Description
Job Summary:
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Director will provide leadership and technical guidance to the program team on all monitoring, evaluation, and learning-related issues. Under the direction of the Chief of Party and in close collaboration with the technical leads, the MEL Director will be responsible for the design, implementation and quality of all monitoring, evaluation, and learning components of the project.
This includes leading and supervising the activity learning agenda, data management systems, data quality, data dissemination and use as well as any technical assistance and capacity development of program staff and health system staff with the aim to improve quality of routine and programmatic data.
They will provide strategic direction for a robust learning agenda for continuous learning, collaboration, and adaptation during the life of the project.
They will serve as the primary point of contact for establishing and managing an evaluation and monitoring system responsive to USAID reporting and learning requirements. The position will be based in Abuja and will report to the Chief of Party. Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project and the selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.
Accountabilities:
Lead the design and implementation of the project’s monitoring and reporting activities across multiple states in Nigeria, including development of the project’s results framework and Performance Monitoring Plan; development and monitoring of project indicators; oversight of routine data collection and data management; data quality assessments (DQA); synthesis and analyses of data and presentation of project lessons and results; and reporting, both internally and externally as required/needed.
Lead the design and implementation of the project’s evaluation activities (as applicable), including periodic reviews, performance evaluations (baseline, midline, endline), outcome and impact evaluations.
Guide and maintain relevant protocols, SOPs, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and reports pertaining to monitoring, evaluation, and learning; ensure that these all adhere to FHI 360 and international policies and standards; and ensure that they remain technically and ethically sound.
Oversee a team of MEL staff for the project and ensure clear roles and responsibilities and lines of communication are maintained amongst the team members. This includes conducting performance management and professional development of direct reports and of the entire MEL team, i.e., provision of constructive feedback, ongoing coaching, and career support, as needed and appropriate. Foster teamwork and collaboration within the MEL team and across project teams.
Develop and oversee implementation of strategies for capacity strengthening (as needed) of staff, implementing partners, government counterparts, and other stakeholders in MEL systems/tools, data management, health informatics, data analysis and use for program planning and improvements, and other priority areas/skills.
Ensure the quality and timely preparation and submission of workplans, data sets, progress reports, and papers summarizing project results and evidence, and other deliverables, as required. This includes ensuring effective data analysis/interpretation and data use to inform management decision-making, support quality improvement efforts, and contribute to broader learning.
Ensure the quality of data collected to measure project performance and results, through proper ongoing data management, SOPs for data flow and Quality Assurance, periodic Data Quality Audits (DQAs), and adequate orientation/training of staff, partners, and beneficiaries at all levels of the project.
Champion project learning across project, sub-partner and MOH partners. Find and implement innovative ways to encourage collaborative learning.
Manage and oversee multiple data systems to efficiently collect, link and analyze data at the individual, provider and health facility level using a variety of platforms. Ensure high-quality project data are collected and managed in a way that maximizes their use for project learning.
Oversee and contribute to operational research, implementation science and embedded or partner studies. Lead or contribute to knowledge products arising from project learning including developing policy or technical briefs, presentations, webinars, training materials, manuscripts, blogs, etc.
Applied Knowledge & Skills:
Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures with project/research management and MERL, CLA, and knowledge management, particularly around RMNCH+N+M programs.
Excellent and demonstrated project/research management and technical skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent and demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to influence, motivate, negotiate and work well with others.
Ability to exercise judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices and policies related to specialized technical area of expertise.
Proven ability to ensure that budgets, schedules, and performance requirements are met.
Excellent and demonstrated leadership skills.
Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Excellent oral and written communication and analytical skills in English.
Problem Solving & Impact:
Works on problems of complex scope and require in depth evaluation of issues and assessment of intangible factors.
Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies to select methods and techniques for obtaining results.
Decisions made generally affect overall success of functional, division or company operations.
Problems encountered are complex, highly varied and require considerable judgment to obtain results.
Erroneous decisions may result in critical delay(s) in schedules.
Supervision Given/Received:
Provides direct supervision of a team of MEL staff including in offices across multiple states in Nigeria.
Reports to the Chief of Party.
Education:
Master’s degree or its equivalent in public health evaluation or Social Sciences, Statistics or any related field.
Project Management (PM) Certification preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of 12+ years of experience working on MEL for donor-funded health projects, preferably those involving health systems strengthening, capacity strengthening and/or RMNCH+N+M, including 8+ years of leadership, strong business acumen and/or line management experience.
Strong familiarity with USAID health and capacity strengthening programming.
Knowledgeable on reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, and tools for MEL of health projects.
Strong writing and organizational skills for monitoring and reporting on program and study results.
Strong communication abilities, including communication with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience using quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods, mixed methods, and MEL practices to answer program learning and evaluation questions and to inform adaptive management.
Proven experience working with and building the capacity of Ministries of Health (MoH) and understanding of MoH systems at national and sub-national levels.
Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively with IPs, donors and host country partners and stakeholders.
Working knowledge of and experience with USG-funded program management, policies, regulations, and procedures.
Strong interpersonal, writing, and oral presentation skills in English
Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is preferred.
Typical Physical Demands:
Typical office environment.
Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.
Technology to be Used:
Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment
Travel Requirements:
Up to 30%
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