Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. Each year, we and our partners reach millions of children in communities around the world. Join our dedicated and diverse staff in their work to improve the well-being of children everywhere.
We are looking for a creative and highly motivated individual with the required level of experience and competencies to join its anticipated ONE COMMUNITY program in the role of Senior MEAL Advisor responsible for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL). The purpose of the One Community activity is to mitigate the impact of HIV and prevent new infections among targeted Malawian priority populations to enable them to achieve their maximum potential as individuals and citizens of Malawi. The main purpose of this role is to develop and run systems that enhance programme quality, accountability and learning for the One Community Project.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Chief of Party of the One Community Program, the Senior MERL Advisor will bring significant experience and fresh ideas to develop and implement a realistic MERL strategy and systems, ensuring that they are institutionalized within the One Community Program, and that program staff have the capacity to implement them The MERL Senior Advisor will provide overall leadership and oversight for project monitoring, evaluation and learning. S/he will lead the monitoring of data collection, collation, storage, analysis, and reporting ensuring that data is audit worthy and incorporated into program reports for submission to USAID. Under his/her guidance, the project will utilize monitoring data to maximize program impact. The Senior MERL Advisor will develop and manage a program online database that not only captures and compiles project indicators, but one which also acts as a centralized indexed repository for key project documents. The MERL Advisor will work with other technical partners to link the database with GIS information producing resource mapping and beneficiary spread to inform implementation. The proposed candidate must have experience in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, working with similar USAID/PEPFAR funded projects and knowledgeable on reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, and tools for monitoring and evaluation. S/he must have demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of rigorous qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation studies to IRB standard.
Requirements
* Must have at least 10-15years’ experience in international public health, with at least three years working in USAID HIV/AIDS project and at least 5 previous years’ experience of working in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning roles for USAID funded project.
* S/he should have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the current scientific literature and state-of-the-art in HIV/AIDS programming.
* S/he must have strong writing and organizational skills for monitoring and reporting on program and study results.
* High level ICT skills and experience in developing online database.
* Experience in development and usage of GIS information in M&E system.
* Experience in developing management dashboards
* Fluency in English, for effective oral and written communication.
* Knowledge and/or experience of working on accountability initiatives, such as child participation, information sharing and complaints response mechanisms.
* Experience of conducting and/or commissioning evaluations.
* Experience of designing and managing knowledge management systems, an awareness of learning methodologies and experience of leading learning events.
* Good organizational skills, the ability to pay close attention to detail and capable of reporting in a timely manner
* Ability to analyze information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically.
* Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner, and to use innovative forms of communication.
* Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach staff.
* Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy; capacity and willingness to be flexible and accommodating in difficult working circumstances.
* Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles.
* Experience of working on child focused programmes, with reputable international NGOs is desired.
* Grassroots experience, with good community engagement and facilitation skills.
HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should apply either directly to Ronnie Sue Stanford, Senior Recruitment Specialist, at: rstanford@savechildren.org or through our website at: www.savethechilden.org under the Careers page. Please select "Search US Jobs" and then choose location as Malawi. EOE
