FHI360 Harare Is Recruiting Graduates in Social Science, Demography, Statistics, Public Health, Health Informatics or Health Information Management Experience In Public Health Issues And Information Systems Design And Development
The Role of a Provincial Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer in Improving Maternal and Child Health in Zimbabwe
Location: Mashonaland West
Supervisor: Provincial Team Leader
Maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) is a critical aspect of healthcare, particularly in countries with limited resources and challenges in healthcare access. In Zimbabwe, the USAID-funded Improving MNCH Services project addresses this issue with a comprehensive strategy focusing on five targeted provinces, including Mashonaland West. At the heart of this endeavour is the Provincial Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer (PMELO), whose role is essential in ensuring that programs are effectively implemented to improve healthcare outcomes in the region.
The Project Overview
The USAID-funded Improving MNCH Services project is a five-year initiative to enhance maternal, neonatal, and child health outcomes in Zimbabwe. This is achieved by increasing access to quality MNCH services and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. The project focuses on five provinces: Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Midlands, and Mashonaland West. It provides technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) at various levels to scale up high-impact MNCH interventions, improve healthcare workforce distribution and retention, and enhance procurement of essential commodities and equipment.
The Role of the Provincial Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer
The PMELO plays a pivotal role in the success of this project. Their primary objective is to ensure the effective implementation of systems for data collection, verification, analysis, visualization, reporting, collaborative learning, and adapting (CLA). This is in line with FHI 360’s mission, where the focus is on demonstrating impact, especially in MNCH programs.
Key Duties and Responsibilities of a PMELO:
- Ensuring High-Quality M&E Systems: The PMELO is responsible for ensuring that the project’s monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems are of the highest quality, adhering to MOHCC HIS and USAID guidelines.
- Data Verification and Field Visits: Regular field visits are conducted to verify the accuracy and quality of data collected by programs, ensuring that reported data is reliable.
- Data Entry and Cleaning: The PMELO supports or conducts data entry and cleaning in various project databases, such as DHIS2, TrainSmart, HRIS, and customized project databases.
- Data Collection and Coordination: Timely data collection for project indicators is crucial, and the PMELO works with MOHCC officials and program staff to ensure that the collected data is used to improve program management and implementation.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: The PMELO is responsible for the reliable and comprehensive analysis, visualization, and dissemination of program results and impact.
- M&E Component Definition: Ensuring that the M&E component of programs is well-defined and uses efficient and effective approaches to demonstrate impact.
- Project Progress Reporting: Regularly supporting weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual project progress reporting, along with ad hoc reports.
- Identifying Bottlenecks: Reviewing and analyzing reports with the MEL Officer to identify potential bottlenecks in project implementation and enhance reporting quality.
- Key Performance Indicators: Supporting the M&E Unit in defining and monitoring key project performance indicators throughout the project’s duration.
- CLA and Knowledge Management: Leading provincial and district project performance reviews and abstract writing as part of the project’s Collaborative Learning and Adaptation (CLA) activities.
- Data Use Strategies: Proposing strategies to increase data use and demand among program staff and stakeholders.
- Documentation and Progress Tracking: Supporting project/program staff in documenting, organizing, and capturing program progress.
- Standardized Tools and Data Collection Procedures: Drafting standardized tools and their revisions under the supervision of the MEL Advisor.
- SOPs and Capacity Building: Ensuring that standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines are followed and assisting in the capacity building of MOHCC.
- Data System Enhancement: Identifying strengths and weaknesses in existing data collection and management systems and proposing solutions.
- Donor and Partner Queries: Ensuring that donor, partner, and Senior Management Team data queries are addressed accurately and promptly.
- Program Assessments and Evaluations: Participating in the design and conduct of program assessments, surveys, and evaluations, including baseline, midterm, and end-of-program evaluations.
- Representation and Documentation: Representing the project MEL at provincial level forums, technical working groups (TWGs), and other meetings, and facilitating documentation of project experiences, lessons learned, impact, and best practices.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
- Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
- Knowledge of results-based management and performance management.
- Ability to collate information from multiple sources and implement data quality control systems.
- Proficiency in data analysis, visualization, reporting, and dissemination.
- Competence in various computer-based packages such as SPSS, STATA, GIS, Excel, PowerBI, and ACCESS.
- Strong written and oral communication, coordination, and presentation skills.
- Initiative and ability to work both independently and under direction.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to work in diverse contexts.
- Willingness to work long hours and travel outside the duty station.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- A degree in Social Science, Demography, Statistics, Public Health, Health Informatics, or Health Information Management.
- At least five years of experience in research, monitoring, and evaluation, including data collection, processing, analysis, visualization, dissemination, and reporting.
- Experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH), logistics and supply chain, and human resources for health is an added advantage.
- A clean class four driver’s license is a must.
In summary, the Provincial Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the USAID-funded Improving MNCH Services project in Zimbabwe. Their work in data collection, verification, analysis, and reporting contributes to the project’s mission of improving maternal, neonatal, and child health outcomes, ultimately making a positive impact on the lives of Zimbabwean mothers and children. This role exemplifies the importance of robust monitoring and evaluation in global health initiatives.
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