Senior MEL Officer

Overview

FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that works to improve lives through local, integrated solutions. The STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) program is a U.S. Government contract that strengthens laboratory and surveillance systems in countries to detect and respond to infectious disease threats. The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer in Colombia provides technical guidance on all MEL aspects of the STRIDES activity, overseeing day‑to‑day MEL work, developing policies, and ensuring evidence‑based decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of MEL systems, tools, and procedures to collect, collate, analyze, and report data that demonstrate impact and progress.
• Oversee data compilation, cleaning, database management, and secure storage of project information.
• Develop and maintain indicator trackers, dashboards, and data visualizations.
• Support the preparation of quarterly, annual, and ad‑hoc donor reports and client presentations.
• Provide technical leadership to program staff and partners on MEL tools, reporting templates, and data quality standards.
• Supervise technical staff and subcontractors at the country level to ensure alignment with the workplan, MEL plan, and U.S. Government priorities.
• Coordinate learning activities, facilitate knowledge exchange, and document lessons learned.
• Ensure compliance with established MEL standard operating procedures and donor requirements.

Technical Requirements

Supports technical aspects of projects including staff and partner capacity building, monitors protocols and instruments, and develops technical briefs and reports. Conducts analysis of implementation to identify improvements, collaborates with the research team to interpret data, and assists in the development and dissemination of tools and materials.

Data Management & Reporting

Manages data systems, performs cleaning, maintains dashboards, and ensures secure data storage. Produces and edits standard and custom reports, presentations, and manuscripts for stakeholders.

Quality Assurance

Develops and enforces quality standards, coordinates activities to meet client and funder requirements, and oversees compliance with regulatory standards.

Applied Knowledge & Skills

• In‑depth knowledge of MEL concepts, global health security, and infectious disease detection programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, pivot tables, and data management.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data visualization tools (Stata, SPSS, R, Power BI, Tableau).
• Familiarity with digital data collection platforms such as KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare, and others.
• Strong communication skills in Spanish and English, written and oral.
• Organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across cultural and organizational contexts.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in administration, engineering, social sciences, economics, development, health sciences, or a related field. Master’s degree or equivalent in Epidemiology, Public Health, or related areas is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 6+ years in monitoring, evaluation, surveillance systems, strategic information, or data management for public health or health security programs.
• Lead subject matter expert experience in MEL.
• Experience with primary data collection, field visits, and data verification.
• Proven record in quantitative and qualitative methods for routine monitoring, assessment, and learning.
• Staff development and capacity‑building experience.
• Background in NGO, local or government agency, or private organization settings.

Physical Demands

Typical office environment with long hours at a computer, extended periods of sitting or standing, and light lifting (up to 5 lbs).

Travel

Approximately 10%‑25% travel within Colombia.

Salary

The annual basic salary for a national local hire is COP 130,000,000 – 170,000,000, adjusted for experience, education, and internal equity guidelines.

EEO & Equal Opportunity Statement

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate 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 by law. We are committed to preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in our work environments and programs. All job offers are subject to screening checks, and we encourage qualified applicants regardless of criminal history, in compliance with applicable laws. For more information, visit fhi360.org.