Research and M&E Technical Advisor in South Sudan

Population Services International Sudan (PSI South Sudan) is a non-profit social marketing organization, operating in ten states across South Sudan. PSI South Sudan creates demand for essential health products and services by using private sector marketing techniques and innovative communications campaigns. On the supply side, PSI South Sudan works with the commercial sector to increase the availability of these products and services at prices that are affordable to low-income populations. Current programs involve interventions on HIV/AIDS, malaria, pneumonia, safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

PSI South Sudan seeks qualified candidates for the consultancy of Research and Monitoring & Evaluation Technical Advisor. She/he will directly supervise the Monitoring & Evaluation team based in Juba and provide technical oversight to the M&E Officers based in field sites, as well as oversee all research deliverables in coordination with department managers. The Research and M&E Technical Advisor Consultant will ensure that PSI South Sudan’s programmatic activities both include and adhere to monitoring and evaluation programs and policies as well as that research is conducted in alignment with PSI protocols. This consultancy will work closely with the Communication Technical Advisor to ensure that all communications materials are evidence-based and informed by available research. Furthermore, this individual will be charged with liaising with PSI program staff regarding all research and communications activities. They will manage the development and planning of research studies and projects; oversee needs assessments, work production, evaluation of research studies, development and planning of communications/marketing materials and plans, and assure the timely completion of studies and projects. The Research and M&E Technical Advisor Consultant will provide direction and guidance to the PSI South Sudan staff to develop the competency and capacity of relevant activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES: • Develop Study Designs in collaboration with the regional researcher in Nairobi and PSI Washington based principal investigators • Lead, develop, and manage a growing PSI South Sudan research portfolio • Conduct research trainings for PSI staff and contracted research assistants • Lead the integration of GIS into M&E and programmatic activities for all PSI locations within South Sudan • Ensure the adherence to PSI Protocols when conducting field research • Develop fluid information transfer between all sectors of the department to ensure the utilization
of research findings in communications strategies • Conduct dashboard to decision making sessions to create the link between research findings and program quality improvement • Development of a PSI South Sudan M&E system that ensures all program M&E needs are met • Recruitment, training and supervision of M&E Officers to support the PSI South Sudan M&E system. Work with Program Department Managers to develop and implement program M&E
plans. This includes but is not limited to: designing program-specific M&E data-collection and data-entry tools; monitoring data flow procedures; monitoring data collection, entry, and analysis; internal and external report writing • Conducting routine data-quality assessments of all program departments • Work with sub recipients and partners to build capacity on data collection and reporting • Supervise MIS Officer on database design, data entry and cleaning • Work with Program Department Managers on ensuring M&E is adequately represented in donor proposal development • Analyze data collected by M&E Officers to assist program departments in program decision making and improvement • Ensure skills development and transfer to all research and M&E staff • Perform any other related duties that may be assigned by the immediate supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS: • Applicants should have a minimum of university/college degree, Master’s degree preferred, in a health-related or social sciences discipline with strong research skills • Minimum of 3 years relevant experience; relevant experience in South Sudan is desirable • Background in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies • Demonstrated experience with developing and using M&E tools • Project management and research coordination experience • Ability to develop effective working relationship with government entities and other partners • Excellent organizational abilities and interpersonal skills • Computer skills mandatory (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access) • Proven experience in design and implementation of logistical procedures for data collection in South Sudan • Proven ability to develop and manage projects to agreed upon time lines • Proven experience implementing facility and community based M&E activities • Fluency in spoken and written English

How to apply: 

All applications must also contain the contact information for three referees who can speak to the candidate’s previous work (family members not allowed as referees). This contact information must include phone and email addresses. Failure to follow these instructions will result in dismissal of the application.

Closing date for receiving applications: November 5th, 2012

CV, cover letter, and copies of documents of eligibility must be submitted. All applications must contain the applicants’ nationality.

Hiring Manager: PSI EA Deputy Regional Director – Daun Fest (dfest@psikenya.org )