Job Description
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology– creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories.
The FHI-360 managed, USAID Healthy Behaviors (UHB) Activity, with its partners the Consortium of Action Aid Ethiopia; Zeleman Communications, Advertising, and Production; and Fraym, works to increase sustained adoption of appropriate health and nutrition behaviors in Ethiopia using evidence-based, theory-informed social and behavior change (SBC) strategies. It does so with the goal of contributing to reductions in unmet need for family planning (FP); reduced malaria-related morbidity and mortality, and its elimination; and improvements in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) outcomes. It also supports other priority health needs related to nutrition; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and emerging infectious diseases (EID), like COVID-19; and works to transform social and gender norms that impede healthy behaviors and drive poor health outcomes across health areas. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Regional Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer USAID Healthy Behavioral Activity Project.
Job Family: Technical
Duty station: Assosa, Benishangul-Gumuz
Number required: 1
Job Summary:
The Regional MEL Officer will closely work with the Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) and USAID-Healthy Behaviors Activity consortium members. S/he provides technical support to the local partners in the area of data collection, Analysis and Reporting for community-based SBC activities. S/he technically has dotted line relationship with the MERL Director based in Addis and directly reports to the Regional Technical Hub Lead. The Regional MEL Officer is also responsible to provide MEL technical assistance to government health sector partners in the region assigned (mainly RHB, Zonal, and woreda health offices) and serve as focal person to facilitate MEL task coordination among key partners.
Accountabilities:
- Understand the data that should be reported to central level from the region s/he is assigned.
- Make sure all the data collection and reporting tools are readily available and shared with the concerned implementing partners on time.
- Collect data from LIPs and woreda health offices, encode into the database and share with his/her supervisors.
- Conduct supportive supervision and monitor LIPs implementation, document best practices.
- Provide onsite mentoring and coaching support to LIPs and woreda health offices on the use of the tools developed to track project progresses, data utilizations and on time reporting.
- Provide training and technical assistance/ mentoring for the LIP, Woreda health offices on utilization of Healthy Behaviors Activity related data and database.
- Closely work and coordinate with regional and woreda health offices on harmonizing the Activity database with the national HMIS system (DHIS2).
- Review and ensure the quality of data collected from field (in the area where s/he is assigned).
- Maintain the database/s developed to track project activities and indicators.
- Facilitate periodic review meetings at regional and cluster level.
- Closely work and collaborate with the Activity on the overall MEL implementation (Capacity development, planning, monitoring and evaluation and reporting of the Activity)
- Provide technically support LIP on best practice and lesson learnt documentation
- Participate in assessments and any other formative research and process evaluation.
- Works closely with the M&E Coordinator and MERL Director to provide guidance and support to LIPS and partners as needed
- Closely work with the FHI 360 MEL team on MEL aspects of the organization as appropriate.
Applied Knowledge & Skills:
- Good technical skills in the areas of MEL, including system establishment and maintenance.
- Sound skills in analyzing, synthesizing, documenting and presenting results of epidemiologic and behavioral research in the field of health thematic areas such as maternal health, child health, Family planning, malaria, etc.
- Knowledge on ongoing and emerging issues in relation to Public Health and social and behavioral change .
- Strong M&E capacity building skills
- Familiarity with data visualization software and interactive dashboard
- Well-developed written and oral communication skills in English, Amharic and the working language of the region s/he assigned. Other Ethiopian language skills are an advantage.
- Willingness to travel to the field regularly.
Competencies:
There are 31 FHI 360 development competencies, of greatest focus for this particular job will be:
- Project Management (Planning and Time Management) – Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks (sets objectives/goals/measures). Breaks down work into steps, schedules, task/people assignments. Marshals people, time, and resources efficiently. Arranges information in a useful manner and orchestrates multiple activities at once.
- People Management (Making Others Great) – Facilitate professional development of staff by providing challenging, learning assignments and opportunities. Shares and solicits feedback monthly at the very least. Helps establish compelling development plans. Assigns responsibility and accountability for tasks/decisions. Monitors process, progress, and results. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best.
- Creating and Managing Systems and Processes – Recognizes the need for standardization and balances client and organization need in systems design. Anticipates the effects of process change on people while optimizing task efficiency and simplicity.
- Employees are expected to possess or have high potential for the development of these three fundamental competencies.
Problem Solving & Impact:
- Works on problems of moderate scope that require analysis or interpretation of various factors.
- Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
- Builds rapport with internal and external staff.
- Decision may affect a work unit or area within a department.
Supervision Given/Received:
- Has no supervisory responsibility.
- Receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments or projects.
- Typically reports to Regional Technical Hub Lead.
Education:
- Minimum University degree in demography, sociology, public health, statistics, epidemiology or other related fields from a recognized university.
Experience:
- At least 7-years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation in health-related programs.
- Proven experience in database management and research.
- Experience in the planning and facilitation of training
- Fluent in written and spoken Amharic, English and the working language for the region s/he is assigned for. Other Ethiopian language skills are an advantage.
- Excellent communication skills
- Good oral and written comprehension skills
- Skilled in using application software such as MS Word, MS Outlook, MS Excel and SPSS.
Typical Physical Demands:
- Typical office environment.
- Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
- Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Technology to be Used:
- Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.
Travel Requirements:
- 10% – 25%
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.