Principal Technical Advisor - Research and Learning (Causal)

Jhpiego; Maryland; Remote; USD 73,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Principal Technical Advisor in Research and Learning (Causal) to lead MERL efforts across Jhpiego projects. The role emphasizes delivery of high-quality technical approaches, capacity building, and dissemination of lessons learned. This position involves complex data analyses and collaboration with stakeholders across multiple countries in a fast-paced environment.

Duration: Nov 1, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027. Fluency in multiple languages is preferred.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public health or related field.
• Strong MERL experience in international field programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior level technical assistance to country programs.
• Ensure programs are evidence-based and cohesive with priorities.
• Lead design of implementation research for new initiatives.
• Lead advanced data analyses and interpretation.
• Develop learning resources and tools for acceleration of results.
• Build organizational capacity through training and mentorship.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

MERL expertise

Leadership

Program planning

Data analysis

Education

Advanced degree in public health

Job description

Principal Technical Advisor - Research and Learning (Causal)

Posted Date: 2 days ago (10/21/2026 12:06 PM)

Job ID: 2026-8242

Location: US-MD-Baltimore | US-DC | US-Works remotely

Category: US Based Positions

Employment Status: Casual

Overview

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

Responsibilities

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

Required Qualifications

• 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 projects and country programs
• Knowledge of health information systems
• Experience in designing and conducting program evaluations
• Experience in working in challenging environments in Africa, Asia or LAC regions
• Proven leadership skills and expertise in strategic program planning, implementation and management
• Proven technical experience in the design, implementation, or measurement of technical interventions
• Proven experience in leading highly skilled and qualified technical personnel
• Proven collaborator with ability to see and create connections across vertical health areas, as well as across functional areas
• Excellent understanding of USG systems and other donor structure and processes
• Proven ability and experience developing productive working relationships with counterparts in other agencies and organizations worldwide
• Proven ability to work in a complex, fast‑paced, multi‑cultural environment with multiple tasks and short deadlines
• Excellent inter‑personal and communication skills, including strong technical writing and presentation skills
• Fluency in French, Spanish or Portuguese preferred

The hourly rate range for this role is expected to be: $52.79 - $68.73

Total Rewards:

The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non‑related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job. **Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre‑employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice‑involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate’s conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job‑related qualification or function.

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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Accommodation Information

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