Provides technical and scientific leadership to home office and country-based staff for designing, and implementing SI systems for key population (KP) programs. Provides technical advice using existing guidelines and knowledge of other evidence-based methods and strategies, current practice, and established operational standards to ensure high quality data. Builds capacity in country-level, regional or global program staff for SI. Support assessment of the technical, scientific, managerial and operational efficiencies and effectiveness at the program, regional, or global levels as appropriate. Provides guidance to ensure that SI systems adheres to appropriate technical standards and guidelines and are technically sound. Provides global scientific leadership by staying current of evolving technical standards, guidelines, and program developments in SI for key populations. Responsible for sharing best practices and contribute to the knowledge base through development of abstracts, success stories, manuscripts, participation in scientific forums and technical networks. Shares new knowledge/evidence and best practices through collaboration with relevant departments and personnel. May be required to coordinate and work with a diverse group of organizations, such as; the Ministry of Health (MOH), district health staff, several international and national development partner organizations, and the USAID mission in order to complete work.
- Provide technical leadership in developing SI systems for KPs
- Provide technical leadership in design, development, planning, implementation; and capacity building for staff in analysis, visualization, dissemination, and use of data from different sources.
- Provide oversight for development of performance monitoring plans and development of systems for data collection, collation, analysis and use.
- Support the development of proposals for to support global and country-specific activities.
- Responsible for accomplishing assigned tasks, and following the standards and practices of the department and division.
- Responsible for planning and scheduling own work flow and timetables, in collaboration with other members of the SI and project team.
- Maintains constructive dialogue and technical exchange with field counterparts and technical staff of implementing partners.
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with donor/client organizations, relevant government agencies, bilateral and other NGOs.
- Develops tools for the design and implementation of SI systems for KPs at global, national, sub-national and at implementing partner levels.
- Ensures that SI systems and project implementation adheres to the appropriate global strategy and remains technically sound.
- Provides broad global technical leadership to design and implementation of SI systems for KP programs.
- Contributes to planning and development of strategies for the global SI Unit.
- Support the analysis and use of data from routine information systems and special surveys to influence the design and scope of projects.
- Reviews, analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of projects and makes recommendations for enhancements.
- Ensure that project data are appropriately displayed in dashboards using various graphics and geo-spatial displays.
- Develops strategies and tools for the design and implementation of the SI system.
- Represents the LINKAGES project to external entities at professional meetings and conferences.
- Maintains collaborative relationships with donor/client organizations, relevant government agencies, bilateral and other NGOs and consistently maintained and viewed as a knowledgeable resource in their technical area.
- Continually maintains a dialogue and technical exchange with field counterparts and technical staff of implementing partners.
- Coordinates with employees and consultants, on-site and in the field for situations that is less routine and more unusual.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- In-depth functional knowledge in area of SI for KPs
- General understanding of the external environment and how it affects the development and implementation of KP programs
- Strong diagnostic, analytical and problem solving skills.
- Ability to exchange information, present recommendations and collaborate with colleagues and peers within the project and possibly externally.
- Ability to influence others of the benefits/importance of an idea or plan of action and to gain their support or commitment.
- Strong negotiation skills and ability to reach mutual points of agreement and benefit among peers and colleagues.
- Strong ability to assess capacity of staff and provide mentoring to build capacity
Problem Solving & Impact:
- Is sought out to provide advice or solutions in KP programming
- Is informed about current developments in area of KP programming.
- Works under broad direction with considerable latitude for independent action.
- Specific actions are guided primarily by professional standards and expected outcomes of the program/project.
- Decisions and actions have an impact on the smooth operation and timeframes of the LINKAGES project globally and assigned field projects
- Faulty decisions or recommendations will normally result in critical delays and modifications to projects or operations, cause substantial expenditure of additional time, resources, and funds; and jeopardize future business activity.
Education:
- PhD or its International Equivalent in epidemiology, public health, statistics, Health, Social Sciences, International Development, r Related Field..
Experience:
- At least 8 - 11 years of experience designing SI systems and providing technical support to developing country projects in SI system development and implementation
- Knowledge and experience of PEPFAR reporting requirements
- Informed of current program developments in SI for KP programs and PEPFAR Reporting requirements
- Sensitivity to and understanding of SI for KP programs and systems in developing country settings
- Previous experience designing and conducting population based surveys
- Ability to manage SI systems, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities.
- Previous experience analyzing complex data sets generated through routine information systems and special surveys.
- Ability to develop dashboards that includes appropriate graphics and geo-spatial displays for different audiences at global, country, and community levels.
- Experience managing data using appropriate software including SAS, SPSS, or EPIINFO.
- Previous experience working with DHIS 2 will be an asset.
Travel Requirements:
- 10% - 25%