Nigeria Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist (MAPS-C)

Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, Malaria Prevention in MPN-Supplier Communities (MAPS-C) Project

BACKGROUND

Africare, a US-based NGO established in 1970, has been working in Nigeria since 1978 and is currently operating National level and community-based development projects in 21 African countries. Africare has long standing experience in the design and delivery of technical, training, material and financial assistance to self-help efforts in the fields of health/HIV-AIDS, food security, natural resource management, water resource development, micro-enterprise, civil society strengthening and good governance. Health programs are important to Africare's work in virtually all countries where it operates and constitute about one-quarter of Africare’s overall development assistance effort. In Nigeria, Africare has its main offices in Abuja and Lagos and field offices in Port Harcourt and Asaba and Uyo, with smaller satellite offices in Bayelsa and Cross Rivers State.

Africare’s newest project in Nigeria addresses malaria, prevention, treatment and support in two Niger Delta states – Akwa Ibom and Rivers State. Funded by the ExxonMobil Foundation, the Malaria Prevention in MPN Supplier Communities (MAPS-C) Project has a goal of reducing the prevalence and mortality related to malaria in select communities in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. The specific targets related to use of LLITNs, ACTs, and confirmed diagnosis are in line with those of the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) targets from the NMCP National Strategic (2009-2013). In year one of the three year project, Africare will focus on two LGAs in Akwa Ibom State – Eket and Ibeno and will expand to two LGAs in Rivers state. The project commenced field activities in September 2011, but the grant was issued in January and the project end date is December 2013.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The M&E Technical Specialist will guide the monitoring and evaluation strategy and implementation of the project. S/he will be responsible for setting up the M&E system and ensuring its effective implementation, linking it into an overall assessment of project progress and evaluation. S/he will be expected to provide training and regular supportive supervision for all the M and E officers in the intervention LGAs. S/he will ensure regular collection of data and ensure the provision of weekly and monthly reporting on project activities and outputs. S/he will collate and analyze data, and ensure that data query and verification exercises are carried out regularly to ensure compliance and integrity of reported data. S/he will ensure that M&E tools for field use are provided and used in line with Africare and donor requirements. S/he will maintain a close relationship with project technical and support staff as well as partners and relevant consultants in the coordination of the M and E component of the project.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Coordinator, the M&E Specialist will carry out the following responsibilities:

Ensure the delivery of quality project outputs and outcomes.

Direct and oversee all project’s M&E components, ensuring that quality data is available for documenting and reporting.

Design and develop appropriate M&E tools and strategies for project implementation Liaise with project’s consortium of partners to guide the development and implementation of M&E tools.

Support the capacity building of project staff and partners on monitoring and evaluation techniques, approaches and documentation.

Make periodic site visits for training, programming, implementation, supervision, technical support and assistance purposes.

Ensure timely reporting of activities, analytical reports, and development of work plans and proper storage (electronic and physical) of data and other project information.

Guide the process for identifying key assessment and performance questions and parameters for monitoring project performance and comparing it to targets. Design the format for such assessment and performance tools.

Recommend, supervise and support consultants in carrying out special surveys and studies required for evaluating project outcome and impact and provide data reports.

Review the quality of existing health, social and economic data in the project states, methods of collection and the degree to which these will provide good baseline statistics for impact and quality evaluation.

Strong familiarity with communities and community health systems in Nigeria specially Akwa Ibom State. Additional familiarity with Rivers state would be advantageous.

Represent Africare at official forums when necessary.

Any other duties as may be assigned to ensure successful implementation of the project.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelors degree in Statistics, Social Sciences, or related field with relevant experiences

Strong data management and analysis skills, including experience with primary collection of data, design of forms and data collection instruments and analysis

At least 4 - 6 years experience in M&E and reporting for development organization

Ability to translate technical information into practical guidance tools and effectively communicate them

Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills with proficiency (reading, writing, speaking and comprehension) in English

Knowledge and skills with any of the statistical analysis packages (SAS, SPSS, or STATA) is required. Knowledge in the use and production of statistics, tables, graphs, and geographic maps with data from EPI INFO highly desirable

Proficiency in computer application; word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation packages and internet applications highly desirable

Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and manage a variety of activities to meet deadlines in a time sensitive environment while paying attention to detail and quality

Ability to carry out independent work with initiative, creativity and good judgment without close supervision

Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, consultants and project beneficiaries

How to apply:

How to Apply

Applications should include a resume and cover letter. In the cover letter (of no more than two pages in length) the candidate should briefly describe his or her motivation for the position and highlight relevant experience. Please send application materials to resumes @africare.org including “Monitoring & Evaluation MAPS-C” in the subject line.

Unfortunately, due to the large number of applications that we receive, we may not be able to respond to each individual candidate. Please respect our no phone calls policy.