DREAMS IES Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) Manager

Job Advert

IES ACHIEVE MONITORING, EVALUATION, RESEARCH & LEARNING (MERL) MANAGER X1

GAUTENG

Project Description:

DREAMS Intensive Economic Strengthening (IES) is a component of the ACHIEVE programming in South Africa.  The  DREAMS IES intervention is specifically aimed at empowering YW and increasing their opportunities to be self-reliant and earn sustainable livelihoods. 

ACHIEVE will build YW self-efficacy and decision-making power in relationships through economic independence so that their risk of HIV infection is reduced as they are less reliant on transactional sex and/or having to remain in relationships where they are experiencing emotional and physical abuse.  

Economic insecurity continues to increase vulnerability and is often a reason for risky sexual behavior among AGYW. Through the IES program sustainable linkages are created to a diversified array of socioeconomic opportunities that provide  YW with a chance to earn a sustainable livelihood and minimize the economic inequalities they suffer. This subsequently strengthens their self-sufficiency (financial and emotional) to make more informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

Position Description:

The DREAMS IES Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) Manager provides technical  leadership in the implementation of the program MERL system to ensure high-quality technical monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning aligned to global ACHIEVE and in-country DREAMS targets. S/he will work closely with the in-country ACHIEVE program and MERL team management and, with support from the IES MERL Advisor, supervise DREAMS IES MERL staff and sub-awardees at the district level.

Specifically, s/he  will be responsible for providing technical leadership to the project team to ensure USAID DREAMS IES M&E requirements are met on a timely basis and guide data collection, data management, and data use. This includes data analysis, reporting, dissemination, and capacity building for M&E and program staff.

The IES MERL Manager will report to the ACHIEVE IES MERL Advisor.  As applicable, s/he will travel to the provinces to fulfill the MERL goals. S/he will be based in Gauteng.

Minimum Key Responsibilities and duties:

1. Provide leadership in the implementation of work plan activities for strengthening MERL capacity by generating and using high-quality data for decision-making.

1. Develop, provide, and utilize relevant MERL analytics to inform and support decision-making at the program's provincial, district, and site levels.

1. Working together with the program team, establish M&E partnership with DREAMS partners to ensure effective working relations and build synergy to support effective layering of AGYW.

1. Lead the implementation of an efficient and accurate data collection system that includes efficient processes for collecting data and ensuring data quality.

1. Offer leadership and technical support to ACHIEVE and its sub-awardee program and MERL staff in the implementation of IES activities to ensure accurate and timely collection and capturing of monitoring data.

1. Lead DREAMS IES M&E capacity-building activities for ACHIEVE and its sub-awardee program and MERL staff, strengthening their data flow and management systems.

1. Conduct periodic data quality and completeness reviews on data captured on CBIMS and analyze referrals received and program performance.

1. Ensure mechanisms are put in place to ensure timely collection, verification, cleaning and uploading of DREAMS data into project databases, including DATIM.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

1. A master's degree in social, Behavioural, or Health Sciences with practical experience in developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation activities in the HIV/AIDS health sector. 

1. 5 years of relevant professional experience in evaluation and research design, data collection and analyses, indicator construction, curriculum development, and computer software, i.e., MS Word and database programs. 

1. Experience with evaluation and impact reporting to donors and project managers, demonstrating both analytical rigor and practicality.

1. Previous experience working with the SAG Social sector and understanding government MERL systems and requirements. 

1. Knowledge of USAID/PEPFAR reporting systems, requirements, and timelines 

1. Strong team player with an ability to navigate complex organizational structures and motivate people for program participation.

1. Excellent communication and writing skills with demonstrated experience in communicating complex processes to diverse stakeholders, including government officials at the national, provincial, and/or district levels.

1. Strong technical writing skills, development of reports, and excellent presentation skills

1. Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of the MS Office package, especially MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Access etc.

1. Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of the Community Based Intervention Monitoring System (CBIMS and CBIMS.Net)

1. Should be in possession of a valid South African driver’s license.

1. Must be a South African national or permanent resident with fluency in English (written and spoken) and one local indigenous South African language.

1. Eligibility to work in South Africa.

Only applicants possessing the prescribed minimum qualifications and experience are invited to submit their electronic CVs and application letters with a subject line “ IES ACHIEVE Deputy Program Director” and “ Province ” to applications@pactworld.org  

Closing Date:  21 September 2023

Pact reserves the right to verify all information provided by candidates including credit rating. Please note that correspondence will be limited to short listed candidates only and if you do not hear from us within 3 weeks after the closing date kindly accept that your application was unsuccessful.