Job purpose
The Senior M&E Officer (SM&EO) will function as the primary point of contact for all research, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) initiatives, encompassing data validation, Data Quality Assessments (DA), coordination meetings, capacity-building efforts in data quality, and supportive supervisory visits aimed at strengthening the health management information system within the SMC project in the designated state. In collaboration with the M&E Manager and Digital Health Team (DHT), the SM&EO will oversee the coordination of all Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICT4D)/digitalization initiatives to support Malaria Consortium’s implemented projects, campaigns, and activities across the state. Additionally, the incumbent will provide assistance to and report directly to the M&E Manager on the monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
The scope of work encompasses a comprehensive range of duties, responsibilities, and deliverables essential to the successful execution of assigned projects. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, adherence to established protocols, and alignment with organizational objectives. Key tasks include conducting thorough analyses, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the position demands proficiency in specialized tools, strong problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality outcomes.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the project team, reporting directly to the State Project Manager while receiving technical oversight from the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Manager, and indirectly from the Preprogrammed Director, to achieve the project’s objectives.
Key collaborations will involve interfacing with a diverse range of stakeholders, including executive leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners, to drive strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. These interactions require strong interpersonal skills, the ability to influence without direct authority, and a commitment to fostering productive, solution-oriented partnerships. Effective communication and negotiation will be essential in navigating complex relationships and advancing shared goals.
The incumbent, reporting to the State Coordinator and collaborating closely with state, local government area, community representatives, stakeholders, and partners, will execute designated project components in alignment with assigned duties and anticipated outcomes.
Key responsibilities are allocated according to the following percentages of time dedicated to each focus area:
Technical contributions 50%
Develop and execute monitoring and evaluation (M&E) initiatives in accordance with the approved work plan for the PLASMA initiative, under the direction of the Project Manager.
Liaise with the M&E Manager and DHT to coordinate and operationalize all ICT4D/digitalization support to implementation of projects, campaigns and activities in the state.
Function as the primary contact for all monitoring and evaluation activities pertaining to the project within the state.
Deliver consistently accurate and up-to-date data to support informed programmatic decision-making on an ongoing basis.
Oversee the end-to-end data collection and management workflow, encompassing the gathering, processing, and analysis of information required for results reports, performance evaluations, and other deliverables such as briefings, summaries, and presentations tailored to diverse stakeholders. Additionally, ensure these processes are executed before, during, and after each round of mass drug administration through SMC, including rigorous sentinel site monitoring.
Coordinate and oversee the preparation of documentation for PLASMA activities, compiling reports as required, and maintain a systematic archiving process to ensure efficient access and retrieval of these records.
Provide support to program and project managers in crafting comprehensive monitoring plans designed to ensure accurate quantitative and qualitative reporting on project performance metrics.
Maintain a high-quality database for the project, ensuring it aligns with regional standards and remains consistently updated.
Assist in the development and execution of work plans, sub agreements, budgets, pipelines, technical reports, and deliverables.
Consistently track project performance in comparison to established targets, ensuring alignment with PLASMA Project objectives. Additionally, compile and submit regular reports detailing monitoring and evaluation activities to stakeholders.
Engage in comprehensive project assessments, evaluations, and design processes, including the creation and implementation of survey protocols.
Program Management responsibilities encompass 10% of the role, where the individual will oversee project planning, execution, and delivery to ensure alignment with strategic objectives. This involves coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines, allocating resources effectively, and mitigating risks to uphold project integrity. The position requires a keen eye for detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate progress and challenges clearly to stakeholders. Additionally, the role demands proficiency in program management tools and methodologies to drive efficiency and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
Provide assistance to Smog staff in managing program coordination activities, including ensuring scheduled coordination meetings occur at both the LGA and state levels.
Collaborate with state and local government area (LGA) Ministry of Health personnel to facilitate the systematic collection of reports from all health facilities across the state, utilizing established state-specific protocols.
Conduct routine monitoring and oversight visits at health facilities supported by the OF, and facilitate the creation of action plans to address any identified deficiencies.
Facilitate collaboration with health facilities to ensure comprehensive implementation of all action plan items, as well as the timely resolution of any unresolved gaps.
Leverage strategic coordination to ensure effective implementation of ICT4D and digitalization initiatives across the MCU, LGA, health facilities, and community levels.
The position requires a high degree of personal responsibility, with 10% of performance evaluation tied to accountability. Employees must ensure tasks are completed with precision, deadlines are consistently met, and outcomes align with established goals. This includes owning both successes and setbacks, proactively addressing issues, and maintaining transparent communication regarding progress. Demonstrated reliability in fulfilling commitments and adherence to ethical and professional standards are essential to fulfilling this responsibility.
Dedicated to empowering programming staff, this role involves collaborating closely with them to actively engage key populations in the assessment and evaluation of program effectiveness, while simultaneously integrating participatory methodologies into Nigeria-based monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Program staff and partners in Nigeria will receive comprehensive orientation on the fundamental principles and practices of beneficiary accountability to ensure alignment with established standards.
Assist in establishing and executing feedback and response mechanisms that align with the preferences of community members and beneficiaries.
Ensure beneficiary feedback is thoroughly documented, promptly addressed, rigorously analyzed, and effectively utilized by program teams.
Knowledge Management and Learning responsibilities account for 20% of the role, focusing on the systematic collection, organization, and dissemination of information to enhance organizational efficiency and employee development. This involves curating best practices, maintaining accessible repositories of institutional knowledge, and facilitating continuous learning initiatives to support professional growth. The position requires proficiency in tools and methodologies that streamline information sharing while ensuring accuracy and relevance. Additionally, it entails identifying knowledge gaps, implementing strategies to address them, and promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation through structured learning programs.
Facilitate ongoing evaluation by state and program teams to ensure that M&E plans and tools are consistently reviewed and appropriately modified according to evolving field conditions, emerging needs, and insights gathered from monitoring data and reflection sessions.
Facilitate learning-to-action events and reflection sessions with the objective of conducting systematic data analysis for programmatic application at the state level, while also documenting key insights and integrating these lessons into program design and implementation.
Perform routine data evaluations and analyses to generate actionable feedback for state-level program enhancements, as well as to furnish updates to national stakeholders, including the MC and government entities.
Support program staff by assisting with essential initiatives such as crafting a comprehensive learning agenda, coordinating recurring learning events, facilitating operations research, and overseeing the documentation, reflection, and dissemination of learning outcomes.
Support knowledge management systems and practices to gather, document and share best practices with project team, MC country office, government and technical partners. Collaborate with M&E and program staff to develop learning briefs, project bulletins and other materials for dissemination.
Promote adoption of the best practices in knowledge management by other project staff and government partners.
Representation (10%):
Liaise with technical counterparts in the State Ministry of Health, and other local stakeholders engaged in malaria activities in Nigeria.
Engage in Monitoring, Evaluation, and research-related events and meetings, such as quarterly Principal Recipient and Sub-recipient review sessions.
Engage collaboratively within the M&E Community of Practice and alongside government M&E personnel.
Person specification
Qualifications and Experience:
We seek a candidate with a proven track record in a related field, ideally holding a relevant degree or certification. A minimum of [X] years of professional experience in [specific industry/function] is required, along with expertise in [specific skills or tools]. Strong problem-solving abilities and exceptional communication skills are essential. Familiarity with [specific regulations, standards, or methodologies] is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning, and the capacity to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
Essential:
Hold a degree in statistics, demography, mathematics, or any other closely related quantitative field.
Requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in the relevant field.
Individuals must possess a verifiable understanding of local contexts, including community priorities, social and cultural factors, as well as real-world constraints that influence community assessments, project design, evaluation, and implementation.
Highly preferred qualifications include prior involvement in monitoring and evaluating community-based initiatives.
Proficiency in operating HIS and CLMS, coupled with a solid understanding of Nigeria’s public sector healthcare frameworks, will provide significant benefits.
We seek professionals with a proven track record in designing and executing surveys, building and managing databases, and analyzing survey data to produce comprehensive written reports.
Proven expertise in managing data and performing quantitative analysis is required. The ideal candidate will possess strong capabilities in handling and analyzing numerical information effectively.
Desirable:
Proficient in both written and verbal English communication.
The essential professional skills and qualifications required for this position include a strong proficiency in relevant industry practices, a demonstrated ability to apply technical expertise, and effective communication skills to collaborate with team members and stakeholders. Candidates should possess a proven track record of problem-solving, adaptability to changing priorities, and a commitment to continuous learning and development. Additionally, familiarity with industry-specific tools, software, or methodologies is highly desirable, along with the capacity to manage projects efficiently and meet deadlines consistently.
Essential:
Possesses a comprehensive grasp of health systems strengthening, encompassing critical components such as governance, financing, workforce development, information systems, and service delivery. Demonstrates expertise in identifying gaps, implementing targeted interventions, and fostering sustainable improvements within health systems to enhance efficiency, equity, and resilience. Applies evidence-based strategies to address systemic challenges and promote integrated, people-centered care. Proficient in analyzing health policies, evaluating program impacts, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive meaningful change at local, national, or global levels.
Skilled in database management systems, particularly THIS, along with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Demonstrated experience in utilizing statistical software applications including State, SPSS, and EPI Info.
Possesses robust analytical capabilities along with a proven track record of translating high-level strategic objectives into practical operational frameworks.
Proven proficiency in written and verbal English communication, including strong presentation capabilities, is required.
A versatile and cooperative approach, coupled with an unwavering dedication to service excellence, defines the ideal candidate’s working style.
Proven ability to facilitate and coordinate complex initiatives with precision is essential. Strong organizational skills are required to manage multiple tasks and stakeholders effectively. Must demonstrate expertise in aligning team efforts toward shared objectives while maintaining clear communication channels.
The successful applicant should demonstrate a keen eye for detail, exceptional organizational abilities, adaptability, and a strong sense of self-motivation, complemented by outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
The candidate must demonstrate a strong capacity to organize and execute tasks efficiently while consistently meeting strict deadlines.
Desirable:
Proficiency in qualitative research methodologies is essential for this role. The position requires a strong ability to design, conduct, and analyze qualitative studies to derive meaningful insights. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in various qualitative techniques, including interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observations. Experience with data analysis tools and frameworks for interpreting qualitative data is also necessary. A deep understanding of thematic analysis and other qualitative data analysis methods is expected.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 years