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

Application Ref. Code: STSMF7119
Locations: Rivers, Enugu, Lagos and Benue states, Nigeria
Band: 8
Reports To: Zonal Coordinator
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 will provide leadership in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) towards effective pediatric HIV service delivery especially referrals for specialized services, logistic and commodity management system in the State.
• This will include among others; strengthening FBOs, State Coordination platforms in the use of SOPs and strategy for the roll out and scale up of HIV self-testing for pediatrics and adolescents. In collaboration with FASTER technical team, SMWASD, SASCP, SACA and relevant private sector actors, facilitate the participation of FBOs and networks in the activities of the State HIV TWG and ensure capacity building of FBOs and networks on quality HIV service delivery, case management, data management and data demand and use. 
• In addition, The STS MEAL will coordinate over all MEAL activities related to OVC programs and interventions in the state, and specifically provide technical support for the effective functioning of the National OVC Management Information System (NOMIS) at the SMWASD and other relevant ministries departments and agencies (MDAs) and ensure compliance to data management SOPs including accurate and time reporting of results to key stakeholders at the state and to the FASTER national office via the MEAL Director, on schedule and ad-hoc basis.  

Specific Job Responsibilities
MEAL Technical Assistance:

• Project focal point for strengthening MEAL strategies for effective OVC Case management and referral coordination at the zone and state of FASTER project implementation.   
• Support the efforts of GoN at sub-national level and PEPFAR to standardize and scale up the 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 (CSOs). 
• 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 sub-national Monitoring and Evaluation Technical working group for of the OVC programs.   

Representation and Learning:

• In consultation with the Zonal Coordinator, 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: Project Director, Technical and MEAL Directors and Nigeria  Zonal Coordinator, FASTER Project Team External: NASCP, NACA, SASCP, SACA, HIV and OVC Program Implementing Partners

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