Background

PSI is a network of locally rooted, globally connected organizations working to achieve consumer-powered healthcare — people-centered health systems that ensure quality, affordable care wherever and whenever it is needed. Our origins in sexual and reproductive health have grown into a broader mission. Today, we work with the public and private sectors as well as local communities, prioritizing people’s voice and choice and developing solutions to meet their essential health needs. Over the past five decades, we have helped push boundaries, break taboos, set trends, and develop innovative solutions to complex global health challenges.

PSI Branch Office in Malawi is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following vacant positions.

Position : Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Manager

Dept : Programs

Grade : E5

Report to : Technical Advisor, Programmes

Responsibilities

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist provides technical leadership for the design, implementation, and strengthening of monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning systems. The position ensures that program performance is effectively measured, documented, analyzed, and used for evidence-based decision-making, adaptive management, accountability, and reporting to donors and stakeholders.

The MERL Specialist leads the development of performance measurement frameworks, data quality assurance systems, research initiatives, learning agendas, and knowledge management processes to demonstrate program results and improve program effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Lead development and implementation of MERL frameworks, Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs), and indicator tracking systems.
• Develop logical frameworks, theories of change, results frameworks, and indicator reference sheets.
• Design data collection tools and methodologies.
• Monitor progress against targets and key performance indicators.
• Conduct regular data quality assessments (DQAs) and data verification exercises.
• Maintain databases and management information systems (MIS).

Research and Assessments

• Design and coordinate baseline, midline, endline, and special studies.
• Lead quantitative and qualitative research activities.
• Develop research protocols, sampling strategies, and data analysis plans.
• Ensure ethical standards and data protection requirements are met.
• Analyze findings and produce technical reports.

Learning and Knowledge Management

• Facilitate regular learning reviews and reflection meetings.
• Document promising practices, lessons learned, and success stories.
• Promote adaptive management using evidence and program data.
• Support development of knowledge products, briefs, presentations, and publications.
• Strengthen organizational learning systems.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze program data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
• Develop dashboards and data visualization products.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, annual, and donor reports.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of reporting requirements.
• Present findings to management, government, donors, and partners.

Capacity Building

• Train staff and partners on MERL systems and tools.
• Build capacity in data collection, reporting, data quality, and utilization.
• Mentor field teams and implementing partners on results-based management approaches.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with government ministries, donors, partner organizations, and technical working groups.
• Support donor visits, evaluations, audits, and assessments.
• Represent the organization in MERL-related technical forums and meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health, Statistics, Demography, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with extensive relevant experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning.
• Experience with donor-funded programs such as USAID, FCDO, Global Fund, UNFPA, World Bank, KfW, or similar.
• Experience conducting surveys, assessments, and program evaluations.
• Experience managing large datasets and digital data collection systems

COMPETENCES

• Strategic thinking
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong report writing skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Team leadership and mentoring
• Stakeholder management
• Commitment to data quality and ethical research

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Results-Based Management (RBM).
• Indicator development and performance tracking.
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Data quality assurance.
• Statistical analysis using SPSS, STATA, R, or similar software.
• Power BI, Tableau, DHIS2, KoboToolbox, ODK, or CommCare.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills

• Lead development and implementation of MERL frameworks, Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs), and indicator tracking systems.
• Develop logical frameworks, theories of change, results frameworks, and indicator reference sheets.
• Design data collection tools and methodologies.
• Monitor progress against targets and key performance indicators.
• Conduct regular data quality assessments (DQAs) and data verification exercises.
• Maintain databases and management information systems (MIS).
• Design and coordinate baseline, midline, endline, and special studies.
• Lead quantitative and qualitative research activities.
• Develop research protocols, sampling strategies, and data analysis plans.
• Ensure ethical standards and data protection requirements are met.
• Analyze findings and produce technical reports.
• Facilitate regular learning reviews and reflection meetings.
• Document promising practices, lessons learned, and success stories.
• Promote adaptive management using evidence and program data.
• Support development of knowledge products, briefs, presentations, and publications.
• Strengthen organizational learning systems.
• Analyze program data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
• Develop dashboards and data visualization products.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, annual, and donor reports.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of reporting requirements.
• Present findings to management, government, donors, and partners.
• Train staff and partners on MERL systems and tools.
• Build capacity in data collection, reporting, data quality, and utilization.
• Mentor field teams and implementing partners on results-based management approaches.
• Coordinate with government ministries, donors, partner organizations, and technical working groups.
• Support donor visits, evaluations, audits, and assessments.
• Represent the organization in MERL-related technical forums and meetings.

• Strategic thinking
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong report writing skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Team leadership and mentoring
• Stakeholder management
• Commitment to data quality and ethical research
• Results-Based Management (RBM)
• Indicator development and performance tracking
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Data quality assurance
• Statistical analysis using SPSS, STATA, R, or similar software
• Power BI, Tableau, DHIS2, KoboToolbox, ODK, or CommCare
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills

• Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health, Statistics, Demography, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with extensive relevant experience may be considered.