Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Research Manager at Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) - MY NGO JOBS

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Research Manager

A Call to Action: The Role’s Critical Importance

The global fight for health equity and reproductive autonomy hinges on evidence-based intervention. This strategic position is fundamental to accelerating access to modern, user-controlled contraception, directly impacting the lives of women and adolescents across Nigeria. By generating precise, real-time data and translating complex findings into actionable policy, the successful candidate will directly strengthen local health systems and empower communities. This role is not merely about data collection; it is about driving adaptive management, fostering a learning culture, and ensuring program success that transforms development outcomes on a national scale.

Job Summary

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Research Manager will serve as the strategic information backbone for the Catalyzing Optimal Delivery of Self-Injection (CODSAiN) Project. The primary purpose of this role is to design, implement, and oversee a robust MEL framework that ensures continuous generation of high-quality evidence and data integrity. This crucial information will be vital for informing programmatic course corrections, engaging high-level stakeholders, and accelerating the project’s goal of scaling up access to self-injectable family planning options.

Project Context: CODSAiN

The CODSAiN Project is a four-year initiative, generously supported by the Gates Foundation, focused on increasing the availability and uptake of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC). Operating across seven high-priority states (Gombe, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and Yobe), the project is strategically committed to normalizing and rapidly scaling up community-based self-injection (SI) strategies. By placing control and choice directly into the hands of clients, CODSAiN aims to significantly enhance reproductive health outcomes and reduce unmet family planning needs in Nigeria.

Core Responsibilities

The MEL & Research Manager will organize the project’s strategic information efforts across three main pillars:

I. Strategic Data Analysis and Geospatial Intelligence

Lead complex demographic and epidemiological assessments to accurately profile target populations, monitor fertility trends, and track method mix shifts and the adoption rate of Self-Injection (SI).
Champion Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to visualize service delivery footprints, identify underserved communities (cold spots), and optimize the deployment efficiency of Community Oriented Resource Persons (CORPs).
Drive the systematic utilization of routine service data (DHIS2, high-frequency data) to detect and address systematic disparities in access and use.
Initiate and lead rigorous Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), developing and overseeing the immediate implementation of quality improvement plans.

II. Evidence Generation and Research Translation

Provide senior technical oversight for the design, sampling, power calculations, and ethical adherence of all primary research, including programmatic surveys and operational studies.
Analyze secondary data sources, such as the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), using advanced statistical techniques to identify key barriers and facilitators to DMPA-SC uptake.
Synthesize internal programmatic learning and external global evidence on task-shifting and self-injection models to inform and strengthen ARFH’s advocacy approach.
Produce high-impact technical reports, concise research briefs, and policy memoranda that effectively convert complex statistical findings into clear, accessible, and persuasive narratives for government partners and donor representatives.

III. Program Learning, Management, and Policy Support

Orchestrate and facilitate regular “Pause and Reflect” sessions with the project team to actively embed data insights into the decision-making process, ensuring continuous programmatic adaptation.
Collaborate closely with the Communications department to guarantee accurate and compelling data visualization in all public-facing materials, including dashboards, infographics, and stakeholder presentations.
Provide robust demographic and cost-efficiency data essential for the Advocacy team to successfully lobby for the inclusion and security of Family Planning budget lines within State Annual Operational Plans (AOPs).
Supervise, guide, and mentor the MEL team members, fostering a high-performance environment and facilitating ongoing professional development.

Candidate Profile: Required Skills and Experience

Essential Qualifications

A Master’s degree or higher in a quantitative discipline such as Demography, Statistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a closely related field.
A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL), strategic information management, or population health research, with a strong focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) or family planning programs.
Expert proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., STATA or R).
Demonstrable experience with data visualization platforms (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Tableau, or Power BI) for creating impactful dashboards.
Proven hands-on experience utilizing GIS software (e.g., QGIS or ArcGIS) for geographical mapping and analyzing population service coverage.
Deep familiarity with the architecture of Nigeria’s national health management information system (NHMIS/DHIS2) and major national surveys (NDHS, MICS).
Exceptional analytical, technical report writing, and public presentation skills.

Desired Experience

Experience managing or supporting projects funded by significant international donors (e.g., Gates Foundation, USAID, FCDO).
Previous professional engagement in large-scale community health delivery initiatives or policy-oriented health research.

Core Competencies

Technical Expertise	Leadership and Behavioral Skills
Advanced quantitative and demographic data analysis.	Demonstrated evidence-to-action mindset to steer program strategy.
Mastery of GIS and spatial analytics techniques.	Strategic thinking, linking complex analysis directly to advocacy outcomes.
Research design, methodology, and comprehensive data quality assessment.	Strong collaboration with diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
Clear, concise data visualization for effective decision-making.	Capacity strengthening, coaching, and mentorship of MEL staff.
Attention to detail and unwavering commitment to data integrity.	Adaptability in a dynamic and fast-paced operational environment.

About the Organization

The Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) is a premier Nigerian non-governmental organization dedicated to improving public health outcomes across the nation. For decades, ARFH has been at the forefront of tackling critical health challenges, including enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and delivering comprehensive programs for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria control. We pride ourselves on creating a professional, supportive work environment that offers unparalleled opportunities for career growth and meaningful engagement. Joining our team means contributing to a powerful legacy of health system strengthening and community impact, supported by competitive employee compensation.

Position Details and Application Process

Detail	Information
Job Title	MEL & Research Manager
Location	Abuja, Nigeria
Position Type	Full Time
Application Deadline	19th December, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should prepare a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Cover Letter that clearly explains your suitability for this position.

Submission Instructions:

Combine your CV and Cover Letter into ONLY ONE attachment (Microsoft Word Document format preferred).
Send the single attachment via email to: [email protected]
Crucially, use the exact title “MEL & Research Manager” as the subject of the email.

Alternatively, candidates may:

Go to Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Research Manager at Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) to apply online

Important Notes for Applicants:

Only candidates selected for the next stage of the hiring process will be contacted.
Please ensure your application provides your functional email address and mobile phone number, as well as the working email addresses and phone numbers of three professional references.