Evaluation and Program Coordinator – SLL360 Program

Background

Addis Ababa University Center for Implementation Sciences (AAU/CIS), in collaboration with Hawassa University, Emory University, Mekelle University, the Ministry of Health, and Regional Health Bureaus, is implementing the Saving Little Lives 360 (SLL360) Program in Ethiopia.

Supported through the NEST360 Consortium led by Rice University and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the program aims to institutionalize high-quality Level 2 Small and Sick Newborn Care (SSNC) services across Ethiopia. The initiative integrates NEST360 innovations into national newborn care platforms and supports health system strengthening through clinical mentorship, biomedical engineering support, quality improvement, data systems strengthening, and implementation research.

The program is currently being implemented across multiple hospital networks in several regions of Ethiopia to strengthen national and regional capacities for sustainable newborn care service delivery.

Position Overview

The Evaluation and Program Coordinator will provide high-level technical and operational coordination support for the SLL360 program under AAU/CIS. The position requires strong expertise in program coordination, implementation science, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic data use.

The successful candidate will coordinate multidisciplinary implementation tracks, ensure quality program execution, facilitate evidence generation and utilization, and support national and regional stakeholders in advancing newborn health outcomes in Ethiopia.

Key Responsibilities

Program Coordination and Implementation

• Coordinate implementation of SLL360 activities across regional and thematic teams, ensuring alignment with national program priorities and donor expectations.
• Develop and monitor annual, quarterly, and operational work plans and micro-plans for implementation sites.
• Facilitate coordination among clinical, Quality Improvement (QI), Biomedical Engineering (BMET), monitoring and evaluation, and implementation research teams.
• Lead routine coordination meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, and follow up on action points to ensure accountability and timely execution.
• Monitor implementation progress and identify operational bottlenecks requiring corrective action.
• Ensure timely submission of high-quality technical and programmatic reports to AAU/CIS leadership, donors, and government stakeholders.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Strategic Data Use

• Support implementation of monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks across program sites.
• Supervise research assistants, data quality officers, and other field-based staff to ensure accurate and timely data collection and reporting.
• Analyze programmatic and implementation data to inform decision-making and continuous quality improvement.
• Prepare analytical reports, presentations, dashboards, and evidence summaries for stakeholders.
• Support data quality assurance activities and utilization of electronic data systems and digital reporting tools.

Knowledge Translation and Implementation Science

• Translate program findings, implementation lessons, and mentorship outcomes into actionable interventions and policy recommendations.
• Support implementation research activities and dissemination of evidence generated through the SLL360 platform.
• Facilitate continuous program learning and adaptive implementation approaches.
• Contribute to scientific writing, abstracts, manuscripts, and conference presentations where appropriate.

Health Systems Strengthening

• Collaborate with the Ministry of Health, Regional Health Bureaus, universities, and health facilities to strengthen SSNC systems.
• Support integration of newborn care standards and national guidelines into regional implementation activities.
• Provide coordination support for NICU/KMC renovation initiatives, equipment deployment, and facility readiness activities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Management

• Represent AAU/CIS and the SLL360 program in technical meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement platforms.
• Maintain strong communication and coordination with donors, implementing partners, regional coordinators, and government counterparts.
• Support advocacy efforts for institutionalization and scale-up of Level 2 SSNC services within the Ethiopian health system.

Capacity Building and Workforce Development

• Coordinate mentorship, training, and supportive supervision activities for NICU, labour and delivery, KMC, BMET, and QI teams.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, supervision, and professional development of project staff.
• Strengthen facility-level quality improvement structures and promote local ownership of improvement initiatives.

Documentation and Dissemination

• Document lessons learned, best practices, implementation experiences, and success stories.
• Support dissemination of findings through workshops, technical reports, policy briefs, and national learning forums.
• Contribute to regional, national, and international knowledge exchange activities.

Ethics, Equity, and Compliance

• Ensure ethical standards and institutional policies are maintained in program implementation and data management.
• Promote transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and equitable program delivery.
• Ensure compliance with donor, university, and government reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, Health Systems, Global Health, Implementation Science, Monitoring and Evaluation, or related fields.

Experience

• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in program coordination, project management, monitoring and evaluation, or implementation research.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale health or donor-funded programs.
• Experience working with universities, government institutions, development partners, or research programs is highly desirable.
• Experience in newborn, maternal, child health, or health systems strengthening programs is preferred.

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of the Ethiopian health system and Ministry of Health structures.
• Experience using electronic data capture systems and statistical/data analysis software.
• Strong analytical, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent organizational, supervisory, and communication skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English required.

Additional Competencies

• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.
• Commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous learning.

Employment Terms

• Employment Type: Full-time contract position
• Number Required: One (1)
• Contract Duration: One year with possible extension based on performance and funding availability

Date of Announcement: 25 December 2025

Position Title: Evaluation and Program Coordinator – SLL360 Program

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with frequent travel to regional implementation sites

Organization: Addis Ababa University Center for Implementation Sciences (AAU/CIS)

Salary: Competitive salary based on institutional scale and experience

How To Apply

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to apply through Ethiojobs.

• Application letter specifying the position applied for
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of academic credentials and supporting documents
• Evidence of relevant professional experience and project management involvement
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.