Consultant, MLE Strategy (Kangaroo Mother Care Pilot)

About the role

The MLE Strategy team at Evidence Action is seeking a consultant to design, develop, and implement the Monitoring and Learning Evaluation (MLE) system for a Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) pilot in either Liberia or Cameroon. The consultant will focus on two primary functions: MLE system design and tool development, and data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare a revised MLE concept note, identifying gaps, outdated assumptions, and alignment needs with the program team.
• Design and conduct formative research, including data collection tools, to assess bedside log reliability and feasibility of proposed data systems.
• Develop an evaluation framework, finalize sampling approach, and define indicators.
• Design a process monitoring plan, including data quality spot-checks and structured check-ins with facility focal points.
• Develop data collection instruments, including bedside log additions, daily ward summary templates, facility survey instruments (baseline, endline), and data validation tools.
• Oversee pilot-testing of all data collection instruments, make revisions as needed, and produce data quality assurance protocols.
• Implement the process monitoring approach designed in Phase 1, producing summary outputs for the program team.
• Oversee baseline and endline facility surveys, conduct data validation exercises, and produce endline survey and data validation reports.
• Support the production of the pilot report, including evaluation analysis, data quality findings, cost-effectiveness inputs, and recommendations for program adaptation and scale-up decisions.
• Contribute to a learning synthesis covering what worked, what did not, and what would need to change for Phase 2.
• Participate in regular coordination meetings with the Global MLE-S team and country program team.
• Contribute MLE inputs to government partnership discussions and MOU development.
• Flag emerging issues, timeline risks, or scope changes proactively to the Global MLE Strategy Director.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, statistics, public policy, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of MLE experience in global health programs, with demonstrated experience designing and implementing MLE systems for facility-based and community-based health programs in low- and middle-income countries.
• Strong quantitative skills, including experience with sampling design, survey implementation, and data analysis (proficiency in Stata or equivalent required).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage MLE workstreams with limited in-country support.
• Excellent written communication skills, including experience producing clear, decision-oriented reports for program and donor audiences.

Location

This role is fully remote. Candidates based in any country are welcome to apply, provided they are legally authorized to work as a consultant in their country of residence. Preferred time zones are GMT-5 to GMT+2 (US Eastern through South Africa) to ensure adequate overlap with Evidence Action's country and global teams.