Position Purpose

The MEAL Consultant will design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive MEAL system for the Babies and Mothers Alive Foundation to ensure data-driven decision-making, adaptive management, and compliance with donor and government standards. The primary objective is to build the organization's internal MEAL capacity, establish robust data systems aligned with government platforms, and deliver actionable insights to improve program performance and impact.

Scope of work/ deliverables

a) MEAL System Strategy and Leadership

• Develop, finalize, and implement the project’s comprehensive MEAL and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) framework and plan.
• Provide technical leadership to define project indicators, targets, and monitoring tools, culminating in a finalized Program Monitoring Plan (PMP).

b) Data Systems Management and Quality Assurance

Design, oversee, and maintain robust, interoperable systems for data collection, storage, quality assurance, advanced analysis, and dynamic visualization.

Ensure seamless integration of project digital systems (e.g., data warehouse) with national platforms (DHIS2, mTRAC, eLIMS, EMR).

• Conduct data verification and cleaning exercises, quality assessments, and produce reports with actionable recommendations and progress on improving RMNCAH&N data quality and use in supported facilities and districts.

c) Data Analysis, Reporting, and Knowledge Management

Lead sophisticated data analysis to evaluate program performance, cost-effectiveness, and impact, delivering actionable insights to the Senior Management Team.

• Establish a knowledge management system and produce at least six high-quality knowledge products (e.g., manuscripts, case studies, learning briefs, etc.) documenting best practices and lessons learned.

Ensure the timely production and submission of high-quality narrative and data reports for donors, government, and internal leadership.

d) Capacity Building and Technical Assistance

Conduct a capacity assessment of BAMA and partner staff and develop a tailored capacity-building plan.

• Design and deliver targeted MEAL training workshops for BAMA staff and government counterparts, focusing on data analytics, presentation, and use for decision-making.

Provide direct technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and districts to enhance data collection, analysis, interpretation, and use for decision-making.

Train and mentor the project team on MEAL tools, processes, and adaptive management principles.

e) Learning, Research, and Collaboration

Facilitate regular CLA cycles and processes (e.g., after-action reviews, pause-and-reflect sessions) to embed learning into program implementation.

Design the project’s learning agenda and oversee at least two operational research studies from protocol development to final report.

Collaborate closely with technical leads to ensure MEAL is integrated into all stages of program design, budgeting, and implementation.

Required Qualifications.

• A Master’s degree in Public Health, Statistics, Epidemiology, Data Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of senior-level experience designing and leading MEAL systems for large, complex public health programs, preferably in Uganda or East Africa.
• Proven experience with Ministry of Health and donor reporting requirements, results frameworks, and CLA approaches.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing digital health data platforms and ensuring interoperability with national HMIS (DHIS2 proficiency is essential).
• Strong track record in capacity building, mentorship, and presenting technical information to diverse audiences, including senior government officials.
• Experience in designing and managing quantitative and qualitative research, evaluations, and knowledge management systems.

Skills and Competencies:

• Data Science and advanced analytical skills and proficiency with statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, SPSS) and data visualization and storytelling tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.).
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to accountability.

• Develop, finalize, and implement the project’s comprehensive MEAL and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) framework and plan.
• Provide technical leadership to define project indicators, targets, and monitoring tools, culminating in a finalized Program Monitoring Plan (PMP).
• Design, oversee, and maintain robust, interoperable systems for data collection, storage, quality assurance, advanced analysis, and dynamic visualization.
• Ensure seamless integration of project digital systems (e.g., data warehouse) with national platforms (DHIS2, mTRAC, eLIMS, EMR).
• Conduct data verification and cleaning exercises, quality assessments, and produce reports with actionable recommendations and progress on improving RMNCAH&N data quality and use in supported facilities and districts.
• Lead sophisticated data analysis to evaluate program performance, cost-effectiveness, and impact, delivering actionable insights to the Senior Management Team.
• Establish a knowledge management system and produce at least six high-quality knowledge products (e.g., manuscripts, case studies, learning briefs, etc.) documenting best practices and lessons learned.
• Ensure the timely production and submission of high-quality narrative and data reports for donors, government, and internal leadership.
• Conduct a capacity assessment of BAMA and partner staff and develop a tailored capacity-building plan.
• Design and deliver targeted MEAL training workshops for BAMA staff and government counterparts, focusing on data analytics, presentation, and use for decision-making.
• Provide direct technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and districts to enhance data collection, analysis, interpretation, and use for decision-making.
• Train and mentor the project team on MEAL tools, processes, and adaptive management principles.
• Facilitate regular CLA cycles and processes (e.g., after-action reviews, pause-and-reflect sessions) to embed learning into program implementation.
• Design the project’s learning agenda and oversee at least two operational research studies from protocol development to final report.
• Collaborate closely with technical leads to ensure MEAL is integrated into all stages of program design, budgeting, and implementation.

• Data Science and advanced analytical skills
• Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, SPSS)
• Proficiency with data visualization and storytelling tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
• Exceptional leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Problem-solving abilities
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-stakeholder environment
• High level of integrity
• Professionalism
• Commitment to accountability

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Statistics, Epidemiology, Data Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of senior-level experience designing and leading MEAL systems for large, complex public health programs, preferably in Uganda or East Africa.
• Proven experience with Ministry of Health and donor reporting requirements, results frameworks, and CLA approaches.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing digital health data platforms and ensuring interoperability with national HMIS (DHIS2 proficiency is essential).
• Strong track record in capacity building, mentorship, and presenting technical information to diverse audiences, including senior government officials.
• Experience in designing and managing quantitative and qualitative research, evaluations, and knowledge management systems.