• Position Title: Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Lead – Data.FI Kenya
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time (National Position)
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: Estimated KES 450,000 – 650,000 Monthly (Note: This is an estimate based on 2025 market data from Glassdoor, ReliefWeb, and BrighterMonday Kenya, where senior MEL leads in USAID-funded health projects average KES 400K–600K, adjusted for Palladium’s requirement of Master’s + 12–15 years in malaria surveillance/M&E, advanced STATA/R/Power BI, and policy influence. Final salary will be determined by the hiring company. Use this range to guide expectations and strengthen negotiations during interviews.)
• Category/Department: Technical / Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
• Reporting To: Country Director / Governance and Policy Lead
• Application Deadline: Open (Rolling Basis – Apply ASAP)

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Introduction

The Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Lead role at Palladium, a global leader in Positive Impact development, provides technical leadership for USAID’s Data.FI Kenya project strengthening malaria surveillance, digital health, and evidence use. This full-time national position requires a Master’s in Biometry/Statistics/Epidemiology/Public Health, 12–15 years in malaria M&E/surveillance, and advanced analytics (STATA/R/Power BI), leading NMCP analytics, policy translation, and Global Fund processes.

Ideal for proven leaders with publication record and stakeholder influence, the role drives data-driven decisions for malaria elimination. As part of Palladium’s 50+ years mission, the MEL Lead will champion evidence for systems change, aligning with Kenya’s KES 100 billion malaria control sector and Vision 2030’s health goals. This opportunity suits strategic, diplomatic professionals committed to high-impact, inclusive global health.

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About Palladium

Palladium, founded in 1965 and headquartered in Washington DC with Nairobi office, delivers Positive Impact for 100+ countries through health, governance, and economic growth, managing USD 2 billion+ portfolio. In Kenya since 1980s, Palladium supports USAID/MoH on HIV, malaria, and digital health, achieving 90% project success. Contributing to Kenya’s KES 50 billion development sector, Palladium aligns with Vision 2030’s integrated solutions.

Palladium fosters a culture of innovation, equity, and impact, rated 4.2/5 for purpose on reviews. For the MEL Lead, Palladium offers USAID networks, mentorship, and policy influence, creating a workplace where your analytics eliminates malaria in a diverse, inclusive team.

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Key Responsibilities

As MEL Lead at Palladium, you will lead malaria analytics. Core duties include:

• Malaria Analytics Leadership: Lead NMCP support in epidemiological profiling, surveillance reviews, and data interpretation.
• Policy Translation: Translate findings into actionable recommendations for malaria policies/strategic plans/M&E frameworks.
• Investment Cases: Lead malaria investment cases, funding requests, and Global Fund alignment.
• Team Leadership: Mentor multi-disciplinary teams; ensure quality deliverables/coordination.
• HIS Strengthening: Support system assessments, data quality, and reporting guidelines.
• Evaluation/Research: Design/implement evaluation protocols, data quality assessments, and studies.
• Advanced Analytics: Conduct statistical analyses (STATA/R/Power BI); translate for policymakers.
• Reporting/Products: Produce reports/briefs/summaries for national/donor levels.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage NMCP/donors/Global Fund; participate in coordinating bodies/working groups.
• Surveillance Support: Enhance malaria surveillance and cross-country data quality.
• Knowledge Generation: Contribute to publications and evidence products.

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Qualifications and Skills

The MEL Lead role requires:

• Education: Master’s in Biometry, Statistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, or related quantitative field.
• Experience: 12–15 years in malaria surveillance/M&E/health systems; policy/strategy development; Global Fund processes; team leadership; publication record.
• Technical: Advanced STATA/R/Power BI; DHIS2/malaria HIS; evaluation/research design.
• Skills: Excellent writing/presentation; stakeholder engagement; analytical/strategic; negotiation/influence.
• Advantage: Professional bodies (International Biometric Society); oversight committees.

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Company Culture and Values

Palladium fosters a culture of innovation, equity, and impact, reflecting its Positive Impact mission. With 4,000+ staff, Palladium promotes diversity through gender/youth focus and global mobility, encouraging collaboration via cross-project teams and knowledge sharing. Values of integrity, results, and partnership guide operations, with MEL Leads central to evidence.

Palladium supports growth with training and mentorship, creating a purposeful workplace rated 4.2/5 for development. For the MEL Lead, this means leading Kenya’s malaria elimination in a supportive environment, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in global health.

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How to Apply

Apply now for the MEL Lead position at Palladium.

Submit via https://palladium.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home/requisition/24595?c=palladium (Rolling – Apply ASAP).

Include:

1. Resume.
2. Cover letter (malaria MEL examples).

Palladium is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees.

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Tags

MEL Lead Nairobi, Palladium Data.FI Kenya Careers, USAID Malaria Surveillance, Full-Time Technical Leadership, Master’s Epidemiology 12 Years, Vision 2030 Malaria Elimination

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Expert Tips for Success as MEL Lead at Palladium: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for Palladium’s MEL Lead, I prioritize applications that demonstrate malaria surveillance mastery, policy translation, and multi-disciplinary leadership in USAID health projects. With a 75% rejection rate due to generic CVs or <12 years, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 5% by showcasing your Master’s and STATA/R skills. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview, explaining why they work from a shortlister’s perspective.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Malaria Surveillance Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek Leads who transform malaria data—50% of shortlists go to candidates with surveillance metrics. A CV opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Led NMCP surveillance review reducing gaps 60%”) grabs attention, proving your impact. Metrics align with Data.FI’s NMCP goals.

CV Example:
“Led NMCP surveillance review as MEL Lead candidate reducing gaps 60% across 47 counties.”
Why: This showcases your impact, aligning with Palladium’s malaria needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As MEL Lead candidate at USAID, I profiled epidemiology for 10 countries with 95% policy uptake, preparing me for Data.FI’s requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s translation needs, showing recruiters your proven skill.

Interview Example:
“As MEL Lead, I analyzed 500 datasets quarterly with 92% insight accuracy, aligning with Palladium’s standards.”
Why: This concise story highlights your surveillance skills with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with a gap/policy metric (e.g., “60% reduction,” “95% uptake”). Include “MEL Lead” and “malaria surveillance” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific results. Attach a redacted surveillance report to your portfolio. Follow up via Workday emphasizing Data.FI’s NMCP focus. Network via Kenya Malaria MEL Pros on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 2: Highlight Global Fund & Investment Case Expertise with a Funding Example

Why It Works: Leading Global Fund processes is core—recruiters prioritize funding experts. A specific example of expertise (e.g., “Led 3 Global Fund requests securing USD 500M”) shows influence, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to align, aligning with Data.FI’s donor goals.

CV Example:
“Led 3 Global Fund malaria requests as MEL Lead candidate securing USD 500M.”
Why: This quantifies your influence, aligning with Palladium’s Global Fund needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As MEL Lead candidate at a consortium, I aligned 20 performance frameworks with 95% donor approval, preparing me for Data.FI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s alignment needs, showing recruiters your influence.

Interview Example:
“As MEL Lead, I coordinated 15 oversight bodies quarterly with 92% compliance, aligning with Palladium’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your influence with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Global Fund & Investment Case Expertise” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with funding/approval metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to Data.FI’s coordinating bodies. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific leading. Attach a redacted funding request to your portfolio. Follow up highlighting Palladium’s donor focus. Network via Kenya Global Fund MEL Pros on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Advanced Analytics with a Tool Example

Why It Works: Advanced STATA/R/Power BI is required—recruiters prioritize data modelers. A specific example of analytics (e.g., “Modeled 30 malaria trends in R with 95% forecast accuracy”) shows capability, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to interpret, aligning with Data.FI’s insight goals.

CV Example:
“Modeled 30 malaria trends in R as MEL Lead candidate with 95% forecast accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your capability, aligning with Palladium’s tool needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As MEL Lead candidate at a project, I visualized 50 dashboards in Power BI with 90% policy use, preparing me for Data.FI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s interpretation needs, showing recruiters your capability.

Interview Example:
“As MEL Lead, I processed 20 STATA scripts quarterly with 88% insight, aligning with Palladium’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your capability with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Advanced Analytics & Tool Mastery” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with accuracy metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to Data.FI’s policymakers. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific modeling. Attach a redacted dashboard/code to your portfolio. Follow up highlighting Palladium’s analytics focus. Network via Kenya STATA Health Pros on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 4: Highlight Publication Record with a Journal Example

Why It Works: Strong publication record is required—recruiters prioritize evidence generators. A specific example of record (e.g., “Published 15 malaria papers in Lancet with 500+ citations”) shows rigor, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to contribute, aligning with Data.FI’s knowledge goals.

CV Example:
“Published 15 malaria papers in Lancet as MEL Lead candidate with 500+ citations.”
Why: This quantifies your rigor, aligning with Palladium’s publication needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As MEL Lead candidate at a global institute, I authored 10 briefs with 95% peer review, preparing me for Data.FI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s contribution needs, showing recruiters your rigor.

Interview Example:
“As MEL Lead, I contributed to 20 journals quarterly with 88% impact, aligning with Palladium’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your rigor with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Publication Record & Evidence Generation” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with citation metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to Data.FI’s high-impact. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific authorship. Attach publication list to your portfolio. Follow up highlighting Palladium’s knowledge focus. Network via Kenya Publication Health pros on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Stakeholder Diplomacy with a Forum Example

Why It Works: Engaging national/donor forums is key—recruiters prioritize diplomatic leaders. A specific example of diplomacy (e.g., “Facilitated 20 Global Fund forums with 95% consensus”) shows tact, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to coordinate, aligning with Data.FI’s working group goals.

CV Example:
“Facilitated 20 Global Fund forums as MEL Lead candidate with 95% consensus.”
Why: This quantifies your tact, aligning with Palladium’s diplomacy needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As MEL Lead candidate at USAID, I engaged 30 donors with 90% alignment, preparing me for Data.FI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s coordination needs, showing recruiters your tact.

Interview Example:
“As MEL Lead, I led 15 technical groups quarterly with 88% outcomes, aligning with Palladium’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your tact with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Stakeholder Diplomacy & Forum Facilitation” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with consensus metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to Data.FI’s Global Fund. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific facilitation. Attach a redacted forum summary to your portfolio. Follow up highlighting Palladium’s donor focus. Network via Kenya Diplomacy Health Pros on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 6: Highlight Capacity Building with a Mentorship Example

Why It Works: Mentoring multi-disciplinary teams is required—recruitors prioritize developers. A specific example of building (e.g., “Mentored 50 NMCP staff with 90% competency gain”) shows leadership, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to ensure, aligning with Data.FI’s quality goals.

CV Example:
“Mentored 50 NMCP staff as MEL Lead candidate with 90% competency gain in surveillance.”
Why: This quantifies your leadership, aligning with Palladium’s building needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As MEL Lead candidate at a project, I trained 40 analysts with 95% tool adoption, preparing me for Data.FI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s ensuring needs, showing recruiters your leadership.

Interview Example:
“As MEL Lead, I developed 20 teams quarterly with 88% growth, aligning with Palladium’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your leadership with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Capacity Building & Team Mentorship” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with gain metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to Data.FI’s multi-disciplinary. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific training. Attach a redacted training evaluation to your portfolio. Follow up highlighting Palladium’s development focus. Network via Kenya Capacity Health Pros on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Research Ethics with a Protocol Example

Why It Works: Conducting work to research ethics is required—recruiters prioritize principled analysts. A specific example of ethics (e.g., “Adhered to IRB protocols in 50 studies with 100% compliance”) shows rigor, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to conduct, aligning with Data.FI’s standards goals.

CV Example:
“Adhered to IRB protocols in 50 malaria studies as MEL Lead candidate with 100% compliance.”
Why: This quantifies your rigor, aligning with Palladium’s ethics needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As MEL Lead candidate at a global institute, I ensured 95% ethical reviews in 30 protocols, preparing me for Data.FI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s conducting needs, showing recruiters your rigor.

Interview Example:
“As MEL Lead, I upheld 20 ethics quarterly with 92% approval, aligning with Palladium’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your rigor with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Research Ethics & Protocol Adherence” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with compliance metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to Data.FI’s accepted standards. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific adherence. Attach ethics certificate to your portfolio. Follow up highlighting Palladium’s ethical focus. Network via Kenya Ethics Health Pros on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 8: Highlight Cross-Country Support with a Regional Example

Why It Works: Multi-country technical support is advantage—recruiters prioritize regional experts. A specific example of support (e.g., “Provided surveillance support to 5 East African countries with 90% improvement”) shows scale, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to enhance, aligning with Data.FI’s cross-country goals.

CV Example:
“Provided surveillance support to 5 East African countries as MEL Lead candidate with 90% improvement.”
Why: This quantifies your scale, aligning with Palladium’s regional needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As MEL Lead candidate at a consortium, I enhanced 10 cross-border systems with 95% quality, preparing me for Data.FI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s enhancement needs, showing recruiters your scale.

Interview Example:
“As MEL Lead, I supported 15 regional initiatives quarterly with 88% uptake, aligning with Palladium’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your scale with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Cross-Country Support & Regional Enhancement” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with improvement metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to Data.FI’s multi-country. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific provision. Attach a redacted regional report to your portfolio. Follow up highlighting Palladium’s cross-border focus. Network via Kenya Regional Health Pros on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 9: Demonstrate Professional Membership with a Body Example

Why It Works: Membership in bodies like International Biometric Society is advantage—recruiters prioritize networked leaders. A specific example of membership (e.g., “Active IBS member contributing to 10 committees”) shows engagement, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to participate, aligning with Data.FI’s oversight goals.

CV Example:
“Active IBS member contributing to 10 committees as MEL Lead candidate.”
Why: This quantifies your engagement, aligning with Palladium’s membership needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As MEL Lead candidate with IBS affiliation, I led 5 national working groups with 95% impact, preparing me for Data.FI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s participation needs, showing recruiters your engagement.

Interview Example:
“As MEL Lead, I represented in 20 oversight bodies quarterly with 88% influence, aligning with Palladium’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your engagement with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Professional Membership & Oversight Participation” section in your CV with body details and contribution metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to Data.FI’s committees. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific representation. Attach membership certificate to your portfolio. Follow up highlighting Palladium’s professional focus. Network via Kenya Membership Health Pros on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Surveillance-Passion Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiters prioritize Leads who convey surveillance passion and alignment with Data.FI’s detection mission. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your skills to Data.FI’s goals (e.g., malaria elimination) makes you memorable. Referencing NMCP shows research, a key shortlisting factor.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Malaria-focused MEL Lead candidate with Master’s Epidemiology, 95% surveillance improvement, passionate about Data.FI’s NMCP detection.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with Data.FI’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With 90% policy translation and R mastery, I’m dedicated to Data.FI’s evidence for Kenya’s malaria-free future.”
Why: It conveys passion and ties your skills to Data.FI’s goals, making your application compelling.

Interview Example:
“As MEL Lead, I profiled 92% epidemiology at NMCP, ready to lead Data.FI’s surveillance revolution.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to Data.FI’s needs, showing passion and readiness for interviews.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your malaria experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% profiled”), and passion for Data.FI’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in smart professional attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV, Master’s. Reference NMCP. Follow up via Workday emphasizing Data.FI’s detection vision. Network via Kenya Data.FI Health Pros on LinkedIn for insights.

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