MLE Consultant, Africa Safe Water

About Evidence ActionAt 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 TeamThe 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 WorkThis 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 MonitoringImplement 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 redesignILC Waterpoint MonitoringSupport 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 stepsImplement 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 MappingSupport 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 colleaguesHistorical Data AnalysisConduct exploratory analysis of historical program-collected data for DSW and ILC programs to identify areas for improvement or optimization in data collection designOverarching 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 teamsRequirementsYou 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 n