Full ToR
TOR - MEL Officer - UKHSP - 12062026
Project Background
The Timor-Leste AMR-Food Safety Nexus Initiative (TL-AFSi) – under UK Health Security Partnership (UK-HSP) Grant Reference CG1-014326 – is designed to establish a foundational, integrated One Health system to address critical gaps in food safety and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. Timor-Leste currently lacks any systematic surveillance infrastructure for AMR in imported frozen foods, despite over 70% of consumables being imported. The project aims to establish a risk-based sentinel surveillance system, build national laboratory capacity, and harmonize food safety regulations.
Overall Objective of the Position
To lead the implementation of the project's Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework, ensuring systematic tracking of all workplan activities, outputs, and outcomes. The MEL Officer will manage data collection, verification, and reporting processes; coordinate pre- and post-exchange capacity assessments; support quarterly and final reporting; and facilitate learning and adaptation across the TL-AFSi consortium.
Key Responsibilities
MEL Framework Implementation & Indicator Tracking (35% of working time)
- Revise, finalize and operationalize the integrated MEL framework (MEL plan, log frame and risk register) during the Inception Phase, Month 1-3
- Track all performance indicators including number of border inspection staff trained, laboratory personnel trained, frozen food samples tested, SOPs developed, policy briefs completed, and peer exchange visits completed
- Maintain and regularly update the project's MEL tracking table, GANTT chart progress, and risk register
Data Collection, Quality Assurance & Management (25% of working time)
- Develop and manage data collection tools for all project activities
- Coordinate with the TL-AFSi Digital Resource Portal development to ensure MEL data fields are integrated
- Conduct regular data quality audits to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of data
- Oversee the administration of pre- and post-exchange capacity assessments
- Maintain a secure, organized MEL digital filing system
Reporting & Learning (20% of working time)
- Lead the preparation and submission of integrated quarterly progress reports
- Document lessons learned, success stories, and case studies
- Prepare the complete draft of Inception Report (Month 3), Sustainability and Mentorship Plan (Month 22), and Comprehensive Final Report (Month 24)
- Facilitate regular reflection and learning sessions with the PMU and consortium partners
Stakeholder Coordination & GEDSI Integration (10% of working time)
- Support the Project Steering Committee (PSC) secretariat by preparing MEL dashboards
- Collaborate with national stakeholders and international peer-exchange partners
- Ensure GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) integration across all MEL activities
Risk Management & Compliance (10% of working time)
- Maintain and regularly update the project risk register
- Support the Administration & Finance Officer by verifying activity completion
- Ensure all MEL activities comply with HSP, FHI 360, and FGD-ICS policies
Key Deliverables
- Inception Report (MEL section) including final MEL framework, indicator reference sheets, data collection tools, and baseline capacity assessment results
- Quarterly MEL dashboards and integrated progress reports
- Pre- and post-exchange capacity assessment reports for each peer exchange activity
- Data quality audit reports (quarterly) and documentation of corrective actions
- Documentation of lessons learned and at least 3 case studies
- Final MEL report including final indicator achievements, analysis of pre/post capacity gains, GEDSI outcomes, and recommendations for sustainability
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
- Bachelor's degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Public Health, Statistics, Epidemiology, International Development, or a related field (Master's degree is an advantage)
- Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in MEL for international health or development projects, preferably in AMR, infectious diseases, food safety, laboratory systems, or One Health
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing MEL frameworks, logic models, and indicator tracking systems for complex, multi-partner projects
- Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data collection methods
- Strong data management and analysis skills using software such as MS Excel (advanced), SPSS, STATA, R, or Power BI
- Experience in data quality assurance (DQA) processes and routine data audits
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (report writing is essential)
- Ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts and international partners
Desirable:
- Previous experience with FHI 360, HSP, UK-FCDO, or similar donor reporting requirements
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIMS), WHONET, or genomic surveillance data
- Experience in GEDSI-responsive MEL and safeguarding reporting
- Existing network or experience in Timor-Leste or Southeast Asian health projects
- Proficiency in Tetum or Bahasa Indonesia
Working Arrangements & Conditions
- Position Type: National (Open only for Timorese)
- Contract Duration: One year, with possibility of extension
- Duty Station: Dili, Timor-Leste
- Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 08:30–12:00 and 14:00–17:30, with possible extra hours during mission travel or reporting deadlines
- Annual Leave: 20 working days of paid leave annually
- Sick Leave: 6 days sick leave annually
- Reporting Line: The MEL Officer will report directly to the TL-AFSi Programme Leader, with a dotted technical line to the FHI 360 MEL Team
Commitment to Safeguarding & GEDSI
The MEL Officer shall adhere to FGD-ICS's safeguarding and PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) policies, complete mandatory GEDSI and safeguarding training, and ensure that all MEL activities are conducted in a manner that is inclusive, accessible, confidential, and free from harassment, exploitation, or abuse.
