Monitoring, Evaluations & Learning Manager - Gauteng at The Aurum Institute

Work Description

• The Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) manager will be responsible for providing strategic direction and overseeing all aspects of MERL activities on the programme.  This includes but is not limited to the development of a robust MERL system that will capture and report high-quality, timely, valid and verifiable programmatic results. Develop and implement a data analytics framework for all the activities and indicators. Develop and implement learning agenda to inform all stakeholders about the lessons learned from grant activities. Support the development of grant work plan, data collection instruments and tracking progress against the set grant targets. Provide MERL technical assistance on data analytics, reporting and data utilization for decision making to the district, sub-district and facility levels through mentorship and training. Strengthening and capacity building on existing national health information systems such as EDR.Web, TIER.Net, DHIS, HPRS and others) to enhance data visibility via dashboards and cascade analysis to enhance programme improvement.\

Technical Work Responsibilities

• Liaison with Stakeholders
• Provide strategic, technical leadership and oversight of all MERL aspects for the grant to all project staff at district and facility levels.
• Development of a robust MERL system to capture and report high-quality, timely, valid and verifiable data on programmatic results.
• Develop and implement a data analytics framework for the grant activities and indicators.
• Conduct MERL needs assessments, baseline assessments, routine data quality assessments (RDQA), spot checks, program evaluations and rapid assessments and develop strategies to address identified gaps in line with the strategic objectives of the grant.
• Develop work plan tracking indicators and targets as required.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of a comprehensive project database, and ensure accurate and timely storage of electronic files.
• Support the development of grant work plan, data collection tools, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and tracking progress against the set targets
• Provide MERL technical assistance on data analytics, reporting and data utilization for decision making to the district, sub-district and facility levels through mentorship and training.
• Promotes a culture of data usage and evidence-based decision making for continuous quality improvement through feedback, training and capacity building activities at district, health facilities and community levels through regular monthly and quarterly data review meetings.
• Strengthening existing national health information systems such as EDR.Web, TIER.Net, DHIS, HPRS and others) to enhance data visibility via dashboards and cascade analysis to enhance programme improvement at provincial, district, sub-district and facility levels.
• Strengthen the quality of TB services at the district, sub-district and facility levels through regular data analysis and the implementation of Quality Improvement.
• Work closely with provincial and district TB/HIV managers to ensure that program and grant objectives are met.
• Build and maintain partnerships with all stakeholders including participating in all district and sub-district MERL meetings, workshops and discussions to provide ongoing technical support.
• Supervise and capacitate relevant grant-related MERL staff at the district and facility levels to comply with NDoH protocols and guidelines.
• Oversee data collection, validation, collation, storage, analysis, interpretation, visualisation and reporting data collected in facilities and community levels.
• Responsible for the data analysis, writing, and review of the results and learning sections of program reports in collaboration with program staff, before submission and ensuring compliance with MERL data quality requirements and timely submissions of reports.

Duties:

• Coordinate, collaborate and liaise with all Stakeholders towards the achievement of Organizational Goals
• Liaise with Data Managers and Operations Managers on a daily basis to ensure the timeous delivery of Data for Reporting preparation
• Attend M&E Stakeholder Meetings to ensure continuous learning and development 
• Participating in the design of the M&E Strategy, Planning and Implementation
• Participating in Programme Implementation Planning and Review Meetings together with relevant Role Players
• Identify and assist with the development of M&E Components for Aurum’s new Projects/Interventions (e.g. development of a logical Model/Framework for new Intervention Projects
• Assisting with the monitoring of Key Aurum Project implementation fidelity (e.g. intervention coverage, quality and quantity as well as Resource allocation)
• Identification of opportunities for M&E Future Funding & participate in the development of Grant Concept Notes/Proposals
• Customizing Core Competency Best Practices in M&E
• Accountable for implementing relevant approved M&E Systems and SOPs
• Responsible for the Best Practice learning write-up and presentation where relevant in M&E
• Overseeing and assisting with the analysis of Programme Data and work with Senior Management in the preparation of Key Reports for Key Funders
• That all the relevant Data for Reporting preparations are delivered on time to the M&E Department
• Oversee and assists with the retrieving, filtering, analysis and reporting of the Data
• Identification of and flagging of gaps
• Submission of accurate Feedback Reports that present identify and flag gaps, trends, challenges and achievements
• Follow up on the Reports submitted to ensure effective and timeous response to address identified challenges and gaps
  • Coordinate the Key Reporting preparation and ensure quality timely Reports:
  • PEPFAR Quarterly Report
  • PEPFAR Annual ReportOther Reports as requested by Stakeholders

• Serve as Key Focal Point for processing key queries around Data and general M&E Issues
• Accountable for Best Practice/Audit correction implementation planning activities in general in the M&E Department
• Oversees, coordinate and manages the M& E Department indirectly through planning, scheduling, evaluating and feedback
• Accountable for Training activities in M&E
• Management of the Management M&E Team to ensure that deadlines are met, Funder Invoices are accurate and overseeing overall output from the Team
• Participate in proactive Team efforts to achieve Departmental and Company Goals
• Provide Leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill
• Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures according to prescribed procedures and legislation
• Report all unsafe activities to Senior Management/Human Resources
• Adhere and maintain decision making authority as allocated to the position

Requirements

Education

• An applicable Master's degree (MA)
• NQF level 7 or higher qualification in Public Health, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Statistics, Health Informatics, Information Management or Statistics, Data Management and Health Information Systems and other relevant disciplines.

Experience

• At least 7-10 years of working experience in designing, managing, and implementing results-based MERL activities, especially in public/private health sectors and TB/HIV/AIDS programmes.
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Practical working experience in setting up and managing MERL systems for health programs and the ability to build capacity and mentor others.
• At least three years of operational experience in the existing national health information system such as EDR.Web, TIER.Net, DHIS, HPRS and others information systems
• Experience in working with donor-funded programmes and a good understanding of the South African Department of Health system tiers, including policies, management and health information systems.
• Excellent report writing, analytical and oral presentation skills. 
• Ability to produce clear graphical representations and data visualisations of public health data especially TB and HIV/AIDS
• Critical and strategic thinking as well as problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in knowledge management and dissemination of programmatic results and lessons learned.

Requirements

• Proficient personal computer skills
• Intermediate Computer operations (basic programming in 3rd and 4th Generation Languages, Relational Databases and Operating Systems, Power BI etc.) and intermediate Software Packages (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Graphics etc)
• SA Citizen or valid work permit to work in South Africa
• Drivers Licence
• Own car
• Minimal/Moderate/Excessive overnight travel (up to 40%) by land or air if required
• Willing to work overtime