The MEAL Manager oversees the M&E Strategy and works with HAC staff and partners to collect relevant data, compile data into the HAC database, analyse data, report on progress toward targets, publish articles in academic and media publications, and assist in the submission of grant applications. The job will be based in Kampala with regular field visits to program sites in the Central, East Central, and Western regions.

key Duties & Responsibilities

The MEAL Manager provides HAC staff and partners with leadership and strategic direction in research as well as monitoring and communicating results and impact. This includes collecting relevant data, compiling data into the HAC database, analyzing data, reporting on progress toward targets, working with investigators to publish articles in academic and media publications, and assisting in the submission of grant applications. The role will support all programs within HAC and all partners. The job will be based in Kampala with regular field visits to areas where HAC is working.

M&E Strategy

• Ensure the availability of up-to-date monitoring and evaluation framework
• Conduct value-for-money assessments of operations
• Develop and implement Results & Impact (R&I) function operational plans and budgets; ensure that resource management (both financial and HR) is in line with allocated budgets and donor policies
• Follow data collection, analysis, and reporting protocols detailed within the program monitoring & evaluation frameworks
• Design and implement monitoring systems that capture relevant data and indicators.  Create data collection tools, establish data collection schedules, and ensure accurate and consistent data collection from various program activities.

M&E Processes

• Oversee the gathering and entry of outreach clinic data reporting forms
• Collect data forms from communities and health facilities where HAC has activities
• Compile and analyze data from the national Health Management Information System (HMIS)
• Create and oversee survey collection
• Work with community members, healthcare workers, HAC staff, and other stakeholders to better understand data and the relevance of analyses
• Oversee the collection of testimonials, feedback surveys, Success stories and other qualitative data
• Conduct data quality audits and establish continuous quality improvement initiatives
• Oversee data collection, analysis of results, and compilation of lessons learned; ensuring that data is accurate, valid, and analysed in a way that generates meaningful insights for HAC and wider stakeholders

Reporting

• Oversee the compiling and submission of reports to funders, government partners, leadership team, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders
• Prepare regular progress reports and impact assessments for various stakeholders, including districts, Donors and internal leadership
• Lead the preparation of reports (quarterly, annual, etc) for HAC and for the different programs

Research 

• Lead the teams to ensure that research plans and protocols are fit for purpose and compliant with good practice
• Build and maintain research collaborations with partner researchers and organizations
• Conduct background research, drafting, and editing research protocols and forms when necessary
• Maintain Internal Review Board (IRB) approvals
• Oversee M&E interns and temporary research staff

Grant writing & Communications

• Assist with funding opportunity research and compilation
• Ensure timely and consistent dissemination of research outputs and lessons learnt from programs.
• Write updates on newsletter and other social media when requested
• Attend Board meetings and M&E Committee meetings when requested

Qualifications, Technical Competences, Skills, and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development Economics, Statistics, Health sciences, Demography or related field.
• Advanced certificate or postgraduate training in M&E, statistics or quantitative economics is an added advantage.
• At least five (5) years of working experience in an NGO or research organization
• Experience in project performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and performance monitoring plans.
• Experience collaborating with staff and partners to document impact, achieve targets, and compile reports.
• Experience using data and evidence to inform operations decisions and evaluations
• Experience with grant writing and/or grant reporting.
• Skills and experience in report writing and oral presentations.
• Excellent management and organizational skills.
• A self-driven individual who works under minimum supervision; meeting timelines regarding planning, and submission of reporting (narrative and financial)
• A team player with the zeal of working in close collaboration with other project members to deliver quality outputs and results

Preferred

• Experience in implementing public health programs
• Experience with data analysis and presentation software
• Experience with querying and analyzing data from the national Health Management Information System (HMIS)
• Some experience in the use of software applications including Excel, Google Drive, Kobo Toolbox (survey and report collection), Microsoft Power BI, Google Looker Studio, and Slack (messaging).
• Thorough familiarity with principles and current approaches to MRM using participatory quantitative and qualitative approaches, including evaluation approaches.
• Knowledge of research methods and techniques, with strong data analysis skills
• Excellent spoken and written English language communication skills