M & E Specialist at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Summary:
The position of State-based M&E Specialist will oversee all M&E activities for the program within Anambra State, ensuring quality and timeliness of data collection and reporting. S/he will provide technical oversight and guidance to strengthen state-level M&E systems, ensuring proper orientation, mentoring and quality supervision to state M&E staff and M&E units in the State Ministries of Health. The M&E Specialist will be responsible for tracking achievement on indicators at the state level and advise on solutions for continuous improvement. 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.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Public Health, International Development, or Social Sciences
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in monitoring and evaluating health programs in an African country
• At least 2 years’ experience in provision of technical advisory services or consultancies working with government partners
• 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 in program management is desired
• Experience with facilitation, capacity strengthening and partnership building
• Ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training
• Knowledge of Global Fund strategies and regulations desired
• 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 to field locations regularly and sometimes on short notice