The Associate Director, Monitoring and Evaluation will be responsible for design and implementation of a comprehensive Monitoring, evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) plan and activities of the project. Under the supervision of the Chief of Party, S/he will be responsible for obtaining, analyzing reviewing, interpreting and sharing project data. S/he will work with the program teams in developing, strengthening and implementing monitoring systems to track project progress and impact, identify, document and support scale up learning opportunities and best practices. S/he will monitor and assess project implementation progress as required and provide feedback to colleagues and partners to improve project activities. S/he will oversee implementation of data management and MERL activities in accordance with the ministry of health and USAID guidelines. In addition, S/he will work with the communications team document, disseminate and archive the project learning products.
- Set up and maintain and update a robust M&E system for the project that ensures the highest data quality and use of data for decision making
- Lead the project learning agenda including design, implementation of rigorous operations research, data analysis and manuscript writing and champion project learning through collaborative learning and adaptation (CLA)
- In liaisons with county CHRIOs, support county MERL technical working groups in the focus county and lead assessment and improvement of county HMIS capacity
- Lead project innovation and ensure interventions are cost effective, scalable and replicable
- Lead the project team in setting and monitoring the project targets and milestones
- Guide the project teams to adopt project interventions to reflect the latest evidence
- Supervise and provide guidance to relevant project staff.
- Prepare and review program performance monitoring plan (PMP) as required by the funder.
- Operationalize the PMP, relevant dashboards and institutionalize monthly data reviews by the project management team (PMT)
- Participate in the project senior management team (SMT) and share updates on project performance during such meetings
- Identify MERL technical assistance (TA) needs of partners, facilities and/or government counterparts and provide/organize TA through training, mentorship, and/or on-site supervision.
- Participate in program monitoring visits/forums with other project staff as necessary.
- Develop MERL annual work plans and budgets and ensure efficient utilization of MEL resources
- Ensure all relevant project staffs are aware of and adhere to funder and government monitoring, evaluation and reporting guidelines and requirements.
- Lead the digitalization of project tools such as monitoring and evaluation tools, data quality audit tools, quality improvement/assurance tools
- Participate actively in the Kenya County Office Technical Working group and other internal MERL forums
- Collaborate with partner MERL specialists through the USAID family partners forum
- Represent the project in MERL meetings, conferences and forums as assigned by the Chief of Party
- Lead the preparation of progress reports for the funder and other program deliverables as required.
- Identify, document se and promote best practices in data management and MRE among project staff and partners.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor
- At least 7-9 years of experience, or bachelor’s degree in operations research, quantitative analysis, public policy, economics, or other social science fields, with advanced training in rigorous empirical research and evaluation methodologies with at least 9-11 years of experience in managing and executing MERL activities for donor-funded programs in Kenya.
- Computer proficiency in word processing, databases, spreadsheets, including advanced skills in at least two of the following programs: SPSS, Excel, Epi Info, Stata, and MS Access.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead a large team.
- Experience with large and complex US government-funded programs and reporting requirements is a critical advantage.
- Experience leading and managing MERL activities in FP/RMNCH programs is desired.
- Experience and understanding of Government of Kenya health system with proficiency in DHIS2 is desired
- Excellent oral and, written communication as well as presentation skills in English and Kiswahili.