ThaiNGO

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Research, and Adaptation (MERLA) Manager, Laos MCHN Activity

RTI International’s Global Health Division is currently accepting applications for a Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Research, and Adaptation (MERLA) Manager for an anticipated USAID-funded Maternal, Child Health & Nutrition (MCHN) Activity opportunity in Lao PDR.

The new project will build on USAID’s and Government of Laos investments in maternal and child health to improve health and nutrition outcomes of the most underserved segments of the population through a targeted health system strengthening approach. The project will support the Government of Laos (GoL) address priority issues that hinder equitable access and quality of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health, and nutrition (RMNCAHN) services, to scale up evidence based RMNCAHN interventions and test realistic innovations to improve health outcomes.

The MERLA Manager will have primary responsibility for the design, management, and implementation of systems to ensure quality monitoring and reporting of the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan. They will be responsible for the development and oversight of the project’s learning agenda and research undertaken by the project. They will provide primary support to the team for timely, complete, and quality reporting of all monitoring, evaluation, and research data from project activities. The MERLA Manager will be based in Vientiane and local travel will be required. Position is contingent upon award and funding.

Core Duties:

• Provides oversight of MERLA efforts and ensures they are informed by and feed into program decisions.

• Leads the development, implementation, refinement, and harmonization of project’s MERLA system; develops and operationalizes indicators, set targets, and monitors progress.

• Oversees all project activities to capture data on indicators and to identify best practices and lessons learned as required by USAID.

• Works with technical staff to oversee tools for data collection, storage, and analysis, train staff and partners on MERLA system operations, collection methods, and tools.

• Designs needs-based operations research studies and protocols to generate evidence for which innovations work, which do not work, and why.

• Ensures methodological rigor of research undertaken.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in political science, sociology, statistics, international development, or in a relevant field and 6 years or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 8 years’ experience.

• Minimum of4 years of experience with M&E systems, of which at least 3 years must be relevant to health sector in Laos.

• Solid experience and familiarity with impact evaluations, quantitative and qualitative research methods, surveillance surveys, research methodologies, data analysis, sampling techniques and establishing M&E systems preferably with donor-funded development programs.

• Demonstrated experience with computer and/or web-based performance data recording and reporting systems and other technologies that improve the quality of monitoring system integrity and data collection/analysis/reporting/visualization.

• Demonstrated experience conducting social science research.

• Experience and in-depth knowledge and familiarity with USAID development sector priorities and reporting requirements; experience with programs focused on health impact considered highly desirable.

• Ability to work effectively, responsively, and collaboratively with government counterparts such as government ministries, development and private sector partners, civil society organizations, private sector, and academic/research institutions.

• Computer literacy, with ability to analyse and interpret data using Excel, online reporting tools, or statistical packages such as SAS, SPSS, or STATA.

• Excellent management, communication, and organizational skills (attention to detail is required); flexibility and capacity to multi-task.

• Possesses the required oral, written communication, presentations skills in French (equivalent to R4/S4) and English (equivalent to R2/S2).

• Work experience in Laos is strongly preferred.

• Laos citizens/nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY: Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. This position is contingent upon award and funding. RTI is proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. Please apply directly to the following link: http://m.rfer.us/RTIQqp97d.