Local Program Lead – GH PEARL

About the Project

USAID-funded Global Health Program Evaluation, Analysis, Research and Learning (GH PEARL) project aims to effectively generate and utilize high-quality data and evidence with the goal of strengthening policies and program implementation to improve health and save lives in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) by achieving four intermediate results (IRs):

• IR 1 Evidence Generated: Quality, availability, and timeliness of monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) evidence and data for learning and action at global, regional, national, and subnational levels improved.
• IR 2 Strengthened Capacity: Local organizational capacity and systems to produce, analyze, visualize, interpret, report, disseminate, and use high-quality data for decision making strengthened.
• IR 3 Improved Metrics and Tools: Robust metrics, methods, guidance and tools for monitoring and evaluation (M&E), research, and collaborative learning and adaptation designed or improved, tested, applied, and disseminated.
• IR 4 Increased Knowledge Use: Knowledge synthesis, translation, and management to inform decision making at global, national, and subnational levels conducted.

Implemented over a four-year timeframe, the GH PEARL project will facilitate effective generation and use of high-quality data and evidence to strengthen policies and program implementation to improve health and save lives in low- and middle-income countries.

GH PEARL is a consortium led by the University of Carolina (UNC), which will work together to assist countries in identifying and adopting proven and innovative approaches to improve the quality, coverage, and equity of Family Planning/Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Nutrition interventions at the global, regional, national, and subnational levels.

About the Role

GH PEARL will implement a Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) activity in Northern Benin to contribute towards all the GH PEARL result areas. Its objectives include conducting primary data collection from nine health implementing partners to improve adaptive management by both the partners and USAID, assessing competencies, and strengthening capacity for Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) approaches. Additionally, the activity aims to develop data collection protocols, including an analytical plan, using a collaborative co-design method and pilot test them before full-scale rollout. The overall purpose of the TPM activity is to ensure that swiftly acted-upon data leads to sustained, improved performance of implementing partners in serving the population of Benin.

The Program Manager will provide strategic and technical leadership in planning, implementing, and supporting program initiatives, focusing on enhancing the capacity of local partners in data analysis and utilization.

This position is only available for Benin residents. Neither relocation expenses, nor accommodation, will be provided for this role.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) plan, protocols, standard operating procedures, and data collection forms.
• Coordinate the work of a local subcontractor for data collection and analysis and verify reporting ensuring that the services are delivered in the required quality.
• Oversee analysis of quantitative and qualitative data by the subcontractor, ensuring quality.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of an adaptive CLA approach to improve communication, information sharing, collaboration and decision-making based on the evidence during the life of the activities.
• Conceptualize, design, and lead efforts to build capacity of local implementing partners and stakeholders on MERL, digital systems for data capture and research, through formal trainings, mentorship, coaching and supervision.
• Capture data use examples demonstrating how data can be used in real-time for continuous quality program improvement.
• Synthesize findings and prepare case studies and presentations as requested.
• Support timely, accurate and appropriate reporting of project activities and results, including narrative progress reports and weekly, monthly quarterly, semi-annual and annual results.
• Lead and coordinate organization of local events and visits.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting and documentation for locally processed payments and locally organized events.
• Maintain strong, positive working relationships with country teams, partners, government counterparts and other stakeholders as primary local point of contact for specific project activities.
• Monitor the security situation and timely record and report in case security developments have direct affect on the implementation of the activity.
• Supporting local market assessment and procurement process.
• Contribute to development and implementation of other related tasks and initiatives, as required.

Reporting Requirements:

This position will report to the Senior Technical Advisor/Activity Lead with the following reporting requirements:

• Weekly update calls with the Senior Technical Advisor/Activity Lead
• Attendance at meetings with clients, governments, business partners, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Monthly review of the project Monthly Management Report before submission to the line manager.
• Exception reports as and when required.
• Reports in relation to the project necessary at a company level as and when required.
• Any other reporting request as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in public health, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, demographics, public policy, international development, economics, or related field.
• At least 5 years’ experience working with health management information systems or routine health information systems, with considerable knowledge of principles, techniques, and methodologies used in the monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing Project Management Plans or other results frameworks, with strong familiarity with development and use of USAID global health indicators.
• Demonstrated experience working with USAID and partners in the field, to improve program performance and build analytical capability.
• Strong research skills, with demonstrated competencies in mixed-methods design, qualitative, quantitative, and case study methodologies, and strong background in technical writing for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Working skills in data analysis with proficiency in a statistical package i.e. Stata, SPSS, advanced excel, or Business Intelligence applications. Experience developing data visualizations to facilitate data use for decision making is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated skills in capacity building through technical coordination, assistance and coaching both face-to-face and at a distance. This includes strong skills in public speaking and delivering training and workshops.
• Able to work in a dynamic and agile environment with changing requirements and priorities.
• Detail-oriented and deadline-driven with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work cross-culturally with flexibility to work across time zones, occasionally accommodating meeting times outside of the regular workday.
• Ability and willingness to regularly travel within Benin, including in Northern Departments.
• Knowledge of project management principles and work with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English are required to communicate technical information to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.

Company Overview:

About Palladium – Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people’s lives.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at [email protected] and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding – We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.