Public Health Researcher and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Public Health Researcher and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager Globally, road traffic injuries (RTIs) claim over 1.2 million lives every year, with children and young people among the most affected. Sub‑Saharan Africa has the world’s most dangerous roads, and rates of RTI are increasing as road networks expand and vehicle ownership rises. Amend is a non‑profit organization that develops, implements, evaluates, and scales public health programs to prevent RTI across Africa. Our work includes: Designing and implementing localized infrastructure improvements to increase pedestrian safety; Delivering road safety education programs; Providing training for high‑risk groups such as commercial motorcycle riders; Advocating for safer road design and policies for vulnerable road users; and Conducting scientific research on the causes and effects of RTI. All of Amend’s programmatic work is rigorously evaluated for efficacy and impact. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that “the interventions promoted by Amend are perfectly in line with those being promoted by the WHO.” Amend is registered as a non‑profit organization in the United States and France, with offices in Ghana, Mozambique, and Tanzania, and runs programs in multiple countries across Sub‑Saharan Africa. About the Role Job title: Research and Monitoring & Evaluation (MEL) Manager Location: The position will be based either at Amend’s co‑working space in Johannesburg, South Africa (where several other Amend team members are based) or at Amend’s office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In either case, the candidate must already have pre‑existing residence in the respective country. Please note that Amend is not registered in South Africa (and will not be). Therefore, if based in Johannesburg, this will be a contract position. The role will also require significant travel within Sub‑Saharan Africa. Period: Full time as a contractor, with an initial annual contract (January – December 2026, including a three‑month probation period) and, potentially, renewable year on year contracts thereafter. Salary: Salary commensurate with experience, denominated in US dollars. Reporting: Direct reporting, on a case by case basis, to Research Director (a board member), Program Director, or Executive Director. At Amend, we recognize the critical importance of undertaking research and of tracking and evaluating the impact of our work to strengthen and scale life‑saving interventions. We have conducted numerous studies – including population‑based impact evaluations and descriptive studies – published in peer‑reviewed journals. For example, evaluations of our School Area Road Safety Assessments and Improvements (SARSAI) program and other interventions have demonstrated measurable impact, underscoring our commitment to evidence‑based programming. Monitoring & Evaluation (MEL) of our programs is equally crucial, both to track progress and demonstrate results to funding partners. We use logical frameworks and other tools to ensure robust accountability and learning. The successful applicant will manage our research and MEL activities on a day‑to‑day basis, across different programs and numerous countries, under the strategic guidance of our Research Director and Executive Director, and in close coordination with Programme Directors and funding partners. Key Responsibilities During the first 12 months, responsibilities may include (but not be limited to) activities such as: Reviewing and strengthening the MEL of our flagship Safe Schools Africa programme, through which we support governments to design safe pedestrian infrastructure on major road development projects. Designing an evaluation of our motorcycle taxi rider safety training programme, selecting appropriate methodologies to establish credible comparisons between treatment and control groups. Understanding and improving MEL systems across existing programs. Managing data collection, analysis, and reporting across multiple countries and partners. In the longer term, responsibilities are likely to include: Designing and managing a multi‑country impact evaluation of the Safe Schools Africa programme. Leading the evaluation of the motorcycle taxi rider safety training programme and other initiatives. Contributing to research publications and dissemination of findings to inform policy and practice. Presenting Amend’s work at international conferences and meetings. Profile of Suitable Candidate Education Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject – essential Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or similar – essential PhD – preferred Must have a broad understanding of data collection, management, analysis, and interpretation. Must be scientifically rigorous, while understanding the realities of primary data collection in challenging environments. Other relevant qualifications and experience are highly appreciated Experience At least five years of demonstrable, relevant professional experience on donor‑financed projects in Sub‑Saharan Africa – essential Strong experience in MEL and research, including developing and managing complex frameworks and publishing in peer‑reviewed journals – essential Experience working in the non‑profit or public service sector and on community‑based programs – essential Experience working across multiple African countries with a diverse group of colleagues – essential Mandatory Skills Study conceptualization and design Database management Regression modeling Primary data collection Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions Data collection tool creation and management Manuscript preparation and submission for peer‑reviewed publication Preferred Skills Bayesian statistics Injury epidemiology SAS software proficiency Survival analysis Knowledge of and experience in public health – essential Knowledge of and experience in road safety – preferable Fluency in written and spoken English, including ability to draft journal papers – essential Good knowledge of one or more other languages commonly used in Sub‑Saharan Africa (e.g. French, Portuguese, or Swahili) – preferable Competence with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and specialized software related to MEL and research – essential Ability to proactively overcome challenges while guiding towards strategic goals – essential Entrepreneurial approach to problem‑solving and ability to work independently – essential Flexibility and adaptability to work within a dynamic, growing organization – essential Willingness to travel frequently across Sub‑Saharan Africa and beyond – essential To Apply To apply for the position of Research and MEL Manager, please send an email of interest (in English) to: Your email must include: Your CV, demonstrating that you fit the profile for this role A statement (≤500 words) explaining why you are interested in the position How you heard about the position (e.g. Amend website, LinkedIn, personal contact, etc.) Shortlisted applicants will be contacted with further information. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Research Industries Non‑profit Organizations Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Amend by 2x. Get notified about new Researcher jobs in Johannesburg Metropolitan Area. #J-18808-Ljbffr