Director, Data Systems, MERL (Global Health)

Position Title: Director, Data Systems, MERL Position Type: Regular Full-Time Department: COO's Office (MOMENTUM) Location: Washington, DC - Hybrid Salary Range: $102,000 - $132,500 - $163,000 Note: The posted salary range reflects the full range of Corus' Director pay grade and does not represent the anticipated hiring salary for this position. The target hiring range for the Director, Data Systems, MERL is expected to fall between the minimum and midpoint of the pay grade, based on program budget, internal equity and experience. Corus International provides a competitive, growth-oriented, yet fiscally responsible compensation program. Additionally, Corus provides a comprehensive and competitive employee benefit package to protect our valued and dedicated staff and their families. Our benefits include three medical plan options with comprehensive prescription drug coverage, low-cost dental coverage with 100% paid vision insurance. Corus also provides a generous retirement plan and PTO to include vacation, sick, holiday, parental, jury, international travel, and bereavement leave; employer-sponsored basic life/ADandD insurance; employee wellness incentives, and employee work/life balance and assistance programs. Position Summary: Corus International is seeking a Director, Data Systems, MERL to join the MOMENTUM team in the Washington, DC office. This hybrid position is based at our headquarters in Washington, DC, with in-office days on Tuesday and Wednesday each week. The Director, Data Systems, MERL reports to the Senior Director, Technical Services, MERL and serves as the technical and thought leader for monitoring, evaluation, and data systems management across the Lifesaving Health Assistance (LHA) program. LHA is a U.S. Department of State-funded, fixed-amount, performance-based award operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan. the Director leads milestone tracking and verification, data quality assurance, and management of the project's data system. The Director also provides technical leadership and capacity building to country MandE teams and leads MERL data systems coordination across LHA and MIHR, including the DRC Ebola Response, to promote consistency, integration, and shared learning across data systems and MERL practices. This position is funded through a specific project and is subject to the continued availability of funding. Responsibilities: LHA MERL System Leadership and Milestone Verification - Direct day-to-day implementation of the LHA MandE Plan across all four project objectives: service delivery; health information systems, supply chains, laboratory networks; outbreak readiness and response; and sustainable transition. - Oversee milestone verification, ensuring that required deliverables, supporting data sources, and documentation are complete and accurate before submission to DoS for payment. - Direct target-setting and monitor progress against the Milestone Plan, identifying and escalating risks to achievement in a timely manner. - Oversee baseline data collection during award start-up, leveraging existing DHIS2 records and routine data sources where feasible. - Oversee periodic Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) and ensure timely implementation and follow-up of corrective actions with country teams. - Direct preparation of milestone status updates and data inputs for quarterly and annual performance reports submitted to DoS. Data Systems Management - Direct the configuration and management of the LHA data system, collaborating with country teams and the data system consultant to support the collection, storage, and reporting of milestone and performance data. - Guide the extraction and integration of data from country DHIS2/HMIS instances into the project data system in accordance with data-sharing agreements and national data protection laws. - Ensure the accuracy and currency of pro ect data dictionaries, dashboards, and data-flow documentation to support reliable movement of data from facility and district levels through DoS reporting. - Establish and enforce data security and access protocols, including the removal of personally identifiable information before data is shared. - Coordinate with IMA's central Data and Data Management team on platform configuration, troubleshooting, and application of organization-wide data standards to LHA. - Review and approve costs and invoices for the data system consultant and other MERL data systems-related contracts and advise on the LHA MERL data systems budget line and activity budgets within the Director's purview. Global Health Security and Outbreak MERL Leadership - Direct MandE for outbreak readiness and response activities, including monitoring 7-1-7 timeliness milestones for detection, notification, and response; IDSR/EWARS reporting; and contact-tracing follow-up. - Facilitate after-action and intra-action reviews following simulation exercises and activated outbreak responses, translating findings into actionable recommendations and improvements. Country Technical Assistance and Capacity Building - Provide strategic technical assistance to country MandE focal points and data managers in DRC, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan on data collection tools, DHIS2 use, and reporting. - Facilitate quarterly data review meetings with country and HQ teams to assess data quality, review performance, and identify required follow-up actions. - Design and deliver training and capacity-building initiatives for country teams on digital data collection tools, including DHIS2 Tracker, Kobo Toolbox, ODK, and similar platforms. Reporting and Coordination - Coordinate responses to DoS data requests and provide data inputs for situation reports and other required documentation, as needed. - Manage coordination of DoS-commissioned external evaluations, including timely data sharing and responses to evaluator inquiries. Organizational MERL Practice - Engage with industry practice groups, including peers, partner organizations, and donors, to identify emerging trends, contribute to sector dialogue, and inform organizational approaches to MERL data systems. - Represent the organization at strategic meetings, conferences, and other forums to advance its mission, share technical expertise, and cultivate partnerships. - Champion shared learning and continuous improvement across LHA by promoting the use of evidence, lessons learned, and effective MERL practices. Required Qualifications: Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, statistics, information systems, or a related field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation for international development or public health program; or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated expertise with DHIS2, including configuration, data extraction, and use for program reporting. MEL experience in fragile, conflict-affected, or other difficult operating contexts. Experience w