Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Reference Code: 2312017
Department: Global Fund Malaria Program
Report to: M&E Senior Manager
Band: D1

Job Summary

• The position of M&E Specialist will oversee the activities of the state-based M&E Specialists to ensure quality and timeliness of data collection and reporting.
• S/he will provide technical oversight and guidance to strengthen state-level M&E systems, ensure proper orientation and quality supervision to CRS M&E state-based Specialists, and M&E units in the State Ministries of Health.
• The M&E Specialist will be responsible for tracking achievements on case management indicators at the state level and advise on solutions for continuous improvement.
• In addition, s/he will support the implementation of the ICT4D and Red Rose technology for the LLIN mass campaigns at the national level.
• S/he should have the ability to work sensitively and positively with program staff and promote a learning environment. 
• The M&E Specialist is expected to have a high level of self-initiative and use critical thinking skills to identify and fill gaps. 

Specific Job Responsibilities
Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Ensure collection of high-quality reliable and timely data by the State M&E Specialists to monitor program activities and evaluate progress towards achievement of program objectives and targets.
• Support development of M&E plans and procedures for the states by the State M&E Specialists. Ensure plans are adhered to and in line with national and state M&E strategies, health information management systems, and tools.
• Collaborate with State Ministry of Health’s SMEP and HMIS units to strengthen processes for data collection, aggregation, reporting and analysis through the NHMIS; support and strengthen use of the DHIS2.0 platform at state- and LGA-levels.
• Conduct monthly review of state programmatic reports for accuracy and provide recommendations to improve performance and follow through to ensure recommendations are implemented.
• Support the M&E team in strategically preparing and reviewing M&E calendars and work plans.
• Ensure that the program is in compliance with CRS’ MEAL Policies and Procedures and strategic initiatives.
• Support elaboration of Progress Update/Disbursement Requests (PU/DR) in collaboration with other program staff.
• Coordinate the annual data quality audits (DQAs) to ensure the integrity of project data, using the DHIS data and other relevant tools.
• Conduct regular field monitoring and supervisory visits with program teams, SR and government partners.
• Organize and undertake M&E capacity building activities such as trainings, workshops and other visits for learning for CRS and State Ministry of Health M&E staff.
• Support the use of ICT4D and roll out of Red Rose technologies to support LLIN mass campaigns at national and state level.

Accountability:

• Support programming staff to engage key populations in monitoring and evaluating program’s performance and to incorporate participatory methods into M&E systems.
• Orient program staff and partners on the basic principles and practices of beneficiary accountability.
• Support the development and implementation of feedback and response channels to reflect the preferences of community members and beneficiaries.
• Ensure that beneficiary feedback is adequately documented, addressed, analyzed, and utilized by program teams.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Ensure that the M&E and program teams regularly review and accordingly adjust M&E plans and tools in the light of changes and needs in the field context based on monitoring data and reflection sessions.
• Support learning-to-action events and reflection sessions to systematically analyze data for programmatic use, and to document and incorporate lessons learned into program design and implementation.
• Conduct regular data review and analysis for feedback to states and SR for program improvement, and for updates to national level (CRS and government).
• Support program staff in key activities including development of a learning agenda, organizing regular learning events, supporting operations research, and reflecting, documentation, and communication of learning initiatives.
• Actively participate in the M&E Community of Practice with other CRS, SR and government M&E staff.
• Support knowledge management systems and practices to gather, document and share best practices with SRs, government and technical partners. Collaborate with M&E and program staff to develop learning briefs, project bulletins and other materials for dissemination.
• Promote adoption of the best practices in knowledge management by other SRs and government partners.

Representation:

• Liaise with technical counterparts in the State Ministries of Health and other local stakeholders engaged in malaria activities across Nigeria.
• Represent CRS at relevant technical working groups, sectoral meetings and coordination forums.

Human Resource Management:

• Manage and supervise CRS State M&E Specialists to meet program objectives.
• Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Global Fund Malaria Program Team, Deputy Country Representative, Country Representative, Head of Operations, Finance, Procurement and Administration Staff, Regional and Senior Technical Advisors, Deputy Regional Directors for PQ and MQ
• External: State Ministries of Health (SMOH), SRs, Technical and Financial Partners, partner health facilities

Agency Wide Competences (for all CRS staff):

• These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning

Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in a field related to Public Health, International Development, or Social Sciences.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in monitoring and evaluating health programs in an African country
• At least 2 years’ prior experience in a management position
• Knowledge of national health management information systems, strategies and tools in Nigeria; familiarity with DHIS2.0 platform is required
• Demonstrated experience with collection/analysis of epidemiological data
• Understanding of principles and current approaches to M&E for health programming, including knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative methods
• Experience with participatory and community-based M&E systems
• Familiarity with beneficiary accountability mechanisms
• Proficiency in database development/management, and skills in analyzing, interpreting and communicating data and information to various stakeholders
• Experience using ICT4D for data collection preferred
• Significant experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative assessments and surveys
• Previous experience with leading and managing studies and consultants
• Experience with facilitation, capacity strengthening and partnership building, with the capacity to empower staff through opportunities for growth & development
• Ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training
• Knowledge of Global Fund strategies and regulations desired
• Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams
• Public relations skills and ability to work well both within a team and independently
• Strong representational skills and ability to interface with multiple stakeholders, representatives, and partners (including representatives of government agencies) in a professional manner on an ongoing basis
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and to prioritize competing demands
• Strategic, analytical and decision-making skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Proficiency in database development/management and statistical software (SPSS, EPI-Info)
• Professional proficiency in English oral and written communication skills; strong demonstrated writing skills required (reports, evaluations)
• Willingness and ability to travel in-country (sometimes on short notice) up to 50% of time