Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) is a national non-governmental organization incorporated in Nigeria. Its vision is “A healthy and Safe Society where Everyone Thrives,” and its mission is to “Improved Quality of Life for Poor and Vulnerable Groups through Inclusive and Innovative Community-Led Programming.”

USAID/Nigeria’s Transforming Health and Resilience for Individuals Through Vibrant Empowerment (THRIVE) is a five-year intervention that contributes to achieving sustained epidemic control by improving the health and well-being of children living with HIV and reducing the risk of HIV infection among vulnerable children, adolescents, and caregivers. THRIVE is USAID/Nigeria’s mechanism for implementing PEPFAR-funded programs for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and its delivery arm for community-focused health and social welfare services

Director, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

Job Title: Director, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
Project: USAID/Nigeria Transforming Health and Resilience for Individuals Through Vibrant Empowerment (THRIVE) Activity
Location: Nigeria

Position Summary:
The Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities under the THRIVE Activity. The Director will ensure robust data collection, management, and analysis to inform program decision-making and contribute to achieving the program’s objectives. The role will require working closely with stakeholders, including USAID, PEPFAR, local partners, and government entities, to ensure compliance with donor requirements and alignment with national systems.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic MEL Leadership:
   1. Led the design and implementation of the project’s MEL framework, ensuring alignment with USAID/PEPFAR requirements and international best practices.
   1. Oversee the project’s Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) processes to ensure data-driven and contextually responsive programmatic adjustments.
   1. Develop and implement data quality assurance mechanisms to ensure accurate and reliable reporting.
2. Data Management and Reporting:
   1. Manage the project’s MEL reporting cycle, ensuring timely and high-quality data submission to USAID, PEPFAR, and other stakeholders.
   1. Design and maintain a robust data management system, integrating national case management and reporting tools like NOMIS.
   1. Ensure data dissemination to relevant stakeholders for evidence-based decision-making at the community, facility, and policy levels.
3. Capacity Building:
   1. Build the capacity of MEL staff, local implementing partners, and community-based organizations in data collection, management, and analysis.
   1. Provide technical assistance to local partners in developing MEL plans and implementing data collection tools.
4. Collaboration and Coordination:
   1. Facilitate data-sharing and coordination with other USAID programs, government entities, and stakeholders to enhance program synergy.
   1. Represent the THRIVE Activity in professional forums, including conferences, workshops, and meetings on MEL topics.
5. Evaluation and Learning:
   1. Oversee the design and execution of project evaluations and research studies to assess program impact and identify best practices.
   1. Use evaluation findings to inform programmatic adjustments and share lessons learned with stakeholders.
6. Technical Oversight:
   1. Conduct regular monitoring visits to project sites to provide technical support and ensure MEL activities meet international quality standards.
   1. Coordinate data quality assessments and facilitate using findings to address programmatic gaps.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:

• Technical Expertise:
  • Knowledge of health and development programs, including HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and OVC programming.
  • Familiarity with MEL systems for global health initiatives, including USAID/PEPFAR.
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization tools.
• Leadership and Management:
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams and complex projects.
  • Ability to mentor staff and build the capacity of local partners.
  • Proven ability to manage tight deadlines and produce high-quality deliverables.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presenting complex data to diverse audiences.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration with stakeholders at all levels.

Minimum Recruitment Standards:

• MB.BS/MD/PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, or related field with 15 years of experience in MEL for global health initiatives, OR
• MPH/MS/MA in a relevant field with 15 years of relevant experience, OR
• BS/BA in Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field with 15 years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with Nigerian public health systems, NGOs, and CBOs is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in developing and managing MEL frameworks for large-scale donor-funded programs.
• Experience working with USAID/PEPFAR MEL systems and standards.

Reporting:

The Director MEL will report directly to the Chief of Party. S/he will liaise between the AHNi and USAID MEL teams and collaborate closely with the technical teams of government counterparts and stakeholders to ensure program success and sustainability.

This role is ideal for a strategic leader committed to advancing epidemic control and improving the well-being of OVC and their families through innovative and impactful programming.

Method of application: Interested and qualified candidates should forward a suitability statement (application) and resume (CV) as a single MS Word document to: AHNi-M&EJobs@ahnigeria.org

Vacancy closes: Wednesday, 15^th January 2025

Only applications sent electronically (i.e., by e-mail) with the JOB TITLE and LOCATION indicated as the subject of the mail will be considered, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

AHNi is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Disclaimer:  AHNi does not charge Candidates a fee for a test or interview