JOB DETAILS:
Strongminds is a dynamic and fast growing 501(C) (3) social enterprise based in Kampala Uganda, that treats depression in women and young people in Africa, where access to mental healthcare is extremely limited. Since its start in 2014, Strongminds has treated over 160,000 individuals with depression in Uganda and Zambia. We are the only organization scaling a solution to depression in Africa, with a potential to serve milions of people in the next ten years. StrongMinds has earned an impressive reputation in the global mental health space. In addition to media coverage in the New York Times, Forbes, BBC World Service, and the Stanford Social innovation Review, we are described by UK organization Founders Pledge as the most cost-effective mental health organization working in the developing word.

Job Purpose/ Position Summary
The MERL Specialist suppose the Research Director in overseeing the MERL Strong Minds MERL function, the goal of which is to change ideas of what's possible in depression treatment by building the evidence base for professional community health workers. He she also leads Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) activities, including design and implementation in close collaboration with other organization teams, analysing data against key indicators, identifying key leanings, and informing necessary adaptations to achieve organization goals. He/she also drives evidence use internally and extremally.

Position summary
• Develop the M&E structure and systems, in collaboration with activity partners
• Support countries in implementation of central data system

• Develop, implement and oversee program monitoring plans

• In collaboration with MERL teams, leadership teams, partners, and stakeholders develop the outcomes and indicators that will be used to monitor StrongMinds' progress towards its goals.

• Support programs by using cata to improve programs and respond to client needs

• Develop and execute strategy to improve data quality and efficiency throughout the entire chain from collection to informing decisions, across all country and partnerprograms.
• Expand country program participation in a multi-country data review and harmonization collaborative.
• Plan and execute evaluations, including analysis and interpretation of evaluation results

• Provide technical support to country MERL teams and coordinate M&E capacity building activities
• Maintain Strong Minds' internal and public facing Global Dashboards Conduct research and analysis of issues as requested, including preparation of reports, white papers and journal publications recommendations and other materials

• Support the Director in strategic planning, budget management, and work plan development for research activities
• Conduct high-impact data analysis, interpretation of results, and paper writing

Educational Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree qualification in Social Sciences, Development studies, Quantitative economics, Statistics, population studies or other related field with postgraduate qualification in &E Experience in IPT-G will be an added advantage

Job-related experience, knowledge, and Behaviours
• Bachelor's degree and at least six years of relevant work experience with progressive data management and research responsibilities CR Master's degree and three year's relevant experience
• Knowledge and use of various survey methods for monitoring of different programs.
• Training and mentorship of staff in data collection management and reporting
• Good communication and interpersonal, and report writing skills
• She must have demonstrable skills in planning and implementing MBE and Reporting system
• Excellent computer skills in MS Excel Access, PowerPoint
• Skills in python or R programming languages is an added advantage
• Demonstrated skills in use of STATA or R
• Demonstrated skills in Power BI, Tableu etc, and experience in integrating these tools with other data systems eg. ODK, Kobo Collect, SurveyCTO or CommCare
• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Please submit a thought brief cover letter, resume, and academic professional qualifications combined in one document to infoglobal@strongminds.org mentioning Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Specialist in the subject line. Academic/professional qualifications ONLY. NO additional certificates needed
StrongMinds offers competitive salary benefits and is an equal opportunity employer.