Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer

Job Description

Position:         Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer

Supervisor:     ACHIEVE Rwanda MEL Director

Location:        Kigali, Rwanda

Pact Overview
At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant.

Department Overview
Pact seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director for the ACHIEVE Rwanda program.  ACHIEVE is a five-year, USAID-funded global cooperative agreement with the dual objectives of attaining and sustaining HIV epidemic control among at-risk and hard to reach pregnant and breastfeeding (PBF) women, infants, children, and youth, as well as to mitigate the impact of HIV/ AIDS and prevent HIV transmission among these populations; and supporting the transition of prime funding and implementation to capable local partners in order to meet the PEPFAR goal of 70% of funding to local partners.

The aim of ACHIEVE Rwanda is to prevent new HIV infections and reduce vulnerability among orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in selected high burden districts in Rwanda. The strategic objectives support the Government of Rwanda strategies and priorities for HIV mitigation and prevention, with an emphasis on minimizing negative impacts of HIV on OVC and AGYW; addressing social, behavioral and structural drivers of HIV, and improving access to comprehensive SRH and violence response services to prevent new infections.  The project supports OVC services in two districts and DREAMS activities in two districts.  The project also provides capacity development to two local implementing partners to coordinate and support OVC and DREAMS service delivery programming and for USAID and PEPFAR project implementation.

Key Responsibilities

The MERL Officer provides strategic guidance, vision, and management for successful monitoring and evaluation of the program. This individual also supervises MERL staff and ensures the strategic and functional integration of all MERL activities as well as active collaboration with sub-awardees and USAID/PEPFAR. The Officer oversees all MERL activities, provides technical direction and support, and ensures the accurate reporting of results for program activities.

Specific Duties:

The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are listed below:

• Support the design and implementation of the project’s MERL system in coordination with Pact’s HQ Results and Measurement (R&M) Team to develop key performance indicators, targets, tools, and appropriate MERL responsibilities across the project. 
• Manage baseline assessments and support the implementation of research studies with Pact’s HQ R&M Team.
• Coordinate any external evaluation processes, including drafting evaluation ToR and selection of firm, in alignment with the award.
• Develop and disseminate relevant M&E tools, formats and lead the provision of M&E specific technical training
• Support data collection, collation, storage, analysis, and reporting, ensuring that data is of high quality and data quality audit worthy
• Ensure appropriate training and supportive supervision of all partners in monitoring and evaluation procedures, data collection tools, and data management practices in alignment with the MEL Plan
• Work closely with partners to establish their internal MERL systems, M&E plans, and data quality management
• Conduct Routine Data Quality Assessments (RDQA) and implement corrective actions to improve data quality and accountability of staff and partners
• Develop and maintain accurate information in a project database, as well as accurate and timely electronic files.
• Calculation and reporting of Pact’s Global Indicators through imPact, Pact’s instance of DHIS2
• Responsible for the data analysis, writing, and review of the results and learning sections of program reports in collaboration with program staff, before submission to donor and ensure consortium partners’ compliance with internal data quality requirements and timely submissions for reporting.
• Commitment to applied learning and adaptation based on data: Support the program team on routine reviews and interpretation of data for learning and adaptation; package and disseminate timely findings in a meaningful way, and make suggestions for adaption
• Other tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following or related fields: social science, international development, public health, evaluation, statistics, or economics
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in designing, managing and implementing results-based MERL activities
• Demonstrated relevant technical skills in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, with excellent organizational as well as English oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to data use and learning to improve program performance
• Progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation of OVC/Health projects, program beneficiaries, and program staff.
• Knowledge of USAID/PEPFAR reporting requirements and systems
• Extensive knowledge and experience in reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, and tools for monitoring, evaluation, and learning, including impact evaluation.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills, and the ability to work well on a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc., and the ability to use various commercially available statistical software programs.
• Strong writing and oral presentation skills, including fluency in English and French

Preferred qualifications, not required:

• Working knowledge of DHIS2
• Master’s degree in any of the following or related fields: social science, international development, public health, evaluation, statistics, or economics
• Experience in utilizing gender and social inclusion sensitive indicators and analysis
• Local candidates preferred

The pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age

How to apply

• All applications with a motivation letter and CV shall be sent through the following email address: pactrwanda@pactworld.org not later than August 13, 2020 mentioning the position title as a subject to email.