Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adaptation (MERLA) Manager (Nigeria Integrated Health Activity) at RTI International - 6 Openings

RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach and one that integrates expertise across the social and laboratory sciences, engineering, and international development. We believe in the promise of science, and we are inspired every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses around the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adaptation (MERLA) Manager (Nigeria Integrated Health Activity)

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Position Type: Regular, Full-Time
Category: Project Management
Slot: 6 Openings

Program Description

• The anticipated $250M (est.) USAID/Nigeria Integrated Health Activity seeks to increase the survival and well-being of vulnerable populations and improve health system resilience in priority states.
• The activity will strengthen the development and execution of state-level health and development plans and scale-up high-impact MNCAH, FP/RH, nutrition, malaria and HSS interventions.
• The anticipated activity will be based in Abuja, Nigeria and provide technical assistance in four priority states.

Position Description

• RTI is seeking 6 Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adaptation (MERLA) Managers to serve in either Abuja or four priority states on the anticipated USAID/Nigeria Integrated Health Activity.
• This position will report to the corresponding State Director and be based in the corresponding state, with travel to state-level implementation areas.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a member of the state leadership team, setting a positive and professional tone for the team, collaborating closely with the other team members.
• Develop, monitor, and ensure successful implementation of Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) by overseeing project results, data management, reporting on indicators, capturing evidence and learning, and supporting evidenced-based decision-making.
• Work closely with technical team members to gather and share necessary data for M&E reporting needs and collaboration, learning and adaptation (CLA) activities.
• Oversee MEL technical assistance to subcontractors, FMOH, and local partners.
• Prepare quarterly report summarizing performance against the indicator list and performance standards of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.
• Review data and reporting to analyze progress toward targets and determine corrective action needed to improve goal achievement.
• Outline specific learning questions and activities and work closely with the staff to generate, validate, and present data in user-friendly format.
• Facilitate constructive and collaborative dialogue during regular MEL project reviews and biweekly team meetings.
• Support the Senior Management team to lead quarterly “pause and reflect” performance review processes with Workstream Leads.
• Represent the project in professional circles through meetings, conferences, and presentations and assist with dissemination of project results and learning.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field, such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Mathematics, Economics, Statistics, or Social Sciences, and 10 years or relevant experience.
• At least 8 years of experience in managing and/or leading MEL activities for large-scale health service delivery or health system strengthening (HSS) programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, with at least three of those years working in Nigeria as a senior advisor or staff member.
• Knowledge of and experience with key MNCAH, FP/RH, nutrition, water and sanitation hygiene (WASH), and/or HIV/AIDS indicators and GON and USG data collection systems (e.g. DHIS2).
• Strong analytical skills to successfully use data and evidence to guide program adaptations.
• Demonstrated experience in setting up and managing MEL systems that track performance as per the objectives of IHP.
• Familiarity with CLA approaches. Excellent ability to articulate oral and written technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. Data visualization skills a plus.
• Proven ability to work independently and multi-task in high-pressure settings.
• Ability to travel and work in any of the anticipated priority states.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and writing skills.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Verbal and written English proficiency is required.
• Experience working on USG-funded health programming in Nigeria.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.