Consultant, MLE (Africa Safe Water)

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalizes leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we’re making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 11 countries, our team of 900 has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

• Our Deworm the World program has delivered over 2 billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains. 
• Through Safe Water Now, we’ve saved the lives of over 15,000 children. 
• Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives. 

Evidence Action’s MLE - Strategy Team

The MLE Strategy team optimizes Evidence Action’s programming through versatile and right-fit monitoring and evaluation solutions and insights. Working closely with other global and regional teams, we are responsible for developing MLE frameworks and strategies that improve programs and further our understanding of programmatic impact. With the work our team does, Evidence Action is uniquely able to adapt its programs based on the evidence we generate and share.

This consultancy, supervised by the Senior Manager of MLE Strategy, will support ongoing MLE Strategy work across Africa Safe Water programs while helping to design, test, and integrate MLE redesign efforts into the broader MLE approach.

Scope of Work

This consultancy will  support project management and execution for MLE Strategy activities for Africa Safe Water programs, including work plan development, milestone tracking, and documentation of findings to promote consistency across geographies. 

The consultant will be expected to design and execute pilots to test MLE redesign approaches, in coordination with MLE strategy team members and regional MLE teams; rack and synthesize learnings from pilots to assess what is working and inform decisions about broader integration; and support the integration of successful redesign approaches into standard MLE practice across Africa Safe Water programs.

Additionally, the consultant will coordinate with regional MLE, program, and country teams to ensure alignment and quality across MLE activities and support data quality and assurance processes, flagging issues and contributing to resolution.

Key Deliverables: 

Note: The deliverables below reflect current MLE priorities and anticipated needs. Specific activities may be adjusted as MLE and program priorities evolve over the course of the engagement.

DSW Operational Monitoring

• Implement the redesigned DSW operational monitoring approach (waterpoint and dispenser checks) across the scale-up footprint for Q3 and Q4 monitoring in Uganda (and potentially Malawi), in close consultation with MLE-S team members on overall approach and design decisions. Including developing the sampling approach, coordinating closely with MLE-D on implementation, and documenting learnings to inform ongoing redesign

ILC Waterpoint Monitoring

• Support wrap-up of the ILC waterpoint monitoring pilot, including conducting exploratory analysis of collected data, gathering qualitative insight from the pilot, and synthesizing findings to inform next steps
• Implement the redesigned ILC waterpoint monitoring approach across the scale-up footprint in Q3 and Q4 for Uganda and Malawi, in close consultation with MLE-S team members on overall approach and design decisions. Incorporating pilot learnings into sampling design and coordinating with MLE-D on high-quality implementation (contingent on pilot findings and timing)

Data Systems Mapping

• Support development of a data structure map for East and Southern Africa safe water programs, identifying opportunities to streamline data flow within current EA systems, through structured engagement with program and MLE-D colleagues

Historical Data Analysis

• Conduct exploratory analysis of historical program-collected data for DSW and ILC programs to identify areas for improvement or optimization in data collection design

Overarching Africa Safe Water MLE Strategy Coordination & Management 

• Support ongoing project management for Africa Safe Water MLE strategy activities, including work plan tracking, milestone documentation, and coordination with regional MLE and program teams

• You have 3-5 years experience developing M&E frameworks and plans, conducting implementation research, and designing M&E activities including sampling design, survey protocols, and data collection tools (some experience in WASH or water program monitoring and evaluation preferred)

• You have experience developing or piloting new approaches from scratch and can contribute effectively to iterative redesign processes
• You have data analysis skills with experience in exploratory analysis, comfortable working with incomplete information to surface insights and inform decision-making
• You have the ability to manage complex and interdependent work plans and projects, prioritize effectively, and adapt plans as needed while managing multiple priorities simultaneously
• You collaborate effectively across teams and departments in a global, matrixed environment, and are able to work variable hours to overlap with colleagues across time zones
• You are skilled at proactively synthesize inputs from multiple stakeholders to identify a path forward and can work independently to drive progress in ambiguous situations

Location

The consultant must be based within the United States, and will be expected to be available to meet and coordinate during agreed-upon windows with Evidence Action's country and global teams.

Estimate Hours and Timeline

Evidence Action estimates that this consultancy will require 22 days per month of consultant availability.

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.