Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at Helen Keller International (SPRING Project)

Established in 1915, Helen Keller International (HKI) works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. We combat the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in Vision, Health and Nutrition. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 22 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States.

SPRING PROJECT
Strengthening Partnerships, Results and Innovations in Nutrition (SPRING) is a five-year cooperative agreement funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide state-of-the-art technical support and facilitate country-led, regional, and global programs to improve the nutritional status of women and children. The SPRING implementation team consists of JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., Helen Keller International (HKI), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Save the Children (SC), and The Manoff Group (TMG). USAID Nigeria has provided field support funding to the SPRING Project to work in the Benue State and FCT with a focus on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) training packages and technical assistance (TA) that supports development of a national Social and Behavioral Change and Communication (SBCC) strategy.

Employment Opportunity
SPRING is looking to hire suitable candidates to fill the position below within its rapidly expanding program portfolio:

Job Title: Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist - SPRING Project

Location: Abuja

Job Summary

• As a member of the SPRING Team, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist will work under the direction of the SPRING/Nigeria Country Manager.
• The M&E Specialist's primary responsibilities are to organize and coordinate the collection, analysis, and reporting of routine monitoring and periodic evaluations of the project.
• M&E activities will be designed to assess and report on project activities and results, thereby enabling SPRING to identify problems, their causes, and solutions to improve overall program performance.
• M&E reports will provide USAID, the host government, and stakeholders at all levels with a record of progress, effectiveness and lessons learned.
• The overall approach is expected to provide decision-makers with accurate, practical and useful information (both quantitative and qualitative) in a consistent, timely, and cost-effective manner.

Responsibilities
The M&E Specialist will:

• Coordinate with SPRING/HQ in developing and periodically reviewing and revising a SPRING/Nigeria Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP), including indicators as well as plans, budgets, and timelines for M&E activities;
• Establish and maintain a routine monitoring and reporting system;
• Oversee M&E planning, development and management activities to ensure that SPRING/Nigeria M&E functions smoothly and efficiently;
• Build capacity of and guide SPRING/Nigeria staff in the development and implementation of the PMP;
• Support other SPRING/Nigeria M&E activities, including designing, conducting, analyzing and reporting on surveys, evaluations or operations research;
• Ensure quality, consistency and adherence to standards and best practices for M&E;
• Compile and analyze data from each of the project strategies and activities;
• Support SPRING/Nigeria staff in presenting and using data on a quarterly basis for identifying problems if and when they arise and for evidence-based decision-making;
• Prepare reports of SPRING/Nigeria project results, as needed at all levels;
• Contribute to and actively participate in SPRING/Nigeria project planning, even when not specifically related to M&E;
• Help SPRING/Nigeria and SPRING/HQ staff to identify research opportunities, carry out that research, and translate findings into practice;
• Assist project staff in conducting web searches and reviewing literature on research topics;
• Communicate and coordinate M&E activities with the MOH, implementing partners, and institutions to the greatest extent possible and as appropriate; and,
• Work with SPRING/HQ Strategic Information team to identify and inform SPRING staff of successes, challenges, and lessons learned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Public Health, Statistics or related Social Science
• Computer skills demonstrating competency in MS Office and at least one statistical package such as SPSS or STATA
• A minimum of four years'; work experience, two of which should include work in monitoring and evaluation related to international public health. M&E experience should relate to the use of measurement methods required for monitoring, evaluation or research in international public health programs in at least one of the following: household surveys, health facility assessments, routine data sources, operations research, qualitative research or routine health information systems. Experience in primary data collection and/or analysis of quantitative or qualitative data is highly desirable.
• Interest in health, nutrition, and/or other development issues
• Experience supporting public health projects with a health and nutrition
• Experience with projects funded by the United States Government (USG), particularly the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Strong decision-making skills and results oriented approach
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work successfully in a team environment
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with other administrative, financial and technical staff from SPRING/HQ, SPRING/Nigeria, USAID, consultants, MOH, and international organizations
• Ability to work independently and manage various projects in a team setting, with limited supervision
• Ability to assess priorities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills

Competencies Required:

• Demonstrates technical knowledge pertaining to job requirement
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Able to work under pressure minimal supervision and able to meet up deadlines.
• Ability to use computer software such as Microsoft office, internet.
• Must possess good interpersonal skills and a good team player.
• Demonstrates excellent personal integrity and confidentially
• Experience in M&E system design;
• Experience in data processing and with computers.

Application Closing Date
21st November, 2014.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically and forwarding the following underlisted in attachment to: [email protected]

• A curriculum vitae, which should indicate at minimum applicant's qualification and dates obtained; previous work experience and dates; age and referees
• A covering letter
• Subject of email should be MONITORING AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST

Note:

• Applications received after 5pm on the day will not be considered.
• Only applications submitted electronically shall be considered.