Principal Technical Advisor, MERL

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

29d

About The Position

Jhpiego is an international non-profit health organization affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University. Reporting to the Principal Technical Advisor (MCGL M&E Lead), the MCGL MEL Principal Technical Advisor is accountable for applying technical expertise and knowledge to deliver, adapt and/or modify high-quality technical approaches that reflect best practices in monitoring, evaluation and learning for maternal, newborn, child health, immunization and nutrition programming. They will identify and assess changes in needs, priorities, requirements and operating conditions, ensuring MEL approaches are aligned with and responsive to organizational, client and donor needs and requirements. supporting selected MCGL core and country teams for their routine Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, needs, such as selection of key indicators, development of Performance Management Plans (PMPs), and reporting to the donor. They also are responsible for improving the use of Adaptive Management and Learning (AML) across the MCGL portfolio and for liaising with others at Jhpiego to disseminate lessons and learn from them. They will do this by dynamically assessing needs for building capacity of MEL, program, and leadership staff in AML, and influencing their motivation to use and share adaptive techniques. This can include development of materials, leading participatory workshops, mentorship, facilitating peer-to-peer learning activities, as well as identification, development and dissemination of cases studies of the use of AML. They will support Jhpiego's global positioning and reputation in the practice of Adaptive Management by representing the organization externally. The Principal Technical Advisor will manage managerial and technical staff, co-lead the development of the MEL/AM workplan, budget, and reporting to the donor.

Requirements

Master's degree in Health Policy or a related field, with Doctoral degree preferred
10 years related experience in health systems
Additional experience may substitute for required education to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula
In-depth knowledge of health systems in low and middle-income countries, service delivery models and government data systems (HMIS, EMR, LMIS)
Strong experience in data management and performance monitoring of MNCH-N and immunization indicators
Strong technical skills, including ability to process and analyze data using one or more statistical software packages, including at least one of the following: SPSS, Epi Info, Stata.
Familiarity with PowerBI, DHIS2, Kobo, ODK
Experience in developing data analytics and effective data visualizations and disseminating project results
Experience in implementation research, including use of both quantitative and qualitative methods
Experience with Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA) approaches
Experience with capacity development and/or mentoring of professional staff
Experience with new business development, including writing and reviewing proposals and contributing to technical design
Experience with USG-funded MNCH-N and/or other donor funded projects
Comprehensive understanding of current global health funding priorities and players
Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including the ability to communicate technical content verbally, in writing and through dynamic presentations.
Ability to work under pressure, team player who is comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment
Ability to travel up to 30%, as needed

Nice To Haves

Proficient oral and written English language skills; proficiency in French or Portuguese
15+ years in similar position

Responsibilities

Provides senior level, high-quality technical assistance by combining best practices for MEL with strategic program expertise, guidance and advice for country programs.
Ensures that programs that are assisted are technically sound, cohesive, evidence-based, and responsive to the priorities and needs of the countries and donors
Ensures cohesive and integrated technical approach across project components to maximize impact.
Leads the development of guidance and learning resources as well as the lead for defining and testing new tools and innovations for accelerating achievement of results
Assesses and analyses data and identifies trends. Addresses complex programmatic and technical challenges by working across project and partner staff to develop or adapt technical interventions or approaches to accelerate progress.
Obtains buy in from donors, partners and government stakeholders to ensure MEL approaches are responsive to their needs and priorities.
Ensures country and core performance data are captured and communicated effectively in routine country and global reports, presentations to donors
Conducts data management, analysis and visualization for assigned technical and cross-cutting areas
Provides thought leadership for development of the MEL and data systems strategy and approaches based on knowledge on global technical and donor trends and stakeholder needs
Leads implementation of priorities identified in global technical strategy and workplan
Builds technical capacity within Jhpiego and coaches and mentors staff accordingly, including developing and implementing annual training plans, learning activities, and materials to support capacity building
Supports business development activities including identifying and supporting new opportunities and leading the incorporation of appropriate M&E and AML components of proposals.
Identifies opportunities to demonstrate Jhpiego's technical excellence in the field of MEL in external fora
Positions the organization as an insightful thought leader in MEL through participation in external advisory or working groups, global meetings and events and international conferences
Provides support to the realization of external communication priorities including supporting the development of success stories, blogs, and other program and technical related communication materials that demonstrate Jhpiego's technical expertise, results, and programming excellence
Supports field staff to present and disseminate learning from country implementation
Contributes to the development of peer-reviewed publications
Provides coaching, guidance and mentorship to direct report(s) where needed
Sets targets and objectives for assigned area and delivers results
Grows team expertise to align with program and organizational direction while continually looking for ways to provide / enhance the value delivered
Leads a high-performing team and provides ongoing feedback and performance reviews
Tracks, monitors and effectively addresses and / or rewards performance of team members
Manages employees in compliance with all HR policies, procedures, guidelines
Shares knowledge, information, skills and subject matter expertise among the team and ensures the timely communication of issues while encouraging good working relationships with other functions / teams
Recruits for all hires to ensure a highly diverse, qualified workforce with the necessary capabilities needed to achieve goals