Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning Lead

Job Description

FHI 360

FHI 360 is a global development organization.

Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning lead,

Zambia ‘HIV Prevention for Key and Targeted Populations’ project

Background:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

FHI 360 is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) lead on an anticipated five-year USAID-funded project in Zambia, to work at the community level to implement evidence-based HIV prevention services for targeted populations and Key Populations (e.g. sex workers, MSM, TGs, etc.). The project will ensure completed referrals and linkages to high impact biomedical prevention services as well as referrals for treatment for people living with HIV (PLHIV) at health facilities. This position will report to the Chief of Party (COP).

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the COP and in close collaboration with the Technical Director, the MEL Lead will be responsible for the design, implementation and quality of all monitoring, evaluation, operations research (as applicable) and learning components of the project. This includes supervising data management systems, data quality, data dissemination and use as well as any technical assistance/capacity development in these areas directed at project partners. It also involves providing strategic direction for a robust learning agenda for continuous learning, collaboration and adaptation during the life of the project.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Lead the design and implementation of the project’s monitoring and reporting activities, 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) and auditing of data; synthesis of data and presentation of project results; and reporting, both internally and externally as required/needed.
• Lead the design and implementation of the project’s evaluation and operations research activities (as applicable), including periodic reviews, performance evaluations (baseline, mid-line, end-line), operations research, outcome and impact evaluations, and rapid/special studies; this may include leading efforts to identify key research questions and develop studies that test innovative strategies for addressing improving the quality and uptake of health services.
• Guide and maintain relevant protocols, SOPs, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and reports pertaining to monitoring, evaluation, research and learning; and ensure that these all adhere to FHI 360 and international policies and standards and 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 Strategic Information (SI) team, i.e. provision of constructive feedback, ongoing coaching, and career support, as needed and appropriate.
• Develop and oversee implementation of strategies for capacity strengthening (as needed) of staff, implementing partners, government counterparts, and other stakeholders in M&E 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 work plans, 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 and to support quality improvement efforts.
• Responsible for developing and implementing a clear strategy for documenting lessons/successes and promoting continuous learning and adaptation (CLA). This may include: (a) promoting forums which facilitate collaboration, learning and action as a result of this information among these actors; (b) overseeing the publication and dissemination of information on successful and promising approaches, lessons learned and other program results to program partners, donors, GoZ counterparts and other key stakeholders; and (c) delivering presentations at professional meetings and conferences, or contribute to the preparation of materials for such presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired knowledge, skills and attributes:

• A firm command of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), including demonstrated expertise in both quantitative and qualitative M&E/Research methods.
• Proven understanding of USG/PEPFAR key performance indicators (KPIs) and priorities for monitoring, evaluation, research and learning – especially for programming centred on Targeted Populations and KP programming.
• Strong analytical skills, with demonstrated capacity to interpret both qualitative and quantitative data, measure outcomes of the project’s activities/outputs, inform evidence-based decision-making and make recommendations on appropriate remedial actions.
• Ability to articulate technical data/results clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in the design, implementation and oversight of electronic data collection tools, client level electronic medical records and in the use of data visualization techniques and software (DHIS2, Tableau, PowerBI, etc.).
• Strong skills using MS Excel Word, PowerPoint and Access, and at least one data management software program (SAS, SPSS, Epi Info, Atlas); experience training others in their use is desirable.
• English fluency, with excellent communication (both written and oral) and presentation skills.
• Strong inter-personal skills, teamwork and ability to collaborate across various departments/functions, organizations and sectors.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree in epidemiology, statistics, mathematics, public health, demography, social science, economics, or relevant discipline.
• Additional training/studies (or extensive practical experience) in program monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of international development/public health programs preferred.
• At least 8 years of experience in M&E of USG/PEPFAR-funded programs related to HIV/AIDS –with performance indicators pertaining to prevention, community services and KP programming. This includes expertise in:
  • Setting up and managing M&E systems that track performance in HIV prevention, community services (HTS, etc.), linkages to care and treatment, etc.
  • Developing, adapting and using effective, innovative M&E tools/approaches/practices, including data analysis and report writing;
  • Overseeing M&E processes including data collection and data management with attention to data quality assurance (QA);
  • Coordinating M&E, research and learning systems/activities across multiple program areas, stakeholders and geographic areas.
• At least 5 years in senior-level roles involving supervisory/management responsibilities.
• Experience working in the region and preferably in Zambia.

FHI 360 offers a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To apply for this job email your details to zambiajobs@fhi360.org