Deputy Chief of Party MEAL (DCOP)/MEAL & Operational Research (M&E), April 2024

Summary

Save the Children is the principal recipient for the 3-year project funded by the Global Fund to fight against Malaria in Cote d’Ivoire. The program aims to support the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for the fight against malaria 2018-2020, through leading community-based interventions. The project covers 44 health districts.

It is structured around five areas of intervention, namely: 1) implement an evidence-based SBCC package, 2) scale up an integrated iCCM / CCC package, 3) achieve effective advocacy for a favorable policy and decision-making environment, 4) strengthen local capacity and, 5) ensure coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and the Project Implementation Unit (PMU) based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (CIV) manages the project.

Save the Children is seeking a full time Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)/MEAL and operational Research (M&E) to be based in Abidjan. Under the guidance of the GF/CIV project Chief of Party, the DCOP/ MEAL and operational Research will lead and provide oversight for the operational research, survey, baseline, midline, and end line research activities, and the routine monitoring and evaluation of the GF CIV Project. Incumbent will work closely with the Save the Children International (SCI) offices in Cote d’Ivoire and Save the Children US (SCUS) technical team (M&E, HIV/AIDS & TB Technical Advisors).

incumbent will ensure that the Global Fund Malaria project achieves the goals and the objectives set for all in-country stakeholders. This includes defining strategic investments for the grants, establishing a framework to measure performance, enabling M&E systems strengthening, liaising with sub recipient’s partners to improve service quality, and identifying opportunities and strategies to overcome implementation bottlenecks to maximize efficiencies and impact.

Furthermore, incumbent will work closely with Sub-Recipients and project partners to ensure high quality quantitative and qualitative research and M&E activities. The position holder will be fully responsible for the oversight of all research and M&E related information, to ensure its availability in a timely, effective and efficient manner in close coordination with other project team members including those who support Advocacy and Communication, Finance and Programming.

The position requires expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation, Research of health programs, stakeholder engagement and partnership building, ability to make key decisions to ensure effective implementation and timely solutions for the CIV Global fund team.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

M&E and Reporting (Essential Duty, 55% of Time)

Develop, implement, and continuously improve research and M&E systems for all project activities to support achievement of project objectives and evidence-based learning.
Advise on strategic investments and develop M&E framework;
Effectively roll out M&E collection and reporting systems to all staff and partners through training, site visits, manuals, and other technical support as needed;
Ensure programming is aligned to targets and indicators contained in the project proposal, and use the information from the M&E systems and tools to improve the program effectiveness;
Prepare high quality, accurate and timely reports for Save the Children, project partners and donors as required.
Assist SRs in generating study reports, research and survey findings and work with the project team and SRs to use findings in the design of evidence-based advocacy interventions
Contribute to and ensure dissemination of technical, M&E, research and survey materials and results among partners and at national and regional levels.
Undertake other duties which may be appropriate within the areas of responsibility of the post, and when assigned by the CoP;

Learning and Operational research (15% of Time)

Coordinate the implementation of a situational analysis of learning mechanisms in the Global Fund project, and the development and implementation of an improvement plan.
Coordinate the development and regular update of a learning and operational research agenda, identifying priority issues for strengthening the quality of project implementation, the methodological approach, the implementation period, the use and dissemination of the results;
Coordinate research activities with all stakeholders (PNLP, Government and I/NGOs) including Sub-Recipients;
Develop learning and operational research scope of work of implementation activities, coordinate the mobilization of resources (human, logistical, financial), contribute actively to the establishment of technical partnerships including fellowships for conducting learning and operational research activities;
Support the development of the research protocols and instruments for key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussion (FGD) guides and assessment tools and ensure that survey design, methodology, and tools for analysis lead to intended results and impact;
Develop and manage a detailed work plan of research and M&E activities;
Identify means and develop appropriate tools (reports, fact sheets, case studies, PowerPoint, briefing notes, abstracts, scientific articles, success stories, etc.) for an effective dissemination results of learning activities and operational research.

Accountability (5% of Time)

In connection with the Head of SCUS MEAL and the CIV Accountability Focal Points, coordinate the implementation of a situational analysis of the accountability system set up under the Global Fund project, then the development and implementation of an improvement plan;
Establish a procedure and tools for information sharing, oversee the implementation of this procedure at the PR level, and coordinate the monitoring by the zone teams of the implementation of this procedure by the sub-recipients (SR);
Establish a procedure and tools to ensure communities’ participation of and children covered by the Global Fund project. Oversee the implementation of this procedure at the PR level and coordinate the monitoring by the field zone implementation teams.
In connection with the focal point, set up mechanisms for collecting and handling complaints (child protection, fraud, harassment, poor quality of the program, non-respect of free services, etc.) within the framework of the Global Fund project; coordinate the deployment of these mechanisms in the intervention areas; coordinate the monitoring, documentation of collection management and ensure the database updating.

Sub-recipient’s capacity building (5% of time)

§ Coordinate the implementation for SR situational analysis in monitoring and evaluating the implementation development of an action plan for performance improvement;

§ Facilitate the development and updating the SR’s M&E plan as part of the Global Fund project;

§ Coordinate technical assistance development for SRs project performance framework and the breakdown of targets at different levels of intervention; the SR team’s orientation on the contractual indicators definition; the targets and actions required for performance and monitoring;

§ Coordinate the supply in resources of equipment and data collection tools;

§ Develop support material for SR project teams, and coordinate technical assistance field zone teams for quality ownership and implementation of MEAL procedures (data collection, quality assurance, performance analysis for action, reporting, learning and operational research, accountability mechanisms, etc.).

Innovation and technology (5% of time)

§ Contribute to needs assessments and the development of innovation plans to strengthen the quality and efficiency of the Global Fund project implementation;

§ Coordinate the needs assessments for the development of Mobile Health & Real Time Data Monitoring applications within the context of the project, actively participate in resource mobilization to deploy the applications, coordinate pre-test and scaling-up and facilitate advocacy for adoption by implementing partners and at national level.

Project management (10% of time)

§ Contribute to identify the needs and actively participate in the development of concept notes and other documents required for negotiating grants with the Global Fund;

§ Contribute to operational planning and day-to-day management of the project, including ensuring budget holder responsibilities;

§ Ensure the direct supervision of the project MEAL staff and facilitate the development of real team work, with a culture of quality, proactivity, solidarity etc;

§ Ensure evaluation and facilitate the development of project MEAL staff

§ Represent Save the Children and/or the project team with stakeholders and in technical forums, as requested by the Chief of Party and/or the Coordination Office;

§ Perform all other duties according to the needs of the program.

Child safeguarding (Essential Duty, 5% of Time)

§ Know and respect the local procedures, the Child Safeguarding (CSG) policy and the Code of Conduct, and raise awareness about this policy (children, partners, community);

§ Be exemplary in your work and your private life and respect the code of good conduct and the policy of CSG;

§ Denounce all cases of internal or external abuse and ensure a healthy environment ensure the children well-being;

§ Contribute to lessons learned exercises and documentation of good practice driven by the focal point.

Required Qualifications

§ Master degree in biostatistics or M&E with specialization in epidemiology, public health, health information management and/or qualitative and quantitative methods for health research;

§ At least 7 years of professional experience with an INGO or UN Agency, related to the setup and the coordination of M&E systems for community health programs;

§ 3 years of professional experience related to the setup and the coordination of M&E activities of Global Fund Grants;

§ A proven track record of managing large, complex, multi-partner programs, with good knowledge of or working experience with the GFATM required;

§ Strong analytical skills and experience in program monitoring and evaluation, and in designing and/or conducting research studies using mixed, experimental and/or quasi-experimental methods;

§ Strong skills and familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data analysis software (e.g. SPSS, Stata; NV Ivo, Atlas);

§ Excellent technical and writing skills, with proven ability to produce reports, proposals, research protocols, technical briefs, abstracts, articles, and to present findings at national and regional levels and for publications;

§ Evidence of research-related publications in internationally recognized journals (please share at least two of your most recent publications in your application);

§ Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s mission, values, and its competency framework (Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, Integrity);

§ Ability to work and live in Cote d’Ivoire.

§ Ability and willingness to travel to the remote areas in the country under this grant 10-30% of the time.

§ This position requires international travel away from Cote d’Ivoire.

Preferred Qualifications

Sound M&E knowledge and experience in public health and disease program management with focus on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria;
Rich professional experience, including a track record of working in strategy and policy analysis, program planning and management and/or equivalent experience;
Documented field experience in strengthening health management information system, executing large scale surveys, health program evaluation, operational research
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in French and English, proficient in at least one of the national languages in Cote d’Ivoire preferred;
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to lead, motivate, and inspire the GFATM Program Team;
Ability to gain support from staff across teams and to build the capacity of others;
Sound strategic thinking and planning skills, including ability to think creatively and innovate and to set priorities, manageable work plans and evaluate progress;

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs and operations in a manner that is safe for the children it serves and helping protect the children with whom Save the Children is in contact. All Save the Children representatives are explicitly prohibited from engaging in any activity that may result in any kind of child abuse. In addition, it is Save the Children’s policy to create and proactively maintain an environment that aims to prevent and deter any actions and omissions, whether deliberate or inadvertent, that place children at the risk of any kind of child abuse. All our representatives are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this commitment and obligation. Any violations of this policy will be treated as a serious issue.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Save the Children complies with all applicable laws.

More Information

Job City Abidjan

Abidjan

Save the Children

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.

We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

The Save the Children Fund, commonly known as Save the Children, is an international non-governmental organization that promotes children's rights, provides relief and helps support children in developing countries.

It was established in the United Kingdom in 1919 in order to improve the lives of children through better education, health care, and economic opportunities, as well as providing emergency aid in natural disasters, war, and other conflicts.

In addition to the UK organisation, there are 29 other national Save the Children organisations who are members of Save the Children International, a global network of nonprofit organisations supporting local partners in over 120 countries around the world.

In 2015, we reached over 62 million children directly through our and our partners' work.

Save the Children has led global action on children’s rights for more than 90 years.

1919 Eglantyne Jebb established the Save the Children Fund to feed children facing starvation after the First World War

1924 the League of Nations adopted Eglantyne’s charter on children’s rights

1939–1945 During the Second World War, we worked to safeguard children directly affected by the war. We continue to do this in conflict-affected regions

1977 A number of Save the Children organisations formed an alliance to coordinate campaigning work to improve outcomes for the world’s children, sowing the seeds for Save the Children as a single global movement for children

1989 The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

194 countries have signed up to this legally binding convention

2004–2009 Save the Children’s largest humanitarian operation, in response to the Indian Ocean tsunami. Our tsunami response programme received funding of US$272 million, largely through generous donations

2009 Save the Children launched EVERY ONE, our largest ever global campaign, to prevent millions of mothers and young children from dying

2012 Our work once again touched the lives of over 125 million children worldwide and directly reached 45 million children.

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Summary

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

M&E and Reporting (Essential Duty, 55% of Time)

Develop, implement, and continuously improve research and M&E systems for all project activities to support achievement of project objectives and evidence-based learning.
Advise on strategic investments and develop M&E framework;
Effectively roll out M&E collection and reporting systems to all staff and partners through training, site visits, manuals, and other technical support as needed;
Ensure programming is aligned to targets and indicators contained in the project proposal, and use the information from the M&E systems and tools to improve the program effectiveness;
Prepare high quality, accurate and timely reports for Save the Children, project partners and donors as required.
Assist SRs in generating study reports, research and survey findings and work with the project team and SRs to use findings in the design of evidence-based advocacy interventions
Contribute to and ensure dissemination of technical, M&E, research and survey materials and results among partners and at national and regional levels.
Undertake other duties which may be appropriate within the areas of responsibility of the post, and when assigned by the CoP;

Learning and Operational research (15% of Time)

Coordinate the implementation of a situational analysis of learning mechanisms in the Global Fund project, and the development and implementation of an improvement plan.
Coordinate the development and regular update of a learning and operational research agenda, identifying priority issues for strengthening the quality of project implementation, the methodological approach, the implementation period, the use and dissemination of the results;
Coordinate research activities with all stakeholders (PNLP, Government and I/NGOs) including Sub-Recipients;
Develop learning and operational research scope of work of implementation activities, coordinate the mobilization of resources (human, logistical, financial), contribute actively to the establishment of technical partnerships including fellowships for conducting learning and operational research activities;
Support the development of the research protocols and instruments for key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussion (FGD) guides and assessment tools and ensure that survey design, methodology, and tools for analysis lead to intended results and impact;
Develop and manage a detailed work plan of research and M&E activities;
Identify means and develop appropriate tools (reports, fact sheets, case studies, PowerPoint, briefing notes, abstracts, scientific articles, success stories, etc.) for an effective dissemination results of learning activities and operational research.

Accountability (5% of Time)

In connection with the Head of SCUS MEAL and the CIV Accountability Focal Points, coordinate the implementation of a situational analysis of the accountability system set up under the Global Fund project, then the development and implementation of an improvement plan;
Establish a procedure and tools for information sharing, oversee the implementation of this procedure at the PR level, and coordinate the monitoring by the zone teams of the implementation of this procedure by the sub-recipients (SR);
Establish a procedure and tools to ensure communities’ participation of and children covered by the Global Fund project. Oversee the implementation of this procedure at the PR level and coordinate the monitoring by the field zone implementation teams.
In connection with the focal point, set up mechanisms for collecting and handling complaints (child protection, fraud, harassment, poor quality of the program, non-respect of free services, etc.) within the framework of the Global Fund project; coordinate the deployment of these mechanisms in the intervention areas; coordinate the monitoring, documentation of collection management and ensure the database updating.