MERL and Digital Data Quality Specialist

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger, innovating solutions and advocating for systemic change to address the root causes of malnutrition and food insecurity.

The organization reaches 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs, operating across 55 countries with a dedicated staff of 8,990 members.

Action Against Hunger partners with communities to tackle the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies, striving to create a world free from hunger for everyone, for good.

Action Against Hunger USA is an independent NGO within the Action Against Hunger International network, currently managing operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Haiti.

Role Overview

The MERL and Digital Data Quality Specialist will lead monitoring, evaluation, reporting, learning, digital data collection, quality assurance, and results documentation in strict alignment with donor and organizational reporting standards.

This role is responsible for designing and implementing robust MERL frameworks that capture both qualitative and quantitative data to measure program impact and inform strategic decision-making.

The specialist will oversee the digital data collection ecosystem, ensuring that all mobile and web-based data collection tools are optimized for accuracy, timeliness, and completeness across all program sites in Uganda.

Key responsibilities include conducting regular data quality audits, developing data quality improvement plans, and training field teams on best practices for data entry, validation, and management.

The specialist will facilitate learning and adaptive management by analyzing MERL data to generate actionable insights, and by leading after-action reviews and learning workshops with program teams.

This position requires close collaboration with program managers, field staff, and partner organizations to align MERL activities with programmatic goals and donor requirements.

The specialist will also contribute to proposal development by providing technical input on MERL design, indicators, and data management plans for new funding opportunities.

Qualifications and Experience

A bachelor's degree in statistics, monitoring and evaluation, international development, public health, or a related field is required; a master's degree is strongly preferred.

At least 5 years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, with a focus on digital data collection and quality assurance in humanitarian or development settings.

Demonstrated expertise in using mobile data collection platforms such as ODK, Kobo Toolbox, CommCare, or similar tools, including advanced form design and server management.

Proven ability to develop and maintain databases, perform data cleaning and analysis using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, or Python), and present findings in clear visual formats.

Strong understanding of donor-specific MERL requirements, including those from USAID, ECHO, DFID/FCDO, and other major institutional funders.

Excellent training and capacity-building skills, with experience delivering remote and in-person training to diverse audiences.

Fluency in English is required; knowledge of local languages spoken in Uganda is a distinct advantage.

Commitment to Action Against Hunger's core values of professionalism, transparency, innovation, and accountability.

Benefits and Compensation

Action Against Hunger offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.

This is a full-time position based in Uganda with potential for travel to field sites throughout the country.