MERL Advisor Pact Zambia

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. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department Overview
The USAID-funded Zambia Community HIV Prevention Project (Z-CHPP) supports the Government of Zambia to reduce new HIV infections through increased adoption of high impact HIV services and protective behaviors among at-risk populations, using evidence-based and locally owned solutions and in close partnership with a range of local Zambian organizations and institutions.

The Position

The MERL Advisor will report to the Chief of Party (COP) and lead Z-CHPP monitoring, evaluation and research efforts. S/he shall develop and maintain monitoring, evaluation and reporting systems that include appropriate indicators, baseline data, targets and a plan to evaluate performance and produce timely, accurate and complete reporting. S/he will collaborate with the Chief of Party (COP) to ensure that program objectives are met, all activities are responsive to the needs of the country, and the program continues to advance and play a key role in contributing to Pact’s health programming in Zambia.

Specific Duties: 

•  Provide MERL technical leadership and guidance on MERL to Z-CHPP project staff and provincial and district governments on monitoring and evaluation of program implementations and their outcomes.
• Responsible for all oversight of monitoring, evaluation and reporting-related activities and requirements of the project. This includes the development and subsequent annual revisions of the Project’s M&E plan, the development of a monitoring system, and overseeing the maintenance of monitoring data collections systems (including developing and maintaining a project data base).
• Assist partners to develop strong M&E systems to track programming for reporting to Pact and the donor.
• To support implementation of the Community HIV AIDS and DREAMS components (Including the Parenting Program, Faith Communities Initiative and Economic Strengthening).
• Provide M&E training and mentoring to partners and staff to ensure the implementation of strong M&E systems.
• Provide technical oversight and input to the design and implementation of program assessments and evaluations and promote a culture of evidence-based decision making.
• Collect, aggregate, analyze and present data about the project for learning and reporting to the donor and key stakeholders.
• Manage ZCHPP MERL staff directly and coordinate with MERL staff from partner organizations.
• Coach and train others in designing and utilizing M&E methodologies and tools.
• Liaise with external evaluation team and donor on protocols, tools, and evaluation processes.
• Liaise with external evaluation team and donor on protocols, tools, and evaluation processes.

Basic Requirements

•  A Master’s Degree or higher in Public Health, Social Sciences, or other relevant discipline.
• Minimum ten years working on monitoring, evaluation and research in the public health and HIV fields with progressively increasing responsibility
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing rigorous quantitative and qualitative research, rapid appraisals, bio-behavioral surveillance, and methods for data analysis
• Hands-on practical experience setting up and managing MER systems for health programs in developing countries, and the ability to coach and train others in their use
• Knowledge of M&E issues and indicator development for HIV prevention and service delivery strengthening related to HIV/AIDS
• Familiarity with PEPFAR indicators and reporting requirements
• Excellent report writing, analytical and oral presentation skills
• Experience in knowledge management and dissemination of research findings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven leadership in the design, management, implementation and monitoring & evaluation of large and complex international donor-funded programs. Leadership roles in implementing USAID-funded projects strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with gender and social inclusion (GESI) mainstreaming approaches strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of USAID policies and procedures preferred.