Organizational Overview:
JSI is a global nonprofit dedicated to improving lives around the world through greater health, education, and socioeconomic equity for individuals and communities, and to providing an environment where people of passion can pursue this cause. JSI works with the U.S. government, multilaterals, foundations, private sector and local entities, both in the U.S. and over 46 countries around the world. JSI has more than 2,500 employees across eight offices in the U.S. and 32 countries worldwide.

Position Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting (MERLA) DIRECTOR will play a pivotal role in leading JSI’s MERLA practice globally. This position will provide mentorship, supervision, and/or matrixed management oversight to a global team of MERLA specialists. The Director will be responsible for establishing JSI’s comprehensive MERLA approach, including developing cross-cutting quality standards and supporting their adoption across JSI’s International Division. The MERLA director will lead the development of an internal learning agenda, including identification and implementation of research and evaluation activities, through partnership with MERLA technical leads and program staff. The MERLA Director will also establish norms and standards for the MERLA component of new business development activities, collaborating with other internal teams to consistently operationalize organizational-wide approaches to program design, implementation, and knowledge sharing. This full-time position will report to the Vice President for Technical Excellence and is based in JSI’s Boston or Washington, D.C. office.

• Lead the development and continuous refinement of comprehensive MERLA frameworks and systems in support of the International Division strategy and in adherence with international best practices.
• Establish and operationalize standard approaches for the development of theories of change and logical frameworks; performance measurement frameworks; plans for data collection, quality assurance, analysis and management; evaluation and learning plans, including collaboration, learning, and adaptation approaches such as pause and reflect; and other MERLA tools, frameworks and plans across the International Division.
• Collaborate with projects to determine needs for MERLA support, allocating team members to technical support opportunities in a transparent and equitable manner, and using feedback to help improve performance.
• Lead strategic discussions with external stakeholders, including partner organizations, host country governments, and funders, to align MERLA initiatives with sector trends and ensure stakeholder input is integrated into program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Embed MERLA practices within JSI’s business development, technical assistance, and program implementation in consultation with new business and country teams and other technical leads to meet International Division strategic priorities.
• Champion learning and adaptive management processes across the International Division, ensuring that insights from MERLA activities are integrated into program design, implementation and decision-making, thought leadership, and new business development. Prepare and present findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, highlighting the impact and value of MERLA efforts.
• Support a state of the art implementation science and research agenda to inform JSI’s bi-lateral and centrally funded health and education programs, as well as for MERLA-specific opportunities and to contribute to the field of public health and education more broadly. Ensure compliance with JSI’s institutional review board and country-specific ethical review requirements for all research involving human subjects.
• Lead and manage JSI’s global MERLA team, through direct supervision mechanisms as well as through matrixed-management approaches. Provide direction, support, capacity strengthening, and professional development opportunities to enhance team performance and cohesion. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics for team members, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture that values diversity, creativity, and learning.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, host country counterparts, and partners to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing. Represent JSI’s MERLA practice at conferences, workshops, and meetings, advocating for evidence-based practices and policies in international development.
• Manage budget associated with MERLA team and workplan, including labor and non-labor activity tracking related to external engagement, internal communications, new business development, internal technical assistance, and project implementation.

• Master’s degree or higher in social science, public health, education or related field with a concentration on monitoring and evaluation, statistics, research or related field, with
• 15+ years’ experience designing and developing MERLA systems and plans, including theories of change, logical frameworks, learning and adaptation agendas, performance measurement and monitoring tools, and databases.
• 5+ years’ experience leading MERLA on USAID-funded programs.
• 5+ years’ experience managing and coaching senior staff in the public health and/or education or development sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to identify relevant and appropriate approaches to evaluation and research design and to develop and supervise protocols for quantitative and/or qualitative research. Experience with statistical software, survey design and data use, data visualization tools, databases and digital technologies for MERLA approaches.
• Exceptional leadership, management, analytical, and critical thinking skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse staff across a global, matrixed organization.
• Strong relationship-building skills with a range of stakeholders, including local communities, government entities, and international partners.
• Experience managing budgets and labor allocation.
• Exceptional oral and written English communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex data to diverse audiences. Fluency in a second language preferred.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as necessary (~10-15%)