Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Director – PHSP 116 views

Organization Overview

The International Development Division focuses on improving the lives and economic well-being of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health, agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. Our multi-layered health portfolio includes policy, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. In partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation.

Job Summary

Abt Associates is currently seeking a qualified Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Director for the upcoming USAID Private Health Sector Program in Ethiopia. The project’s goal is to further strengthen private sector engagement to support service delivery to address diseases of public health importance in Ethiopia. This includes diseases that previous projects have focused on (HIV, Malaria, TB, FP/RMNCH) and include new clinical areas. The activity will concentrate in solidifying the strong foundation of work to engage private health sector participation gained in previous projects and further enhance policy, regulation, financing and facilitation of private/public partnerships in health (PPPH).

Under the supervision of the Chief of Party, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director is responsible for providing technical leadership for and designing, executing, and overseeing the MEL components of the project. This includes: (1) Designing and implementing the MEL plan; (2) Creating systems to measure and document program process, output, and impact data results; (3) Routinely and systematically collecting, analyzing and presenting program data for project staff, partners and donors; (4) Manage process of, and with inputs from project staff, draft annual implementation plans, quarterly/ annual/final performance reports, and other reports/deliverables; (5) Overseeing project reporting activities; (6) Tracking progress towards goals and fidelity to implementation design; and (7) Overseeing and supporting conduct of research in accordance with best practices and USAID and Abt Associates regulations and policies. The MEL Director will have direct reports.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the MEL team to: (1) Effectively track activity performance; (2) Inform program management and promote learning; (3) Generate evidence on the localized and systemic changes that result from reform implementation/institutionalization; and (4) Support institutionalization of best practices for M&E within the GOE using regular meetings and other feedback loops.
• Technically oversee, manage, and ensure quality of project work related to the design and implementation of MEL, research, and reporting activities, in accordance with GOE and USAID regulations, Abt policies, and international standards for programming and research. Includes providing technical inputs, guidance, and oversight of Abt internal review board and Ethiopian ethical clearances for research.
• Guide process of and produce the project’s MEL Plans, annual implementation plans, quarterly/annual/final performance reports, and similar deliverables. Includes working with the MEL team to develop and/or setting forth process to collect and analyze data across the project; track and analyze program indicators and other statistics; ensure proper targets, units of measurement, and figures are used; and produce high-quality and timely reports/deliverables.
• Develop, operationalize and oversee MEL plan components.
• Coordinate with project team, USAID, GOE, and project partners, as needed, to refine key indicators and markers of progress, harmonize reporting approaches and frameworks to remain responsive to the needs of the project, USAID, and GOE.
• Determine and implement an archive system for data sources.
• Review all project assessments and ensure compliance and standardization of documents used for generalizable knowledge, publication, and presentation to the client and general public and in compliance with requirements.
• Oversee and develop quantitative and qualitative data collection tools and oversee data collection while ensuring data quality, integrity and security standards and procedures are in place. Conduct periodic internal quality checks to ensure the quality and accuracy of project reported data.
• Coordinate and conduct data analysis and reporting on achievements against set targets, highlighting emerging patterns and produce clear reports on findings and conclusions.
• Oversee development of and/or develop tailored learning and knowledge products including lessons learned and sharing of information and knowledge products with all relevant stakeholders.
• Support programmatic learning and decision-making at all levels through data analysis, reporting and communication of program learnings.
• Collaborate with GOE counterparts to define research priorities and data collection needs for select areas where more and better data can drive decision-making.
• Participate as member of the project’s Senior Management Team (SMT).
• Act as a technical advisor to and provide coaching to staff, partners, or others on MEL and research methods and practices.
• Conduct field visits to program sites to monitor activities and engage with program teams, partners and local stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership to and directly supervise M&E Officers.
• Respond to questions and provide project specific inputs and support to Rockville-based and other technical teams regarding areas of responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Public Health, Finance, Statistics, Business Administration or other relevant field.
• 12 years of relevant professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, and research in the public health field for complex health systems strengthening and/or service delivery programs, with progressively increasing level of responsibility; experience with USAID-funded activities preferred.
• Demonstrated hands-on practical experience leading, designing, executing, and managing MEL activities for health programs, and leading teams in these areas.
• Strong analytical, organizational, management, and planning skills for measuring, monitoring, and reporting on program and study results and implementing a learning agenda.
• Expertise in rigorous quantitative research and analytical methods, some experience with qualitative research; firm command of M&E methodologies with respect to health systems, service delivery, preferred;
• Demonstrable familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques; demonstrated ability to design and implement data collection plan.
• Significant experience in knowledge management and dissemination of results and research findings.
• Ability to independently plan and execute complex tasks while addressing daily management details and remaining organized and focused on long-term deadlines and strategy.
• Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, demonstrated team leadership and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills in English, including oral presentation skills.
• Fluency in Amharic.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, statistical software).

Minimum Qualifications

• (8+) years of experience and a master degree OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.