Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist – GAVI DSI At International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded over 80 years ago, the IRC is a leading humanitarian and development organization with presence in more than 40 countries. Across contexts, the IRC is committed to delivering innovative, high-impact programs tailored to the needs of communities affected by crisis.

Position Summary:

IRC is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist for an anticipated GAVI-funded 3-year global project to find low-cost Demand -Side Incentives (DSI) approaches that: Increase vaccination coverage and reduce the number of zero-dose children; Reach poor children and those living in isolated areas or facing other challenges accessing services; Improve timeliness of immunization; Improve the knowledge and attitudes of caregivers towards immunization.

The MEL Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Strategy/performance monitoring plan, in accordance with IRC, GAVI, and international best practices. The MEL Specialist will work closely with the Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader and technical staff to ensure that relevant data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform management and design decisions, and to provide project updates, as required.

The position is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to GAVI approval. The project is anticipated to begin in April 2023.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop, manage and implement a monitoring and evaluation system (performance monitoring plan) across all project components that leverages qualitative and quantitative methods, and draws from a variety of data sources to measure progress and evaluate impact, as well as support collaboration, implementation science, learning, and adaptation.

• Provide training, assistance, and consultation, as needed, on interpretation and use of performance benchmarking measures, indicators, and reports.

• Lead collection of periodic data reports and compilation of narrative reports and submit to Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader.

• Communicate information obtained through MEL activities to program staff, and external stakeholders, including GAVI, to enable informed decision making.

• Develop and ensure compliance with procedures for collection and reporting of project and program performance data to provide quality, timely data.

• Regularly review data collection processes, perform data quality assessments, and make adjustments as needed.

• Prepare the MEL section of the annual work plans, and of review or updates of it, as needed.

• Participate and provide input to program strategy, including necessary adjustments or refinements to the work plan.

• Oversee baseline surveys and assessments and the implementation of the MEL system on a day-to-day basis.

• Conduct regular visits to project sites, as possible, to provide technical assistance and ensure proper monitoring of project activities.

• Lead learning agenda for the project and support integration of evidence into routine practice.

• Prepare inputs for regular and ad hoc reports.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree (PhD or masters degree) from an accredited university in public health, statistics, evaluation research, social science, international development, or a related discipline required; equivalent experience may be substituted for graduate degree;

• Minimum of eight years of experience in MEL and research for similar health programming. Experience with GAVI, USAID, or FCDO funded projects designed to improve health outcomes, including vaccination, health financing, particularly DSI, preferred.

• Experience developing performance monitoring plans and associated data collection tools, systems and methodologies.

• Demonstrated experience in use of qualitative and quantitative methods for data analysis;

• Experience supporting ministries of health in HMIS and health system strengthening;

• Experience working on health programming in fragile contexts, including familiarity with GAVI health indicators and approach.

• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) for health outcomes and associated data collection tools, systems and methodologies is an added advantage

• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

• Fluency in English required.

Standards of professional conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.