Director, Strategic Information (SI) 170 views0 applications

Background

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

FHI 360 is seeking a Director-Strategic Information (SI) for an anticipated grant in Zambia, funded by the US Department of Defence (DOD), entitled Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP) – Zambian Defence Force (ZDF) Partnership for Sustainable HIV Epidemic Control. If FHI 360 secures this grant, the project would likely start in September 2020. This is a follow-on to FHI 360’s current award, Zambian Defence Force (ZDF) Prevention, Care and Treatment (PCT). The main technical areas covered by the DHAPP-ZDF Partnership for Sustainable HIV Epidemic Control will likely include the following: demand creation and community-based services for prevention of HIV cervical cancer as well as linkages to care and treatment; HIV-testing services; HIV-related related care and treatment, including PrEP and ART; Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision (VMMC); lab services; and health systems strengthening (HSS). The primary target population is the armed forces/military in Zambia.

Job Summary

Under the direction of Project Director and in close collaboration with the Technical Director/Deputy Project Director, the Director-SI will be responsible for the design, implementation and quality of all

monitoring, evaluation, research (as applicable) and learning components of the project. This includes supervising data management systems, data quality, health informatics tools and any technical assistance/capacity development in these areas directed at project partners. It also involves strategic direction for a robust learning agenda for continuous learning, collaboration and adaptation during the life of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of the project’s monitoring and reporting activities, including: development of the project’s results framework and Performance Monitoring Plan; development and monitoring of project indicators; oversight of routine data collection and data management; data quality assessments (DQA) and auditing of data; synthesis of data and presentation of project results; and reporting, both internally and externally as required/needed.
• Lead the design and implementation of the project’s evaluation and research activities (as applicable), including periodic reviews, performance evaluations (baseline, mid-line, end-line), operations research, outcome and impact evaluations, and rapid/special studies; this may include leading efforts to identify key research questions and develop studies that test innovative strategies for addressing improving the quality and uptake of health services.
• Guide and maintain relevant protocols, SOPs, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and reports pertaining to monitoring, evaluation, research and learning; and ensure that these all adhere to FHI 360 and international policies and standards and that they remain technically and ethically sound.
• Oversee a team of monitoring, evaluation and research staff for the project and ensure clear roles and responsibilities and lines of communication are maintained amongst the team members; this includes conducting performance management and professional development of direct reports and of the entire F&O team(s), i.e. provision of constructive feedback, ongoing coaching, and career support, as needed and appropriate.
• Develop and oversee implementation of strategies for capacity strengthening (as needed) of staff, implementing partners, government counterparts, and other stakeholders in M&E systems/tools, data management, health informatics, data analysis and use for program planning and improvements, and other priority areas/skills.
• Ensure the quality and timely preparation and submission of work plans, data sets, progress reports, and papers summarizing project results and evidence, and other deliverables, as required; this includes ensuring effective data analysis/interpretation and data use to inform management decision-making and to support quality improvement efforts.
• Ensure adequate engagement of the project team and sub-partners in, and follow-up of, Site Improvement through Monitoring System (SIMS) exercises and internal Data Quality Assessments.
• Responsible for developing and implementing a clear plan for collaboration and develop a strategy for sharing learning and adaptation. This may include: (a) promoting forums which facilitate collaboration, learning and action as a result of this information among these actors; (b) overseeing the publication and dissemination of information on successful and promising approaches, lessons learned and other program results to program partners, donors, GoZ counterparts and other key stakeholders; and (c) delivering presentations at professional meetings and conferences, or contribute to the preparation of materials for such presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

• A firm command of the M&E issues with respect to improvements in quality integrated service and support programs for HIV prevention, care and treatment.
• Strong analytical skills, with demonstrated capacity to interpret both qualitative and quantitative data, measure outcomes of the project’s activities/outputs, inform evidence-based decision-making and make recommendations on appropriate remedial actions.
• Strong inter-personal skills, team-work and ability to collaborate across various departments/functions, organizations and sectors.
• Documented skills in the design, implementation and oversight of electronic data collection tools (DHIS2, DHIS2 Tracker, CommCare, Survey CTO), client level electronic medical records and in the use of data visualization techniques and software (DHIS2, Tableau, PowerBI, etc.).
• Strong skills using MS Excel Word, PowerPoint and Access, and at least one data management software program (SAS, SPSS, Epi Info, Atlas); experience training others in their use is desirable.
• Proven understanding of USG/PEPFAR key performance indicators and priorities for monitoring, evaluation, research and learning.
• High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English communication, particularly in order to conduct presentations, facilitate trainings, represent the team in meetings, and write reports.

Minimum Qualifications and Desired Attributes

• Master’s degree or higher in public health, epidemiology, statistics, mathematics, business, international relations or other relevant discipline (or international equivalent).
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the monitoring, evaluation and research of complex public health programs in developing countries. This includes expertise in:
  • Setting up and managing M&E systems that track performance in the technical areas applicable to this project (experience with SI of HIV-related clinical services is required; experience with SI of HIV community services is desired)
  • Developing, adapting and using effective, innovative M&E tools/approaches/practices, including data analysis and report writing;
  • Overseeing M&E processes including data collection and data management with attention to data quality assurance (QA);
  • Coordinating M&E, research and learning systems/activities across multiple program areas, stakeholders and geographic areas.
• At least 5 years of experience in senior-level management/supervisory positions.

• Possess the knowledge, skills and abilities above.
• Familiarity with DOD/DHAPP-funded programs and working with the military, while not necessary, is an added advantage.
• Eligibility is restricted to Zambians.

Travel Requirements: 10 -25%

Disclaimers:

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 offers a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer.  Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project and the selection of the final applicant is subject to DOD/DHAPP approval.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.