Principal Technical Advisor - Research and Learning; Causal

Reporting to the Director, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning, the Principal Technical Advisor is accountable for building and leading new, innovative solutions to directly support implementation of MERL across multiple Jhpiego projects. This position will hold emphasis on delivery and execution of high-quality technical approaches that reflect best practices in MERL, working with the with the goal of meeting emerging priorities and needs, both internally and externally.

They will ensure quality across multiple initiatives, projects, program and by leading the development of new solutions that help programs to reach and achieve program objectives.

They will support the design and conduct of complex research studies, capacity building, continuous quality improvement, facilitating data use for decision making and documentation of best practices and lessons learned, including through development of publications for peer reviewed journals.

Duration: November 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027

Technical Assistance & Quality Programming

• Provides senior level, high-quality technical assistance by combining industry knowledge and best practices with strategic program expertise, guidance and advice for country programs.
• Ensures that the programs that are assisted are technically sound, cohesive, evidence-based, and responsive to the priorities and needs of the countries and donors
• Leads the design of complex implementation research that promotes the future adoption of new and transformative initiatives / innovations
• Leads the design and conduct of advanced data analyses (e.g., discrete choice analysis, multilevel modeling)
• Ensures cohesive and integrated technical approach across project components to maximize impact.
• Leads the development of new solutions to extend program reach and achieve program objectives.
• Leads the development of guidance and learning resources as well as the lead for defining and testing new tools and innovations for accelerating achievement of results.
• Assesses and analyses data and identifies trends.
• Addresses complex programmatic and technical challenges by working across project and partner staff to develop or adapt technical interventions or approaches to accelerate progress.
• Obtains buy in from donors, partners and government stakeholders to ensure programming and technical approach is responsive to needs and priorities.

Organizational Capacity Building

• Builds technical capacity within Jhpiego and coaches and mentors staff accordingly, including developing and implementing annual training plans, learning activities, and materials to support capacity building.

Knowledge Management & Learning

• Provides support to the realization of external communication priorities including supporting the development of success stories, blogs, and other program and technical related communication materials that demonstrate Jhpiego’s technical expertise, results, and programming excellence
• Supports field staff to present and disseminate learning from country implementation
• Contributes to the development of peer-reviewed publications

• Advanced degree in public health (international health, epidemiology, biostatistics, demography), statistics, economics, or behavioral science
• 8-10 years of progressively responsible technical experience including implementing and/or managing MERL for international field-based programs
• Strong technical and programmatic background in MERL, especially technical support and programmatic direction
• Substantive experience in implementation research, including use of qualitative and advanced quantitative methods
• Indepth knowledge of performance monitoring and data use for performance improvement
• Experience in developing MERL systems for…