Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director - USAID/SIHSA

Job Description

Background

The International Rescue Committee’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded over 80 years ago, the IRC is a leading humanitarian and development organization with presence in more than 40 countries. Across contexts, the IRC is committed to delivering innovative, high-impact programs tailored to the needs of communities affected by crisis.

Position Summary:

IRC is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director for an anticipated USAID-funded 5-year project in Sierra Leone to improve public health outcomes, the Strengthening Integrated Health Services Activity (SIHSA). The MEL Director will be responsible for developing and implementing the project’s M&E Strategy/performance monitoring plan, in accordance with IRC, USAID, and international best practices. The MEL Director will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), and technical staff to ensure that relevant data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform management and design decisions, and to provide project updates, as required.

The position will be based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval. The project is anticipated to begin in February 2023.

Job Responsibilities:

· Develop, manage and implement a monitoring and evaluation system (performance monitoring plan) across all project components that leverages qualitative and quantitative methods, and draws from a variety of data sources to measure progress and evaluate impact, as well as support collaboration, implementation science, learning, and adaptation.

· Provide training, assistance, and consultation, as needed, on interpretation and use of performance benchmarking measures, indicators, and reports.

· Lead collection of periodic data reports and compilation of narrative reports and submit to DCOP and COP.

· Communicate information obtained through M&E activities to program staff, and external stakeholders, including USAID, to enable informed decision making.

· Develop and ensure compliance with procedures for collection and reporting of project and program performance data to provide quality, timely data.

· Regularly review data collection processes, perform data quality assessments, and make adjustments as needed.

· Prepare the M&E section of the annual work plans, and of review or updates of it, as needed.

· Participate and provide input to program strategy, including necessary adjustments or refinements to the work plan.

· Oversee baseline surveys and assessments and the implementation of the M&E system on a day-to-day basis.

· Conduct regular visits to project sites, as possible, to provide technical assistance and ensure proper monitoring of project activities.

· Lead learning agenda for the project and support integration of evidence into routine practice.

· Prepare inputs for regular and ad hoc reports.

Requirements:

· Advanced degree (PhD or masters degree) from an accredited university in public health, statistics, evaluation research, social science, international development, or a related discipline required; equivalent experience may be substituted for graduate degree;

· Minimum of eight years of experience in M&E and research for similar health programming. Experience with USAID funded projects designed to improve health outcomes, including the areas of health system strengthening, health financing, improving quality of and access to care, and sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, and malaria preferred.

· Experience developing performance monitoring plans and associated data collection tools, systems and methodologies.

· Demonstrated experience in use of qualitative and quantitative methods for data analysis;

· Experience supporting ministries of health in HMIS and health system strengthening;

· Experience working in West Africa and/or Sierra Leone on health programming, including familiarity with USAID health indicators and USAID’s CLA approach.

· Strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders.

· Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

· Fluency in English required.

Local candidates in Sierra Leone strongly encouraged to apply!

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC et les employés de IRC doivent adhérer aux valeurs et principes contenus dans le IRC WAY (normes de conduite professionnelle). Ce sont l’Intégrité, le Service, et la Responsabilité. En conformité avec ces valeurs, IRC opère et fait respecter les politiques sur la protection des bénéficiaires contre l’exploitation et les abus, la protection de l’enfant, le harcèlement sur les lieux de travail, l’intégrité financière, et les représailles.

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Qualifications