Job Description
Position Summary:
- The Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities under the THRIVE Activity.
- The Director will ensure robust data collection, management, and analysis to inform program decision-making and contribute to achieving the program’s objectives.
- The role will require working closely with stakeholders, including USAID, PEPFAR, local partners, and government entities, to ensure compliance with donor requirements and alignment with national systems.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic MEL Leadership:
- Led the design and implementation of the project’s MEL framework, ensuring alignment with USAID/PEPFAR requirements and international best practices.
- Oversee the project’s Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) processes to ensure data-driven and contextually responsive programmatic adjustments.
- Develop and implement data quality assurance mechanisms to ensure accurate and reliable reporting.
Data Management and Reporting:
- Manage the project’s MEL reporting cycle, ensuring timely and high-quality data submission to USAID, PEPFAR, and other stakeholders.
- Design and maintain a robust data management system, integrating national case management and reporting tools like NOMIS.
- Ensure data dissemination to relevant stakeholders for evidence-based decision-making at the community, facility, and policy levels.
Capacity Building:
- Build the capacity of MEL staff, local implementing partners, and community-based organizations in data collection, management, and analysis.
- Provide technical assistance to local partners in developing MEL plans and implementing data collection tools.
Collaboration and Coordination:
- Facilitate data-sharing and coordination with other USAID programs, government entities, and stakeholders to enhance program synergy.
- Represent the THRIVE Activity in professional forums, including conferences, workshops, and meetings on MEL topics.
Evaluation and Learning:
- Oversee the design and execution of project evaluations and research studies to assess program impact and identify best practices.
- Use evaluation findings to inform programmatic adjustments and share lessons learned with stakeholders.
Technical Oversight:
- Conduct regular monitoring visits to project sites to provide technical support and ensure MEL activities meet international quality standards.
- Coordinate data quality assessments and facilitate using findings to address programmatic gaps.
Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:
Technical Expertise:
- Knowledge of health and development programs, including HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and OVC programming.
- Familiarity with MEL systems for global health initiatives, including USAID/PEPFAR.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization tools.
Leadership and Management:
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams and complex projects.
- Ability to mentor staff and build the capacity of local partners.
- Proven ability to manage tight deadlines and produce high-quality deliverables.
Communication and Collaboration:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presenting complex data to diverse audiences.
- Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration with stakeholders at all levels.
Minimum Recruitment Standards:
- MB.BS/MD/PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, or related field with 15 years of experience in MEL for global health initiatives, OR
- MPH/MS/MA in a relevant field with 15 years of relevant experience, OR
- BS/BA in Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field with 15 years of relevant experience.
- Familiarity with Nigerian public health systems, NGOs, and CBOs is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in developing and managing MEL frameworks for large-scale donor-funded programs.
- Experience working with USAID/PEPFAR MEL systems and standards.