Programme Officer - Evaluations and Surveys at Sightsavers

Reports to: Country Technical Adviser, NTDs
Responsible for: Nil
Contract: 2-year Fixed Term Contract
Department: Finance and Performance

Job Purpose (the overall purpose and function of the job)

• Considering the size of Nigeria and the need to fast track elimination; this role is critical towards ensuring that key elements like coverage surveys, impact assessments etc are carried out. This support will be for all the various donor funded programmes in Nigeria.
• Job holder will be supporting the Country Technical Adviser, NTDs in carrying out specific initiatives to distil knowledge from evaluations, innovations, surveys towards distilling evidence for elimination of NTDs in ASCEND and other donor funded programmes in Nigeria which would be used for programme planning and implementation.
• The role will also support NTD monitoring, surveillance, operations research activities across funded Sightsavers Nigeria Country programmes. The post-holder will also support the implementation of routine surveys and assessments like treatment coverage surveys, impact assessment, Data Quality Assessment making use of standardised databases and tools.

Key accountabilities (specific activities and results):
Strategic Programme Planning and Development (20% of time):

• Plan and actively support in select evaluations, (thematic/strategic) and project evaluations
• Contribute to ongoing process of results orientation through methodological development of tools (monitoring & evaluation tools, indicators, guidelines), and to continuing refinement of methodologies

Monitoring and Evaluation (40% of time):

• Assist in providing capacity building for M&E of NTDs, including data collection, NTD mapping, data quality assessments, treatment coverage surveys, assessment of disease transmission and evaluation of NTD programme impact in conjunction with programme teams and national programme.
• Provide direct assistance on the use of the integrated NTD database, WHO supported information systems, and other global tools for the timely collection, management, analysis, and reporting of high quality data, where appropriate.
• Support programmes in assessing, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating NTD projects.
• Ensure use of preferred practices in M&E for the control and elimination of NTDs, surveillance and research.
• Support and oversee implementation of M&E activities and post-MDA assessments including, but not limited to, treatment coverage surveys, Data Quality Assessments, strategic planning and reporting
• Support programmes in use of electronic devices configuring and use of smartphone-based surveys, including training, setup and analysis of data;
• Support all aspects of evaluation, monitoring, learning support activities and special study activities, such as planning and budgeting for each assigned activity
• Support surveillance activities
• Oversee data collection strategies, develop and administer surveys, conduct data analysis, and develop reports and manuscripts for publication for use by programme personnel
• Identify, develop and evaluate new approaches and tools to support national NTD programme to monitor programme coverages

Research (20% of time):

• Provide expertise in conceptualizing quantitative and qualitative data collection and analytical methods to support evaluation design and implementation
• Contribute to ongoing process of results orientation through methodological development of tools (monitoring & evaluation tools, indicators, guidelines), and to continuing refinement of methodologies
• Provide support, as appropriate, into NTD research concept notes, protocols, ethics applications, data analysis, reporting and drafting papers for publication as required;
• The principal accountabilities are not meant to be an exhaustive list of tasks. The need for flexibility is required and the job holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee's skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.

Job holder Entry Requirements
Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):

• Degree (or equivalent) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Computer Science and Statistics or other related field
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of health programmes
• Experience in data analysis using Stata, SPSS, Epiinfo and other Statistical Pack-ages
• Experience in using Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS, QGIS)
• Experience in using mobile applications for data collection
• Post graduate Degree in Public Health, Biological Sciences or related disciplines
• Significant working experience, ideally in an INGO environment
• Knowledge of one or more of the five leading NTDs.
• Extensive experience using statistic methods to perform program evaluations, surveys, assessments, and data analysis in one or more of the five PCT NTD).

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

• Excellent analytical skills.
• Solid knowledge and expertise in project cycle management, proficiency in PMBOK
• Knowledge of theory of change and evaluation methodologies.
• Strong writing skills and the ability to prepare clear, substantive reports and briefing papers in English, in a timely manner
• Proven ability to think strategically and translate concepts into effective action plans.
• Ability to deliver group training sessions.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Ability to leverage limited resources and staff for maximum impact.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks and work under pressure with a wide range of individuals and institutions.
• Creative thinking, problem solving, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to travel regularly on a national and international basis.

Core behaviours:

• Change and improvement – Seeks continuous improvement in own and team’s performance. Assists and encourages others to adapt to change and implement new ideas.
• Communicating and influencing – Identifies the needs of others, uses effective approaches and styles to persuade and communicates to groups in an interesting and effective way.
• Decision making – Consults and listens to take clear and timely decisions.
• Planning and organisation – Develops plans considering all the resources necessary to achieve objectives. Monitors objectives and measurement systems on a regular basis, identifying trends and key messages in data.
• Delivery and implementation – Continues to perform objectives positively in the face of pressures from various sources. Ensure the team has a ‘can do’ attitude and customer service mentality.
• Team working – Encourages and supports team members to ensure contributions are recognised, delegates effectively and encourages working in collaboration.

Key Relationships (Internal):

• Country Technical Adviser
• NTDs Technical hub
• NTDs department, including the global disease advisors
• Research Team
• Programme staff

Key Relationships (External):

• Project partners/NGDOs
• Ministries of Health
• NTD communities in Nigeria
• Consultants and contractors.

Salary
Local Terms & Conditions apply