JOB AT Abt Associates Inc : Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist : ( Deadline : 10 May 2019 )

JOB AT Abt Associates Inc : Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist : ( Deadline : 10 May 2019 )

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist

USAID Rwanda Integrated Health Systems Activity (RIHSA)

Abt Associates, a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development, seeks a qualified Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist for the upcoming five-year USAID Rwanda Integrated Health Systems Activity (RIHSA). RIHSA aims to strengthen the health system of Rwanda to provide quality health care services, increase financial protection, and promote self-reliance.

The MEL Specialist will be responsible for providing technical leadership for and designing, executing, and overseeing the MEL components of the project. S/he will 1) lead the design and implementation of MEL plans, 2) routinely and systematically collect, analyze, report, and present program data to project staff, partners and donors, 3) track progress towards stated results and fidelity to implementation design, and 4) identify learning opportunities from implementation progress and suggest ways to adapt accordingly in order to achieve programmatic impact.

The position will be based in Kigali with local travel as required and will report to the Chief of Party. The position is contingent upon contract award to Abt Associates.

Responsibilities:

Create a system(s) to measure and routinely document program process, output, and impact data results; determine and implement an archive system for data sources.
Guide the process of and produce the project’s MEL plans, annual implementation plans, quarterly/annual/final performance reports, and similar deliverables. This includes working with the project team to develop processes to collect and analyze data across the project; track and analyze set indicators and other statistics; ensure proper targets, units of measurement and figures are used, and produce high-quality and timely reports/deliverables.
Technically oversee, manage, and ensure the quality of project work related to the design and implementation of MEL, research, and reporting activities, in accordance with Government of Rwanda (GOR) and USAID regulations, Abt policies, and international standards for programming and research. This includes providing technical inputs, guidance, and oversight of Abt internal review board and Rwandan ethical clearances for research.
Track project performance, generate evidence and support learning and institutionalization of project best practices.
Coordinate with the project team, USAID, GOR, and other project partners, as needed, to refine key indicators and harmonize reporting approaches and frameworks to remain responsive to the needs of the project, USAID, and GOR.
Collaborate with GOR counterparts to define research priorities and data collection needs to drive better use of data for decision-making.
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.
Develop quantitative and qualitative data collection tools and oversee data collection while ensuring data quality, accuracy and security standards and procedures are in place.
Coordinate and conduct data analysis and reporting on achievements against set targets, highlighting emerging patterns, and produce clear reports on findings and conclusions.
Oversee the development of learning and knowledge products that capture lessons learned and share information on project impact with all relevant stakeholders.
Build monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capacity within the Ministry of Health. This includes collaborating with the technical team to create or improve data collection, management, analysis and reporting systems for routine program management and budget decisions.
Conduct field visits to project sites to monitor activities and engage with project teams, partners, and local stakeholders.
Respond to questions and provide project-specific inputs and support to Rockville-based and other technical teams regarding areas of responsibility.

Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher in public health, statistics, economics, or other relevant fields.
Minimum 8 years of experience in rigorous research, monitoring, and evaluation for complex health systems strengthening projects; experience with USAID-funded activities strongly preferred.
Strong background in planning, designing, and executing MEL activities for health systems strengthening projects, and leading teams in these areas.
Expertise in quantitative and qualitative data collections techniques and analytical methods, with a firm command of M&E methodologies with respect to health systems, including knowledge of key health systems strengthening strategies and indicators.
Strong organizational and management skills for measuring, monitoring, and reporting on project outputs and results, and implementing a learning agenda.
Significant experience in knowledge management and dissemination of results and research findings.
Excellent report writing and communication skills in English, including oral presentation skills; French skills desirable.
Strong interpersonal skills, initiative and demonstrated leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, statistical software such as Stata and/or SAS and communications programs).
Rwandan national strongly preferred.
Interested candidates may send a CV and cover letter to RwandaJobs@abtassoc.com

Please include “RIHSA” and the position title in the subject line of the email. Deadline for applications is 10 May 2019, though applications submitted by May 6th will be prioritized. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.

Interested individuals can learn more about Abt Associates’ multi-disciplinary group of dedicated professionals who provide TA, research, analysis, and systems strengthening services in more than 100 countries at www.abtassociates.com