MERL Advisor

Overview

To lead the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities for the RISE programme, including capacity building of partner organizations in the areas of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (MER).

Responsibilities

M&E Plan and Systems Support

1. Lead the development of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) Plan, results/logic framework, and support the development of M&E work plan, indicators and setting of targets.
2. Support the development of an M&E system to capture relevant and timely data for programmatic decision-making.
3. Develop M&E data collection and reporting tools.
4. Design and maintain an aggregate database with support from RISE global team.
5. Develop Standard Operating guides (SOPs) and Quick Reference Guides to guide implementation of M&E activities.
6. Develop and implement routing QA & QC toolkit using quality improvement methodology.
7. Orientate, train and mentor subcontractors/partners and NDOH secondees on all aspects of data collection, data collation, data cleaning/ (QA/QC), data storage (upload of supporting source documents on SharePoint) and data reporting.
8. Put measures in place to ensure governance and compliance by the RISE M&E teams.
9. Facilitate coordination between the M&E/SI Unit with the technical leads of other departments to ensure that data is used for decision-making that will translate into programme improvements.
10. Conduct M&E site support visits to RISE implementing partners.
11. Lead and provide support to provincial teams in preparing for USAID SI visits.
12. Provide ongoing telephonic/e-mail support, training, and technical assistance on M&E to partners/programmes, including revision/design of data management tools.

Reporting to stakeholders

1. Communicate reporting deadlines and changing reporting requirements from USAID SI team with RISE teams to ensure operationalization.
2. Submit data reports on the USAID platform and respond to queries timeously.
3. Respond to reasonable and relevant requests for data by RISE partners, USAID, and other stakeholders.
4. Disseminate monthly/quarterly reports back to relevant partners/programmes upon finalization.
5. Ensure submission of monthly/quarterly reports by RISE sub-contractors/partners.
6. Review consolidated narrative reports for submission to M&E/SI Manager.
7. Participate in bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly progress update meetings with stakeholders including sub-contractors/partners and USAID.

Data Quality Assurance

1. Conduct internal verification checks of monthly/quarterly reports of sub-contractors/partners against supporting source documents and ensure queries raised are addressed timeously.
2. Contribute to the analysis of data and data visualizations (dashboards) to facilitate data use for programme decision-making.
3. Ensure submission of monthly reports by RISE partners/programmes, within 1 month, or within USAID reporting deadline for end-of-quarter months.
4. Conduct internal verification checks of monthly/quarterly reports of partners, within 1 week of submission date, or within USAID reporting deadlines for end-of-quarter months.
5. Obtain corrections upon identification of data quality issues, within 1 week of submission of queries, or within USAID reporting deadlines for end-of-quarter months.

Build capacity to develop, manage and operationalize M&E systems and knowledge management

1. Facilitate trainings on all aspects of MERL tool development, data collection, data collation, data cleaning, data packaging and data reporting. Support and coordinate the activities of the M&E team responsible for the development of the QA/QC processes, data visualization presentations, training, and mentoring, etc.
2. Ensure the M&E/SI team is skilled and ensure professional growth and development.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree qualification in health, public health, social sciences, behavioral sciences, or related field.
2. Background in research, monitoring and evaluation and/or other data management field.
3. Post graduate degree an added advantage.
4. 5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation of public health with 3 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation of infectious diseases programs of similar scope and size, and experience in resource-limited settings.
5. Experience working with key stakeholders and partners, e.g. NDOH, NICD, SAHPRA.
6. Experience on USAID program monitoring and evaluation.
7. Experience implementing Quality Assurance and Improvement Methodology.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and DHIS2.
2. Demonstrated ability to train and build the capacity of others on M&E processes.
3. Strong communication skills (verbal and written), problem-solving orientation, and decisiveness.
4. Good at planning, structuring, prioritizing, and executing work, with effective personal and team time management.
5. Strong attention to detail, logical and analytical thinker, proactive and innovative.
6. Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
7. Negotiation skills and the ability to manage interpersonal relationships and workplace conflicts.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
9. Ability to travel (nationally 10% to 20%).
10. Valid driver’s license.

Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Jhpiego promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans.