Job Description:
Reports to: Regional Director, Africa
Summary of role:
In support of the program ADVANCE (Accelerate the Development of Vaccines and New Technologies to Combat the AIDS Epidemic), this leader will provide Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) direction and support to the 5-year $160 million USD USAID-funded CoAg. https://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/global-health/hiv-and-aids/technical-areas/hiv-vaccine-research-development. The Director will work with partner organizations and sub-contractors in the conceptualization, design and execution of comprehensive MEL systems, tools and methods that monitor and assess progress towards programmatic and organizational goals articulated in the ADVANCE Program. The MEL Director will provide timely and relevant information to the ADVANCE Leadership Team (ALT), USAID, project stakeholders and decision-makers; inform strategic and resource-allocation decisions; and magnify impact through continuous learning and improvement. In addition, the Director will interface regularly with USAID CoAg representatives and their MEL counterparts including negotiating changes in the MEL plan, facilitating external evaluations, and supporting quarterly MEL reporting.
The MEL Director may also support wider organizational MEL implementation as needed; this includes providing technical guidance, facilitation, and trainings to members of the IAVI Technical Working Group (TWG) for organizational MEL.
Specific Responsibilities:
Build ADVANCE Evidence base and Reporting capacity
Contributing to the ADVANCE Annual Performance Report (APR) and annual workplan process for both Vaccine and Microbicide portfolios.
Ensuring USAID-compliant MEL procedures and policies through developing and implementing training of staff at the Regional office in Nairobi, IAVI headquarters and other locations as needed. Developing and updating periodically a MEL Manual for use in ADVANCE-IAVI which describes the MEL system, processes and procedures.
Leading the routine collection of high-quality data. This includes building data quality systems and checks in the regional office and other locations. In addition, supporting the timely data analysis and use. Ensuring consistency and dissemination of data across IAVI for use at scientific meetings and all external presentations.
With ADVANCE Communications and Advocacy Teams, producing ADVANCE Reports internally and externally to key stakeholders.
Evaluating data needs for ADVANCE regional and other reporting and standardizing data collection practices per MEL policies and frameworks.
Strengthen data use culture in ADVANCE and ADVANCE partner networks
Ensuring the quarterly and annual analysis of monitoring data – including the identification and documentation of best practices and the identification/documentation of areas of poor performance.
Building monitoring systems and evaluation processes and facilitating their usage by Partner Clinical Research Centers (CRCs) and IAVI for learning.
Evaluating the usefulness of data with IAVI groups and sub-teams periodically to ensure the MEL indicators contribute to a performance culture and program management approach.
Support Mid-term, Final and, as needed, potential future Baseline Evaluation
Assisting USAID, as requested, to develop an Evaluation question, plan and budget.
Preparing for the Evaluation by ensuring systems are robust to collect, verify and replicate data used in ADVANCE Reporting. Assessing program performance issues and problems so that solutions can be and applied.
In the event of an audit or Evaluation, facilitating access of evaluation consultants to documentation, reports, staff, and key partners.
Revise MEL Plan or design new MEL plans and metrics (As required)
As needed, defining a MEL plan for introduction of new interventions/work. As required, change the MEL strategy as needed in times of program contraction or revision.
Build MEL meetings/virtual space for the integration of high-level scientific feedback and learning from SAG to ADVANCE Leadership Team (ALT).
Other
Supporting MEL learning specific to the four ADVANCE Scientific Steering Groups.
Guiding a small team of MEL-designated staff/support in regions (IT, Admin, Program MEL).
Proposing and integrating finance and health-costing indicators and focus into MEL as required.
We recognize each candidate brings a unique set of skills and expertise and therefore we prioritize the following core competencies:
Job Requirements:
Minimum of a Master’s degree in public health, international development, or other related field.
A minimum of 5 years’ work experience implementing monitoring, evaluation or research activities, preferably for USAID/PEPFAR funded projects in LMICs. At least 2 years’ experience leading M&E systems management, managing data intensive programs and designing M&E systems. Knowledge of USAID (other USG) data quality standards and experience applying them required.
Proficiency in Excel, SPSS, and Microsoft Access.
Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation methods, including sampling and surveys is desired.
Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through training and mentoring, including the development and delivery of M&E trainings. Must have knowledge and experience using the log frame approach to program design and implementation.
A solid understanding of international development, with a focus on participatory processes. Demonstrated ability to establish processes of strengthening local partners in MEL and building capacities for self-management.
Understanding of HIV, vaccine, biomedical prevention or other R&D programs a plus.
Ability to work independently, take initiative and manage a variety of activities concurrently. Proven ability as a strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a high profile, fast-paced environment.
Willingness to undertake field visits (~20% travel) to regional offices, clinical research partners and interact with international stakeholders (senior scientists, support staff, advocacy and policy teams).
IAVI operates as an intense mission-driven organization trying to solve one of the most difficult and important scientific challenges of our time, so we seek someone who feels passion for IAVI’s goal of ending AIDS.
