Latest Jobs at Helen Keller International

Scope of the position

The success of the NTDs project depends largely on accurate, complete and timely reporting of achievements to donor. Achievement of set targets is of utmost importance. Hence, the objective of the M&E Associate position is to provide technical support in the roll-out of the M&E plan in the state and generate strategic data for program management, reporting and documentation of best practices.

Under the supervision of the M&E Specialist, the M&E Associate will:

•   Provide technical input in the development of an integrated State NTDs project plan in collaboration with the NTDs Coordinator and M&E Specialist.
•   Take the lead in the implementation of NTDs state M&E plan and reporting formats for indicators and targets in collaboration with the M&E Specialist.
• Establish a system for the flow of information from service-delivery points to the central database and ensure timely M&E technical support to all implementing health facilities.
•   Take lead in building the capacity of health units’ M&E staff and relevant health and community workers in collection, summarization, analysis and presentation of M&E data.
• Manage the roll-out of the project M&E data quality assurance system including quarterly data quality audits.
• Assist the M&E Specialist in coordinating the establishment/strengthening of one state M&E system that informs policy and practice.
• Ensure state-of-the-art database management practice at the state.
• Analyze M&E data on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis and flag action areas to the project management.
• Work with M&E Specialist/Program officer to document and publish best practices.
• Guide staff and implementing partners in preparing their progress reports. Together, analyze these reports in terms of problems and actions needed. Prepare consolidated progress reports for project management to submit to the relevant bodies, in accordance with approved reporting formats and timing.
• Prepare monitoring reports, analyze them for impact evaluation and identify the causes of potential bottlenecks in project implementation.
•  Guide the regular sharing of the outputs of M&E findings with project staff, implementing partners and primary stakeholders.
• Make regular reports to the project team highlighting areas of concern and preparing the documentation for review at meetings.

Program Monitoring & Evaluation:

• In collaboration with M&E Specialist and NTDs Program Officers, assist with the implementation and development of Monitoring and Evaluation tools according to Helen Keller, FMOH and donor standards.
• Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of international standards as set by FMOH, Helen Keller and donors.
• Internally and when requested, support external evaluations on the outcomes of the project as established during the planning phase of the project and as required.
• Support the dissemination of findings from assessments/evaluations to support organizational learning and contribute to policy processing or development.
• Advocacy and Strategic Alliances:
• Assist in building and maintaining working relationships with both government and key project stakeholders at all levels in order to strengthen opportunities for advocacy and higher visibility.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Successful implementation of the projects based on:
• Effective tracking and reporting of program indicators
• Implementation of M&E plans in collaboration with other project staff and government stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Sciences, Statistics, Epidemiology or related field with a focus on monitoring and evaluation and/or Biostatistics.
• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in monitoring and evaluation with very good analytical, presentation, communication and reporting skills.
• Significant experience in developing monitoring plans and/or management information systems 2 years of which spent working with NGOs in an African setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, multi-cultural and team-building skills.
• Strong computer skills particularly in spreadsheets, databases and statistical applications such as Excel, PowerBi and SurveyCTO
• Significant experience working in NTD, HIV/AIDS or Nutrition programs in Nigeria.
• Excellent writing skills, oral and written communication skills and fluency in English

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Scope of the position

Under the supervision of the NTDs Program Officer/Acting State Team Lead, the NTDs Program Associate will assists with the formulation, execution, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of NTDs program in the State. He/she ensures consistency with the project objectives, set priorities and outcomes in the state.

Essential Functions

Program Planning

• In collaboration with the PO and other team members, he/she will support in the creation and implementation of a detailed annual work-plan, which identifies sequences of activities needed to successfully implement the project in the most cost-effective manner and ensure project objectives are met in line with national policies, Helen Keller’s goals and those of the donor.
• In collaboration with key stakeholders, work with program officer to facilitate the development and roll out of detailed implementation plans (DIP) for Mass Drug Administration (MDA) as well as morbidity management in endemic LGAs, with the view to eliminate and control NTDs.
• Review the project schedule with the NTDs program officer and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities; revise and regularly review the schedule as required.

Program Management

• In collaboration with other stakeholders, assist the program officer to ensure Helen Keller program partners execute project activities according to their respective plans.
• Participate in documentation of project activities to ensure that all project data is appropriately secured.
• Work with other colleagues to monitor the progress of project implementation and adjust as necessary to ensure the project remains on track and is successfully implemented.
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project;
• In collaboration with the Helen Keller finance officer and other project staff, ensure project funds are utilized and retired according to established accounting policies and procedures.

Program Monitoring & Evaluation

• In collaboration with M&E staff, assist with the implementation and development of Monitoring and Evaluation tools according to Helen Keller, FMOH and donor standards.
• Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of international standards as set by FMOH, Helen Keller and donor.
• Internally and when requested, support external evaluations on the outcomes of the project as established during the planning phase of the project and as required.
• Disseminate findings from assessment/evaluations to support organizational learning and contribute to policy processing or development.

Advocacy and Strategic Alliances

• Work with the NTDS PO to build and maintain effective and professional collaboration with both government and other key project stakeholders at all levels to strengthen opportunities for advocacy and higher visibility;
• Represent Helen Keller towards local partners and at other appropriate fora.

Key Performance Indicators

Successful implementation of the projects based on:

• Effective tracking and reporting of program indicators.
• Implementation of annual work plans in collaboration with other project staff and government stakeholders
• Timely reporting to donor and FMOH

Required minimum education/experience/skills

• Graduate degree in public health, public administration, management or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Postgraduate degree in related field preferred
• At least 3 years’ working experience in managing a community eye health or neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) program.
• Willingness to travel within the state and other parts of the country as needed.
• Basic technical knowledge of PCT/IDM NTDs is preferable;
• Knowledge of South-south terrain, security awareness and cultures is an added advantage
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Computer skills: Windows applications for word processing and spreadsheet software
• Extraordinary verbal and written communication skills to manage project communications and disseminate project information are required.
• Demonstrates technical knowledge pertaining to the job requirements.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Able to work under pressure with minimal supervision and able to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated excellent personal integrity and confidentially.

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Specific Responsibilities

• Engage in a collaborative effort with program managers and finance managers for assigned portfolio to ensure high-quality financial planning, management, reporting and auditing of all programs, including thorough budget preparation and oversight.
• Serve as the central team’s liaison to country offices as it relates to the financial management of the assigned portfolio. Present financials to donor and/or consortium members, as requested.
•  Assist country offices with the preparation of proposal budgets, annual project and sub-award budgets, and budget modifications (if needed). Ensure all budgets cover the personnel and operating costs, reflect the narrative and are reviewed for accuracy and compliance with donor regulations.
• Prepare budget narratives for proposal budgets and annual project budgets.
• Prepare invoices, accruals, forecasts and other financial deliverables.
• Thoroughly track and report project expenses, burn rates, and cash received from the donor on a monthly basis. Notify the accounting team about any incorrect expenses/charges and follow up on any necessary reclassifications.
• Ensure budgets and other financial information are correctly represented in financial and project management systems. Maintain electronic files for each assigned project/country.
• Assist country offices in responding to audit requests from donors, developing financial management tools, and managing close-out processes.
• · Maintain strong financial controls to guarantee compliance with Helen Keller and donor regulations.
• Conduct field visits to assess financial management of the projects and to build staff capacity, as needed.
• Guide preparation of all grant agreements, contracts, and modifications for the programs: review procurement requests, and sub-agreements for review by Grants & Contract unit.
• Model collaboration with your matrixed team: effectively consult and inform colleagues to maximize efficiency and knowledge sharing and integrate guidance and direction from subject matter experts in your office and elsewhere in the global organization to maximize performance.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Demonstrated experience and ability to: prepare proposal budgets and narratives and monitor project budgets for restricted awards:analyse data; provide thorough documentation to support effective negotiations with donors; troubleshoot matters arising and flag issues to senior staff; take proactive approaches to improving financial and budget management processes; build capacity of internal and external colleagues, including ability to communicate effectively across cultures; and conduct high-quality one-on-one and group trainings for field office staff and in-country partners
• Excellent oral and written English language skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex financial, compliance and operational issues into layperson language. Oral proficiency in French is required.
• Highly computer literate including knowledge of Microsoft software products, and strong Excel skills.  Experience with PowerBI or other analytical tools a plus.
• Demonstrated interest in public health programs as well as an understanding of the synergy between the programmatic, operational, and financial components of public health initiatives.
• Collaborative, flexible and solution-oriented. An ability to maintain balance when under stress.
• Ability to work on multiple high priority projects at the same time; prioritize workload, assume responsibility for work, and follow through to completion.
•  Ability to perform duties that require close attention to detail and synthesize large amounts of information simultaneously. 
•  Ability and willingness to: flex work hours to accommodate multiple time zones; travel domestically and/or internationally up to 20% of the time.

 NOTE: Helen Keller requires all staff who travel internationally to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, whether or not they have had COVID.

• Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of religion, ethnicity, class, or gender, with a high comfort level working in a diverse environment with a demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards.
• Personal commitment to Helen Keller’s mission and goals and the values embodied by Helen Keller Intl’s co-founder, Helen Keller: courage;,compassion, rigor, and optimism.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public administration, finance, accounting, or related field, or a relevant field; plus
• Minimum of 6-8 years of directly relevant experience, including at least 5 years managing donor-funded projects; or equivalent combination or education and experience.