Montoring, Evaluation and Learning Director - ACCESS at IntraHealth International

• The MEL Director will oversee all monitoring, evaluation, learning, and research activities of the USAID/ACCESS Activity. They will lead designing and implementation of robust MEL data systems and processes to improve project data collection, management, and analysis to track and report on progress towards achieving targets and program outcomes for the USAID/ACCESS award.  The MEL Director will monitor performance indicators, link MEL data to learning and adaptation and provide advice on activity adjustments needed to make the project more responsive to changing local conditions. They will also play a role in engaging other staff responsible for the delivery of key results of the activity, as well as in the preparation and timely delivery of planned reports and data submissions. The position will also coordinate and manage assessments, evaluations, implementation science, and operational research required to inform FP and SRH programming and to promote continuous program quality improvement and knowledge sharing of best practices and dissemination of lessons learned and project outcomes as part of its collaboration, learning, and adapting (CLA) approach.
• The position is subject to the availability of funds and approval by USAID. It can be located remotely in a country in which IntraHealth is registered.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance, vision, and technical expertise for the development and implementation of the activity's monitoring, evaluation and learning system, reporting on results, use of data for program decision-making, and knowledge management.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of an Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) to effectively monitor the progress of project activities and track delivery against targets, outcomes, and impact.
• Lead the designing and implementation of program evaluations, assessments, special studies, learning agenda and research-related activities required by the Activity and ensures that they are properly budgeted and staffed, and that all ethical procedures are followed.
• Assist the project team in the development and use of harmonized data capture and entry tools and processes and data analysis plans for qualitative and quantitative indicators at all levels, ensuring timeliness, quality, and completeness of data.
• Collaborate with IntraHealth’s data science team to develop and maintain project databases to capture and record relevant data on key indicators.
• Lead the development of holistic approaches to CLA including real time data analysis, visualization, and interpretation, and ensure data is used to inform decision-making by project staff, health workers, government partners, and sub-awardees to improve FP and SRH policies, programs, and outcomes.
• Ensure data quality by conducting and participating in Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) and implementing corrective actions to address identified gaps on all project indicators.
• Supervise MEL staff and ensure the strategic and functional integration of all MEL activities as well as active collaboration with sub-awardees, Ministry of Health at all levels and USAID. Collaborate with other program and technical staff in the development and implementation of annual project work plans.
• Identify short-term technical assistance needs for MEL, develop terms of reference for these missions, and arrange for the engagement of consultants as needed.
• Mentor and support the project team in the regular use of data at all levels to target and/or adapt programming.
• Support the strengthening and use of strategic information in FP/SRH by the Ministry of Health, regional, district and local health directorates and committees.
• Compile and visualize project data to facilitate regular data review meetings.
• Collect and disseminate best practices and lessons learned from the project and prepare technical reports based on the results to assist the project in knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the dissemination and use of project results to a global audience using various forums, such as publications/peer review journal articles, conference presentations, technical notes, research reports, blog posts etc.
• Research, compile, write, and submit information, including Activity results, analysis, and learnings for project reports, including quarterly and annual reports, donor presentations and respond to data requests from USAID, health ministries, and other stakeholders. Keep abreast of developments in the field of MEL, particularly as it relates to FP/SRH, urban health, and adolescents and youth.

Education & Experience

• Holds a post-graduate degree in demography, statistics, public health, epidemiology, or related field.
• At least 10 years of related experience in the designing, management, and successful implementation of effective monitoring and evaluation systems for FP/SRH related programs. Previous experience supporting MEL for USAID Global FP/SRH projects highly desired.
• Familiarity with USAID reporting regulations, and significant experience with service delivery and other performance indicators for FP and SRH. Proven experience in providing field technical assistance on M&E, data quality, and translating data for use.
• Proficiency in a variety of collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) approaches and experience in developing learning portfolios for complex projects in different countries.
• Demonstrated expertise in measuring performance and impact related to FP service delivery and contraceptive safety.
• Demonstrated experience in operational research and analytical methodologies contributing to the body of evidence in FP/RH programs for youth and/or other underserved populations. Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral presentation skills in English with strong working knowledge of how to communicate and visualize results to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in using databases and statistical software is required (e.g. SPSS, Stata) as well as strong skills in Excel, Power Point, and mobile technologies to report data.
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations as well as best practices in MEL and/or experience working on a USAID-funded project.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a team of professionals and working with government officials at all levels.