MERL Specialist III

About the role

Compassion is hiring a MERL Specialist III in Arusha, on a fixed-term role supported by grant funding approved for one year, with a hybrid arrangement. The position supports decentralized monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) for FCI implementation, ensuring data from communities, spokes and hubs is complete, timely, accurate and useful for decision-making, and links implementation progress with performance monitoring and HMIS/DHIS2 reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Data collection, management and reporting: implement FCI data-flow processes from community/spoke level through hubs, compile, clean and validate routine program data, and maintain organized regional and district records.
• Data quality assurance: run routine data-quality checks, support DQAs and corrective actions, and resolve discrepancies with technical teams.
• Data analysis and performance management: analyze performance data, prepare dashboards and summaries, support monthly and quarterly reviews, and communicate findings to technical and management teams.
• Digital systems integration: support digital data collection tools, align with national HMIS/DHIS2 and other approved systems, provide basic user support and support digital dashboards.
• Learning and accountability: support training and coaching of staff on data tools, contribute to learning products and performance reviews, and provide evidence for decisions on implementation pace and resource use.
• Child protection: uphold Compassion's commitment to child protection, report concerns of abuse, neglect or exploitation through the internal process, and prioritize child protection in all work.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, health informatics, information management, public health or a related field.
• Hands-on MEAL/data management, HMIS/DHIS2, data quality, reporting and analysis at regional/field level.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, including monitoring, data management, MEAL or health information systems.
• Experience with routine health data, HMIS/DHIS2 or digital data systems, and with field teams and government health structures.
• Approximately 30-40% travel within assigned regions and districts, including frequent visits to hubs, spokes and community sites.

Required skills

• HMIS/DHIS2 and digital data tools
• Spreadsheet and database applications
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking and clear communication of findings
• Ability to train and coach non-MEAL staff in data management