Abt Associates
DUE : 22 JAN 2023
Strategic Information Specialist, ZAPIM II
Job Description
The World at Abt
Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.
We are a team of 4,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment and energy do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.
To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.
Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.
The Opportunity
The Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria (ZAPIM II) project is a 5-year project that works to support and strengthen the capacity of the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) at the national, provincial, district, and community levels, in the areas of case management and malaria in pregnancy, LLIN distribution, social and behavioral change communication, surveillance/M&E and research.
Under the supervision of the Technical Director, as the Strategic Information (SI) Specialist, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership for the analysis and use of data to inform malaria programming decisions, in support of both project objectives and the overall goals of the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and National Malaria Control Program (NMCP). In support of overall goals to improve overall malaria surveillance monitoring and evaluation including detection and response to outbreak and enhanced surveillance in elimination areas, you will ensure that ZAPIM II contributes to strengthening efforts to effectively monitor key malaria interventions, as well as design and lead operations research to generate new evidence and inform programmatic adaptations.
Core Responsibilities
Support the NMCP and MOHHC in Data Analysis and Use – 45%
Identify and lead activities to improve data collection, reporting, analysis, presentation and use within the NMCP at all levels, including the use of DHIS2 for malaria data.
Design and lead capacity strengthening efforts for NMCP and MOHCC stakeholders in data analysis, data quality assurance approaches, data visualization, and data use.
Provide technical leadership to identify strategies to institutionalize a culture of data use for malaria programmatic decision making in Zimbabwe.
Support NMCP in reviewing and packaging data to better inform decision making, including distribution and dissemination of information among key stakeholders.
Lead and Manage Strategic Information and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Priorities – 40%
Provide overall technical and management direction to the development and implementation of a robust monitoring, evaluation and learning plan for the project.
Ensure timely development of MEL frameworks and reports for the project.
Support implementation of baseline and other surveys over the life of the project to support comprehensive results measurement.
Ensure high quality data collection for the project, data analysis, and data use for decision making within the project.
Oversee the successful design and use of rigorous data management systems and tools, including a DHIS2-based MEL platform.
Design and lead processes to institutionalize intentional data use and learning across the entire project.
Oversee M&E Officer to ensure high quality data collection, data quality reviews, appropriate and timely analyses to inform project decisions and learning opportunities.
Lead and Implement Operations Research – 15%
Support the NMCP to develop an operational research agenda, and lead efforts to build capacity within the NMCP and MOHCC to conduct operational research and use findings.
Work closely with national agencies and international partners planning for and conducting national household level surveys that include malaria components.
Develop a ZAPIM II operational research agenda, to inform key learning questions.
Provide technical leadership and oversight to the development of strong OR protocols, data collection instruments, and study implementation plans.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s Degree + 12 years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + 10 years of relevant experience, or PhD + 8 years of relevant experience.
Master’s degree in Statistics, Public Health, Epidemiology or other health related field.
10+ years of experience in leading monitoring, evaluation and learning priorities on health or malaria programs.
Malaria program experience.
Demonstrated expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Proven experience in data analysis and ability to teach and mentor stakeholders and other staff.
Substantial experience in building capacity of government and/or local partner staff in data generation, analysis and/or use.
Ability to independently plan and execute complex tasks while addressing daily management details and remaining organized and focused on long-term deadlines and strategy.
Possess outstanding professional reputation and have strong demonstrated interpersonal, written, and oral presentation skills.
Willingness to travel within the country as needed.
Oral and written English language required, additional knowledge of recognized local languages preferred.
What We Offer
We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.
Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.
TO APPLY
Click here to apply
About Us
The International Development Division focuses on improving the lives and economic well-being of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health, agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. Our multi-layered health portfolio includes policy, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. In partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation.
At Abt Associates, we are committed to creating a lasting culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that in order to achieve full participation, our practices must be free of prejudice, discrimination, and bias that result in inequitable outcomes. We are actively working to advance equity for everyone, and while we still have much work to do, we know that racial and cultural diversity are an asset to our business and the communities where we live and serve. Our ongoing commitment is focused on creating business practices that advance racial and social equity, investments in community impact programs for the benefit of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and expand upon project work related to racial equity and social justice.
