Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer at FHI360 NGO

Job Description

Location: Kabarnet

Reports To: Associate Director,

DESCRIPTION:

FHI 360 is currently seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer for the USAID-funded Afya Uzazi Nakuru/Baringo Program. The project aims to provide technical assistance and support to scale up evidence-based maternal, newborn, and child health interventions; family planning and reproductive health services; and nutrition activities in focus geographical areas.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Reporting to the Associate Director, MERL, the MERL Officer will be responsible for the implementation of Afya Uzazi Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Plan in Baringo County, while providing support to Nakuru County M&E activities when called upon. Key M&E activities under this position will include measuring, monitoring and evaluation of all Afya Uzazi activities under each technical and cross-cutting area and championing of the project’s research and learning agenda. He/She will ensure that there is consistency in the objectives and success indicators of the program and will support the development and timely delivery of relevant reports against outcomes. Afya Uzazi Nakuru/Baringo Program data collection and management activities. He/She will ensure accuracy and consistency of data collection and management while supporting data management and M&E systems capacity building of partners including the county department of health.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support implementation of the project monitoring, evaluation, research and learning strategy and plan and recommend any possible changes based on the lessons learned. Ensure that established guidelines on project monitoring and evaluation for different project components are respected and aligned with.
• Management of project data bases for the Afya Uzazi Nakuru/Baringo Program project and ensure timely reporting in compliance with donor reporting requirements including preparation of quarterly and annual reports and assist in preparation of annual work plans
• Lead in coordination of monitoring and evaluation activities of the project at county level, focusing specifically on capacity building of partners on systems for collecting data for measuring project implementation. Under the Associate Director’s guidance, offer technical assistance to implementing partners to develop and implement monitoring and evaluation plans including development of relevant data collection tools and a functional system for collecting, analyzing and interpretation of data for decision making.
• Provide logistical support to ensure constant availability and technical support to ensure use of approved standardized tools by facilities and implementing partners in accordance with guidelines stipulated by USAID and GOK.
• Build capacity of implementing partners on reporting requirements, indicator definitions, use of data tools and overall monitoring and evaluation through formal and on-the-job training approaches.
• Coordinate collection of Afya Uzazi Nakuru/Baringo program activities data to ensure it is complete and timely.
• Lead routine and participatory data quality assessments in collaboration with CHRIO and other County health leadership and ensure development and implementation of data quality improvement plan.
• Contribute to quarterly development of relevant abstracts by spearheading data mining and data analysis efforts.
• Contribute to Afya Uzazi learning and knowledge management agenda that is enshrined in the operational research and implementation science strategy through documentation of best practices and their dissemination through publication and relevant forums at the county and sub-county levels.
• Prepare concept notes and protocols for special studies when necessary (e.g. impact and evaluation studies) and supervise research assistants during formative assessments and evaluations.
• Represent Afya Uzazi at relevant county level M&E TWGs and other strategic information stakeholder forums. KNOWLEDGE,

SKILL AND ABILITIES

• Strong experience with research, data collection and management, analysis and report writing Experience and capacity in institutional M&E systems and standards.
• Experience in setting up data bases and dashboards.
• Experience in training and M&E capacity building using adult learning methods.
• Experience in data analysis and presenting statistical reports.
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written, and demonstrated expertise in report writing, preparation of communication materials and oral presentation.
• Experience in scientific writing including development and successful submission of abstracts, their presentation and knowledge management.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.
• Considerable experience and capacity to collaborate with partners at multiple levels and effective networking skills. Experience in working with international organizations and a working knowledge of USAID/PEPFAR data requirements. A team player and excellent planning and organizational skills.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS STANDARDS:

• MS/MA/MPH in relevant field with 3-5 years’ relevant experience or BS/BA in relevant field with at least 5-7 years’ experience in Monitoring and Evaluation within health and development projects (preferably USAID/RMNCH/PEPFAR).
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, including knowledge of common statistical software packages, health information technologies and software applications, relational database systems and web technologies (including DHIS2).

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.