OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Strategic Information Director is a key leadership position that is responsible for overseeing the management, operation, and technical excellence of the following project areas to ensure successful project adaptive management: monitoring, evaluation, research and active learning (including data analytics and performance management); knowledge management; data and digital health information; and communications. As a thought leader in these areas, the Strategic Information Director sets the vision for the project information systems, and directs a team of experts and staff in these areas to ensure we are meeting USAID’s goals, and sharing successes and lessons with all stakeholders and the broader development community. The Strategic Information Director represents the program in health information industry arena and collaborates with country and regional stakeholders. The Strategic Information Director will also lead the project and country teams in the strategies to strengthen local information systems (public and private) to improve supply chain and pharmaceutical management performance and support country teams in performance monitoring, information use for decision making, communications, evaluation, research, and learning.

The Strategic Information Director will oversee the program work streams related to the design/development, management, implementation and upgrades of monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) and performance measurement systems to assess (and subsequently improve) the performance of the supply chain services and systems supported or established by the program, and ultimately, the impact of the program. S/he will lead the use of data analytics to guide program decisions and drive continuous improvement. Working with program’s leaders, the Director Strategic Information will lead and provide strategic input into project research and relevant collaborating learning and adapting (CLA) activities.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working with the MEL team, provide strategic input into the design, development and implementation of the program MEL system including the development of indicators, setting targets, monitoring project progress, and ensuring timely data collection and ensuring data quality assurance which is consistent with the USAID & PEPFAR results frameworks.
• Liaise with the project financial team to track the budget in relation to all project results and outcomes.
• Oversee the compilation and validation of data, graphic and analysis for quarterly and annual reports.
• Lead in exploring, piloting, and amplifying innovations in information systems, data analysis, sharing learning and adapting with the project and with stakeholders.
• Oversee the provision of data analysis and technical inputs to the technical and operations teams in order to assist in strategically informing program decisions and support performance improvement.
• Provide regularly updated reports on the status of implementation against the program’s goals and objectives to Program Director and management teams members.
• Collaborate across all program initiatives and with the KM and Communication team in identifying project activities, processes and/or outcomes that are worthy of documentation and design a system for capturing and sharing key communications, including lessons learned and best practices.
• Working with respective technical advisors, provide strategic input into project research activities and developing and implementing a robust learning agenda, and ensure that research leads to actionable recommendations to improve the project performance.
• Provide guidance for the development of project knowledge management strategies and systems.
• Lead and supervise a team of several senior-level technical directors and experts.
• Provide technical leadership and coordinate with partners/sub-awardee on strategic information related matters.
• Lead the project to support theory of change exercises and M&E framework to establish the foundation of technical approach and measurement system and ensure alignment with goals and objectives.
• Oversee the development of country-specific MELPs, working with country teams and mission representatives to develop indicators & tools aligned with the country program scope, as well as with global project requirements.

• Working closely with the project team, subcontractors, other partners and stakeholders in achieving high MEL standards and the collection, analysis, utilization, dissemination of data and learning.
• Support and coordinate the overall M&E capacity, including preparation of written guidance, training and mentoring project staff both at headquarters and in participating countries, and reviewing annual work plans and routine reports (includes interacting with program managers, implementing agencies, and local partners on needs and ensuring that local M&E staff, consultants, and partners can fulfill these needs).
• Collaborate with the project team in identifying project lessons, processes, tools, and/or outcomes for documentation, and design a system for capturing lessons learned and best practices and sharing that learning broadly through articles, events, conference, etc.
• Support and contribute to the development of flexible, adaptable and user-friendly measurements, learning and knowledge management mechanisms with innovative data visualizations and dashboards to support results-based decision-making, ensuring storytelling across the results framework, funding streams, etc.
• Develop project research strategy in collaboration with academic institutions and other donor funded projects, promoting a learning agenda and overseeing research initiatives in areas where there are gaps in knowledge or data.
• Ensure that project M&E meets international standards by supporting the development and implementation of data quality assurance mechanisms including data quality audits and document lessons learned and best practices in M&E according to USAID and PEPFAR guidelines.
•  Lead and manage technical review and ensure quality of project written communications; support the project management team in the production of the quarterly and annual reports and updates of the MELP results, including all reporting to clients.
• Fostering a culture of CLA within the project by designing and implementing adaptive management practices, utilizing data for continuous program improvement, and facilitating regular “pause and reflect” sessions to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.
• Building the capacity of local partners, government stakeholders, and project staff in MERL methodologies. This includes providing training, mentorship, and technical assistance to enhance local expertise and ensure sustainability.
• Leverage digital health technologies to enhance data collection, management, and utilization. Collaborate with digital health specialists to implement innovative solutions that improve MERL processes.
• Encourage and guide the development and implementation of knowledge management strategies. Including ensuring that lessons learned, best practices, and research findings are effectively documented, shared, and utilized to inform decision-making and policy development.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards in all MERL activities, including maintaining data confidentiality and integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or higher in public health, biostatistics, epidemiology, behavioral/social sciences or a related discipline; education in pharmaceutical sciences is an asset.
• Over 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and overseeing Strategic Information and MERL activities and plans for health projects related health systems strengthening and two or more of these areas: pharmaceutical management, supply chain, HIV/AIDS, infectious disease, and RMNCH in South Africa. With experience in other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) advantageous.
• Extensive experience in the use of mixed measurement methods required for monitoring and evaluation of public health programs with a health systems strengthening component.
• Strong familiarity with USG environment, including USAID and PEPFAR, as well as M&E measurement approaches from UNAIDS, GFATM, UNFPA, and other agencies
• More than 12 years of experience in managing MEL systems and working with national interoperable information systems (e.g. DHIS2 etc.) highly desirable
• Direct relevant experience in quantitative and qualitative research, data management and analysis, data quality assurance, and use of data for decision-making.
• Strong management experience overseeing individuals and teams; interpersonal, written and oral communication (in English); mentoring, supervision, and facilitation skills.
• Experience managing and mentoring staff with diverse backgrounds and cultures
• At least five (5) years of demonstrated experience and success working in partnership with U.S. Government agencies, international donors, or other multilateral agencies. Ability to network and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proven Expertise in Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA): this includes a demonstrated ability to design and implement adaptive management practices, and experience conducting “pause and reflect” sessions and applying data for continuous program improvement.
• Expertise in mentoring and training local partners and government stakeholders in MERL methodologies. Proven track record in building sustainable local expertise.
• Familiarity with implementing and leveraging digital tools to enhance data collection and management. And experience in collaborating with digital health teams for innovative solutions in MERL.
• Ability to develop and implement effective knowledge management strategies. With proven success in disseminating lessons learned, best practices, and research findings to inform policies and decision-making.
• Experience ensuring compliance with ethical standards in MERL activities.
• Familiarity with research protocols, including confidentiality.
• Deep understanding of USAID reporting requirements, including timelines and donor-specific guidelines. Proven ability to align project deliverables with USAID expectations.