Senior Program Officer - Data, Measurement & Evaluation (6 months)

About the role

The Gates Foundation is hiring a Senior Program Officer (SPO) for a six-month, limited-term backfill position in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, within the Africa Offices' Ethiopia Integrated Health Team. The SPO leads a portfolio of grants and contracts to strengthen Ethiopia's health data systems and data use, and leads the Foundation's monitoring, learning and evaluation (MLE) of its integrated health and nutrition program. The role suits a senior data and measurement leader with expertise in health information systems, data analysis, surveys and surveillance, and program MLE.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the data systems strengthening portfolio (administrative data systems, surveys, implementation research) and manage complex grant portfolios, including documentation, budgeting and reporting.
• Oversee active grants and contracts, conduct site visits, give technical guidance and evaluate milestone-based performance objectives.
• Act as a technical advisor and honest broker to the Ministry of Health and other national partners, supporting government measurement systems and domestic capacity in health information systems, data science and data analysis.
• Represent the Foundation in national technical working groups, coordination platforms and conferences, and advise on sequencing reforms in data use, health information and surveillance.
• Lead internal MLE of the Ethiopia Integrated Health Program, track contributions to the HSDIP, monitor performance indicators and enable adaptive management and learning.
• Cultivate partnerships with government, development partners and national collaborators, and coordinate with other members of the Ethiopia Integrated Health Team.

Required profile

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in statistics, measurement, evaluation or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience strengthening national data systems, program design and MLE plan development.
• Senior-level MLE experience, with proven experience working with, coaching and mentoring government staff on data analysis and measurement.
• Experience in low- and lower-middle-income country contexts; experience in Ethiopia is preferred.
• Fluent in Amharic and a strong understanding of Ethiopia's health system.
• Able to work legally in Ethiopia without visa sponsorship.

Required skills

• Program monitoring and evaluation, including design and evaluation of MLE tools, surveys, surveillance systems and evaluations.
• Grant portfolio management, including milestone-based performance management, budgeting and reporting.
• Health informatics, digital health and RMNCH data experience is preferred.

The position requires travel of up to 25% domestically and internationally, mostly within Ethiopia. Employment is contingent on a successful background check.