Data.FI Lesotho – Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
Project Overview and Role:
Palladium is currently seeking a Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist (M&E Specialist) to support implementation of Translating Data for Implementation (Data.FI) award in Lesotho which is a five-year global project funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Data.FI partners with PEPFAR programs to accelerate and sustain access to high-quality data to expedite HIV and COVID-19 epidemic control and maintenance. Data.FI supports host country governments to enhance existing health information systems (HIS) and conduct in-depth analysis of epidemiologic and program data to inform management responses to gaps in programming and sustain impact by supporting local partner transition.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
In Lesotho, Data.FI will support the government (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender Youth and Social Development, and PEPFAR partners) on information system strengthening, reporting and data quality, data use and capacity building. The M&E Specialist will work directly with PEPFAR partners and Ministries to strengthen their M&E and use of data to inform decisions. The M&E Specialist will report to Data Use and Analytics Technical Advisor.
Design and Implementation of M&E Systems
- Develop comprehensive M&E frameworks and plans aligned with project objectives and donor requirements.
- Design data collection tools, methodologies, and systems to monitor project activities and outcomes effectively.
- Lead the implementation of M&E activities, including data collection, verification, and analysis.
Support Improved Data Analysis and Use
- Working under the supervision of Data Use and Analytics Technical Advisor, identify data analysis needs and priorities.
- Conduct data quality assessments and ensure data integrity and reliability.
- Through the supervision of Data Use and Analytics Technical Advisor, nalyze quantitative and qualitative data to generate actionable insights for programmatic decision-making.
Conduct Implementation Science to Improve Care and Treatment Programming
- Working with MEL department at Palladium, apply implementation science methodologies to evaluate program implementation processes, identify barriers and facilitators, and inform program adaptations for care and treatment.
- Translate research findings into evidence-based recommendations to enhance care and treatment programming.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
- Provide advanced M&E trainings and technical assistance to project staff and Data.FI partners on M&E methodologies, data analysis techniques, and implementation science principles.
- Build capacity within the project team to effectively collect, analyze, and utilize data for decision-making.
- Foster a culture of learning and knowledge sharing in Lesotho through seminars, and peer learning activities.
Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare regular M&E reports, progress updates as per MEL guidance and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure timely submission of high-quality reports to donors and other relevant stakeholders.
- Work with Senior Business Analyst to document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories to inform future program planning and implementation.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Lead indicator crosswalk exercise comparing indicators from the National Strategic Frameworks at National AIDS Commission (NAC), MOH and MGYSD digital systems within the scope Data.FI Lesotho, and paper reporting systems.
- Provide recommendations to support data standardization and alignment of indicators across processes and systems as per Data.FI Scope of work in Lesotho.
- Support the digitization of paper tools both at MOH and MGYSD.
- Support revision of data collection tools in DHIS2 reporting systems in support of indicator alignment.
- Undertake analysis of existing indicators PEPFAR, MOH and MGYSD, and facilitate the identification of priority indicators across ministries and PEPFAR.
- Develop and/or revise indicator reference sheets for priority indicators, as required by partners and line ministries.
- Develop and deliver trainings on data quality assurance approaches, data review, and data use.
- Enhance and support data review processes for MOH, and MGYSD.
- Maintain and review the M&E Plan for the project.
- Work with developers to design or enhance existing data collection tools in eLMIS, HHRIS, LODDIS and CQIIS.
Required Qualifications:
- BA in Statistics/Public Health, Master’s degree in public health preferably, M&E, business administration, public policy, international development, or health informatics.
- At least 10 years’ experience developing and implementing effective M&E strategies for health programming in Lesotho or similar context.
- Familiarity with HIV indicators, OVC and DREAMS programs, logistics management, human resource and quality improvement information systems.
- Demonstrated skills in building the capacity of government stakeholders and implementing partners in data analysis and use
- Knowledge of project management principles and ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Ability to effectively write technical documents and training curriculums, lead meetings, develop and conduct trainings and deliver presentations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, TEAMS), experience with DHIS2 and Business Intelligence tools an advantage.
- Written and verbal fluency in English required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work in a dynamic and agile environment with changing requirements and priorities.
- Knowledge and experience in monitoring, evaluation, and research methods.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with team members and clients of different cultures, gender, and hierarchical levels.
- Previous experience working with USAID-supported implementing partners and local partners.
- Strong organizational, stakeholder management and people skills required, strong relationships with government and other stakeholders.
Company Overview:
About Palladium – Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people’s lives.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.