Senior Technical Specialist - MEAL (OVC) - FASTER Nigeria at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Application Ref. Code: STSMOF7119
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Band: 8
Reports To: MEAL Director
Position Type: Full Time
Department: Programs/FASTER
 
Project Background

• FASTER (Faith-based Action for Scaling up Testing and Treatment for the Epidemic Response) project is designed as a new component of the global FOCUS (Faith-based Organization Capacity Strengthening for Universal HIV Services) project.
• Funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FOCUS was developed with the intent of building FBO network capacity, assisting FBOs to contribute to HIV multi-sector planning for expanded service delivery, and documenting successful approaches.
• Led by CRS, FOCUS builds understanding of how to leverage the faith-based community’s contributions at sub-national and national levels, reinforcing mutual responsibility and country-driven leadership.
• FASTER takes FOCUS’ objectives to the next level by creating an enabling environment in Nigeria where government, civil society, the private sector, and FBOs can accelerate normative pediatric HIV case finding, testing, linkage to care and treatment, and adherence support by strengthening and streamlining joint coordination and provision of pediatric HIV service delivery.

Job Summary

• The Senior Technical Specialist (STS) MEAL (OVC) will support FASTER strategies to strengthen MEAL system for orphans and vulnerable (OVC) programs.
• The MEAL STS (OVC) will support the national and sub-national OVC coordination structures in the design and implementation of the program monitoring and evaluation framework and information system to track delivery against targets, outcomes and impacts.
• Specifically, the STS will provide technical support for the effective functioning of the National OVC Management Information System (NOMIS) of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social development while also strengthening strategies to promote data management and data demand and use.  

Specific Job Responsibilities
MEAL Technical Assistance:

• Project focal point for strengthening MEAL strategies for effective OVC Case management and referral coordination at national and sun-national level.   
• Support GoN and PERFARs efforts to standardize and scale up use of evidence based technical strategies for OVC Case Management and Referral Coordination. 
• Support the development of SOPs, job aids and guidelines on OVC Case Management and Referral Coordination for PEPFAR implementing partners and civil society organizations. 
• Champion MEAL strategies to strengthen bi-directional linkages towards improved OVC continuum of care with focus optimizing health and social services workforce and improved data management information system.
• Support content provision and capacity building for the National OVC Management Information System (NOMIS) 
• Support the strengthening of the national and sub-national Monitoring and Evaluation Technical working group for of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children programs.   

Representation and Learning:

• In consultation with the MEAL Director, represent the consortium on relevant state-level technical meetings including high level representation, advocacy and donor engagement as may be required
• Ensure necessary technical assistance and training is provided to partners to develop capacity to implement HIV/AIDS support activities as per the project requirement.
• Provide high level technical support for program innovation and learning; foster regular discussions with key stakeholders as appropriate; to facilitate cross sector learning on HIV, OVC and adolescent programs.
• Identify opportunities for learning, formative research, special studies and operational research and work with MEAL team, FASTER technical team and external support (if needed) to conduct research. 
• Contribute to the documentation and dissemination of project efforts, achievements, lessons learned and innovations within FASTER and to the larger Nigerian and global technical community, as appropriate. 

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in social science, biostatistics or related field. A masters degree in public health or statistics will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated skills in MEAL, data management and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Up to five years in PEPFAR program implementation; experience in supervising and providing MEAL technical assistance for PEPFAR HIV, OVC and Adolescent programs
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government, CSOs and communities as well as transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through workshops, training and meetings using participatory methods and adult learning principles.
• Proven inter-personal skills for effective team work; as well as the ability to work independently on a frequent basis, taking initiative, working under pressure, managing a variety of activities concurrently, and delivering outputs on schedule. 
• 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience, excellent partnership and interpersonal skills to work in a team environment with dependable ability to dialogue, network, and work effectively with senior managers of local and international institutions..
• Ability to work both in a team and independently and ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training.
• Excellent analytic, organizational and computer skills; skilled in MS Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience with SharePoint a plus.  

Required Travel:

• Ability to travel up to 50% of time

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Global FASTER team, FASTER in-country MEAL and Technical Directors, RTAs for Health and OVC, and Security Managers/Focal Points. External: NASCP, NACA, CDC LAM, other donors, HIV and OVC Program Implementing Partners and FBOs networks.

Agency Wide Competencies:
These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Strategic Mindset
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Develops Talent
• Builds Relationships
• Accountability & Stewardship