Crown Agents
Background
Since the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020, there has been an overall decline in coverage and increase in the number of zero-dose children. Data from 2022 indicates that this is the largest sustained decline in childhood vaccinations in the past 30 years1. The disruption of COVID-19 on immunization systems worldwide has resulted in 25 million children missing out on one or more doses of routine DTP vaccine in 2021 including 18 million zero-dose children; an increase of 6 million missed children compared to 2019.
New and innovative strategies are required to reverse those trends and ensure equitable immunisation coverage. Demand-Side Incentives (DSIs) are a strategy that has primarily been used to address inter-generational poverty (including through incentivizing well-child and education programs) but have also shown promising results in increasing demand and coverage of specific health services, including vaccination.
Crown Agents is preparing to bid for the anticipated GAVI-funded 3-year multi-country programme 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.
Position Summary
Crown Agents are currently seeking a seasoned Monitoring and Evaluation Lead who will be responsible for developing and implementing the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation strategy/performance monitoring plan, in accordance with 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, analysed, and used to inform management and design decisions, and to provide project updates, as required. The position holder will provide overall MEL leadership direction for the project, enhancing quality, accountability and cross-country learning and ensure smooth coordination and MEL coherence across the programme.
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities of the Monitoring and Evaluation Lead Include:
Lead the development and implementation of project MEL plan(s), indicator reference sheets, results reporting, data use systems and activities and the project evaluation strategy.
Design and develop measurement approaches to ensure alignment between project goals and objectives, process outcomes and desired impact.
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.
Capacity building of program staff, sub-grantees, sand local partners on project related M&E templates/forms for data collection; like Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT) etc
Lead in conducting data quality assessment to ensure that data reported is validated, is accurate and consistent.
Oversee baseline surveys and assessments and the implementation of the MEL system on a day-to-day basis.
Develop and ensure compliance with procedures for collection and reporting of project and program performance data to provide quality, timely data.
Synthesise learnings across all countries and present data to client and stakeholders
About you
The position is open to global applicants, however there is a preference to be based within one of Crown Agents regional country offices (Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe). Recruitment 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.
Requirements
Advanced degree (PhD or master’s degree) from an accredited university in public health, statistics, evaluation research, social science, international development, or a related discipline is required.
Minimum of eight years of experience in MEL and research for similar health programming. Experience with GAVI, USAID, FCDO or similar donor funded projects designed to improve health outcomes, including vaccination, demand side incentives and cash-transfer programmes.
Demonstrated experience in providing technical support, setting up and managing MEL systems that track performance, and in the application of statistical methods database management.
Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, and data visualization.
Experience working in fragile contexts on health programming, including immunizations, improving quality of and access to care, building capacity of local partners and Demand Side Incentives (DSI), including conditional and/or unconditional cash transfers.
Excellent people management skills, managing and coordinating teams within a matrix organisation and based in multiple locations.
Expertise in stakeholder engagement, inspiring action based on evidence and influencing change, including with governments, partners and clients
Demonstrated commitment to gender and social inclusion
Fluency in English
TO APPLY
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