Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS, P) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Manager – Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) at Islamabad/Gilgit Baltistan/Chitral.

Position Summary

The Manager – Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) will lead the development and implementation of MERL framework for a new stepped care mental health program. The role involves managing data collection, analysis, and reporting to support evidence-based decision-making and program improvement. The incumbent will coordinate research and learning activities across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, engage with key stakeholders, contribute to capacity building, research execution, and resource mobilization. Strong expertise in MERL and stakeholder engagement is essential to ensure effective program delivery and continuous learning across AKHS, P.

Key Responsibilities

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

• Design and implement a robust M&E framework for involving multiple sectors for an integrated mental health program and other AKHS, P programs, as required.
• Develop data collection tools and beneficiary databases while ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Ensure timely and accurate collection, analysis, and reporting of program data.
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits, conduct focus group discussions, and prepare detailed reports with recommendations.
• Provide supportive supervision and quality control for field-level data collection.
• Lead baseline, midline, and endline surveys and coordinate external evaluations.
• Maintain and update project Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) and align indicators with global standards.
• Monitor and report progress against project indicators and performance targets.
• Establish and manage feedback and accountability mechanisms for beneficiaries.

Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare quarterly, biannual, and annual progress reports, highlighting results, gaps, and learning.
• Contribute to AKHS, P’s health situation analysis, particularly in GBC.
• Interpret project data to inform strategic decisions and operational improvement.

Research & Learning

• Lead implementation of research studies across GBC, ensuring compliance with protocols and ethics.
• Develop research agendas and coordinate reflection sessions on findings.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for research design and dissemination.
• Support capacity building of staff in research methodologies and data use for decision-making.
• Document lessons learned, success stories, and best practices.

Program Support & Capacity Building

• Support the development and roll-out of mobile data collection applications and dashboards for mental health program.
• Provide technical assistance and training to staff on MERL integration.
• Guide program teams in results-based planning and performance tracking.

Project Development & Resource Mobilization

• Support proposal writing, including context analysis, PMF development, and gender-responsive MERL narratives.
• Liaise with donors, AKDN agencies, and government for coordination and representation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Coordinate with AKHS, P teams, AKF, AKU, government health departments, and other partners.
• Represent AKHS, P in provincial and district-level forums, donor meetings, and health cluster coordination events.

Financial Oversight

• Facilitate program manager in monitoring MERL project budgets and working with Finance for timely and accurate reporting.

Training & Development

• Identify training needs and develop modules for staff and stakeholders.
• Facilitate implementation of annual training plans in coordination with training institutions.

Qualification and Experience

• Masters’ degree in the relevant field such as public health, health management, social sciences, etc. Postgraduate diploma / certification / training in monitoring and evaluation will be an added advantage.
• Preferably 5 years of overall health care program management and particularly health projects experience with national or international Non-Profit Organization.
• Strong experience in designing and managing M&E systems for public health programs.
• Proficient in data analysis tools such as Excel, SPSS, STATA, R (or similar), with strong skills in data visualization and both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Urdu.
• Strong training, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to manage teams, coordinate fieldwork, and work under pressure.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and willing to travel to remote areas.

AKHS is committed to reducing our impact on climate and the environment and have set ourselves the goal of striving for net-zero carbon operations by 2030. All staff are expected to take part in making this a reality. The Manager – Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) accompanied with his/her Line Manager is expected to identify and understand which aspects of his/her work have most impact on the environment, and define tasks, work, and personal goals within his/her work plan to reduce these impacts and bring AKHS closer to net zero.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview