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Technical Director, Monitoring Evaluation Research & Learning (MERL), Uganda

FHI 360

Kampala, Uganda

Posted 6+ months ago

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Technical Director, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning

USAID Uganda SBC project

Job Summary:

The Technical Director, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL), will work in close collaboration with the Chief of Party to ensure monitoring and evaluation (M&E), Activity collaboration, learning, and adapting (CLA), and research strategies are sound and support the results and goals of the anticipated Uganda Social and Behavior Change Activity. Collaborate with MERL and other staff members to monitor program results and ensure the quality and accuracy of technical data and reporting. Based in Kampala, this position is contingent on funder approval of key personnel and availability of funds.

Accountabilities:

Lead the design and implementation of the project’s M&E activities, including 1) the development of the Activity M&E Plan; 2) development and monitoring of Activity indicators; 3) implementation of baseline and ongoing monitoring studies; 4) oversight of data collection and analysis; 5) synthesis of data and study outcome reports; and 6) quality assurance and auditing of data.
Lead the design and implementation of the Activity’s research agenda, which may include operations research, performance evaluations, impact evaluations, and rapid/special studies.
Provide technical leadership in the design and implementation of the Activity’s evaluation.
Oversee the dissemination of information on successful and promising approaches, lessons learned, and other project results to local, national, and regional-level intergovernmental bodies, donors, partners and other stakeholders.
Promote forums that facilitate collaboration, learning, and data to action efforts.
Ensure that data from the Activity is collected, analyzed and used by stakeholders for learning and policy development and on-going adjustments.
Build capacity of staff and partners in M&E, data collection and management, and research and learning methods.
Ensure research implementation adheres to FHI 360 and international policies and standards and remains technically and ethically sound.
Contribute to work plans, quarterly and annual reports, financial reports, and other reports and papers summarizing project results and evidence.
Serve as the technical lead and key MERL technical point of contact for partners, including participation in technical meetings, conferences, and coordination platforms.
Direct and guide managers, and technical staff with training and developing process improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with FHI 360 standards.
Support performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching and career support.
Identify and consult with executive management on technical recommendations to make better business decisions.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures with project management and MERL technical development.
Excellent and demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills.
Excellent and demonstrated project management and MERL technical skills.
Ability to influence, motivate, negotiate and work well with others.
Ability to exercise judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
Comprehensive knowledge of MERL concepts, innovations, and practices.
Proven ability to ensure that budgets, schedules, and performance requirements are met.
Excellent and demonstrated leadership skills.
Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Excellent oral and written communication and analytical skills in English.

Problem Solving & Impact:

Works on problems of complex scope and require in depth evaluation of issues and assessment of intangible factors.
Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies to select methods and techniques for obtaining results.
Decisions made generally affect overall success of functional, division or company operations.
Problems encountered are complex, highly varied and require considerable judgment to obtain results.
Erroneous decisions may result in critical delay(s) in schedules.

Supervision Given/Received:

Provides direct supervision of a team of Technical Advisors and Technical Officers.
Leads and directs staff to achieve strategic Activity goals.
Coordinates with project lead to set budgets, goals, and develops procedures and training for project.
Develops and recommends project management solutions.

Reports to Chief of Party.

Education:

Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in public health, demography, sociology, epidemiology, biostatistics, psychology, or a related field. Master’s Degree strongly preferred.
Project Management (PM) Certification preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 12+ years of relevant technical management experience (including 8+ years of leadership and/or line management experience) in M&E and research related to large scale SBC programs.
Experience working in one or more of the following areas is required: FP/RH, MNCAH, GHSA, HIV/AIDS, malaria. Experience working with or in sectors outside of health preferred.
Demonstrated understanding of social and behavioral theory and models.
Strong experience in use of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
Strong experience in developing, implementing, and disseminating a learning agenda.
Demonstrated experience in target setting and reporting against USG health initiatives.
Excellent knowledge of data collection protocols for quality data collection and verification.
Exceptional ability to analyze multiple sources of data to identify data trends and provide recommendations on project implementation.
Demonstrated experience and familiarity with behavioral surveillance surveys, research methodologies, qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis, sampling methods, and establishment of M&E systems in developing country contexts.
Proven ability to work as an effective team member.
Excellent oral/written communication skills in English and one or more additional languages a plus.
Demonstrated track record of achieving results in a development context and working in teams and fostering partnerships, including private sector.
Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with host country government personnel, stakeholders, NGO partners, and international donor agencies.
Proven ability to work as an effective team member.
Ability to set priorities while multi-tasking and meet deadlines.

Typical Physical Demands:

Typical office environment.
Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

10% to 25%

This job posting 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 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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