Monitoring and Evaluation Director- CDC Lab Stregthening

OverviewURC is seeking an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (M&E) Director for the anticipated CDC-funded activity to strengthen national laboratory and HIV epidemic monitoring systems in the Kingdom of Eswatini.The goal of this activity is to enhance the Government of Eswatini’s capacity to operate efficient, resilient, and self-reliant systems that ensure timely and accurate HIV and TB diagnosis, laboratory network performance, and epidemic monitoring. The M&E Director will lead the design and implementation of systems to monitor, evaluate, and document the project’s performance and results, ensuring that data-driven insights inform national decision-making, laboratory optimization, and policy development. This position will also strengthen the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) and related entities’ capacity to manage, analyze, and use laboratory and surveillance data effectively in alignment with CDC and PEPFAR requirements.ResponsibilitiesThe M&E Director will provide strategic leadership for all monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities and ensure the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of data for decision-making. The position will work closely with the MoH, CDC, and national laboratory and surveillance partners to strengthen information systems, align with national priorities, and promote sustainability through institutional capacity building.Specific Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited ToProvide strategic and technical leadership in the design and implementation of the project’s MEL framework, ensuring alignment with national laboratory, surveillance, and health information system priorities and CDC/PEPFAR reporting requirements.Lead development and execution of the project’s MEL plan, including laboratory system and epidemic monitoring indicators, performance targets, data collection and verification methods, and data quality assurance mechanisms.Support MoH and affiliated institutions to strengthen laboratory information management systems (LIS) and ensure interoperability with clinical and surveillance databases such as DHIS2, CMIS, and EID/VL tracking systems.Ensure high-quality data collection, validation, and analysis across all project components—including laboratory performance, quality assurance schemes, sample referral systems, and workforce development indicators.Lead and institutionalize data quality assessments (DQAs) and use results to improve the reliability of national laboratory and surveillance data.Collaborate with technical and financial teams to ensure performance data inform resource allocation, network optimization, and strategic decision-making.Oversee preparation and timely submission of MEL deliverables, including quarterly, semiannual, and annual reports to CDC and URC.Build MoH and laboratory leadership capacity in data analysis, visualization, and use of evidence for planning, system performance monitoring, and adaptive management.Design and manage operational research, evaluations, and assessments to generate learning and document progress toward health security benchmarks.Promote a culture of learning and knowledge sharing through dissemination of findings, success stories, and best practices across laboratory, surveillance, and public health partners.Ensure compliance with CDC and URC standards for data privacy, data integrity, and ethical use of information.Collaborate with the Technical Director, Laboratory Systems Lead, and other project leaders to promote continuous performance improvement and alignment with Eswatini’s National Laboratory Strategic Plan and national epidemic monitoring priorities.Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Director or agreed upon with the URC home office.QualificationsMaster’s degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, laboratory sciences, informatics, or a related field.Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning for donor-funded health or laboratory systems programs, including at least 4 years on CDC/PEPFAR projects.Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing MEL frameworks and managing data systems (e.g., DHIS2, LIS, CMIS, DATIM, or similar platforms).Proven experience in data quality assurance, performance measurement, and reporting using national and global laboratory and surveillance indicators.Experience supporting Ministries of Health in strengthening data systems, analytics, and evidence-based decision-making.Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods, including advanced data visualization and statistical analysis tools.Demonstrated ability to link laboratory and surveillance data to broader HIV/TB epidemic monitoring frameworks.Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for diverse audiences.Experience with continuous quality improvement (CQI) and adaptive management approaches preferred.Ability to work collaboratively with government, donor, and implementing partners in multicultural settings.Fluency in English required; proficiency in siSwati an advantage.Citizens of Eswatini are encouraged to apply.This job is open to candidates legally authorized to work in Eswatini. No allowances have been budgeted for this position.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Unless otherwise directed we will retain your CV in our database for future opportunities.