
Technology to be Used:
Laptop computer.
Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
SharePoint and other cloud-based document management systems.
Statistical/data visualization software.
Digital data collection platforms.
Standard office equipment and mobile communication tools.
Travel Requirements:
Domestic travel requires approximately 25% of the time.
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.
FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org.
FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.
Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal.