The Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) Program of Makerere University School of Public Health seeks to recruit two people for the position of Management Information Systems Technical Advisors. See Job Description below. Interested applicants should deliver hard copy applications to the address below, not later than 5.00pm February 10th 2016.
Office of the Dean
Makerere University School of Public Health
New Mulago Complex Road
P.O. Box 7072, Kampala.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title : Management Information Systems Technical Advisor
Reports To : Management Information Systems Manager
Liaise With : Coordinators, Deputy Program Manager, Program Manager, METS staff
Number of Posts: Two
BACKGROUND
The Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) program is a five year CDC-funded collaboration between the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). The overall program purpose is to promote evidence-based decision-making for an AIDS free generation by supporting the alignment of the USG supported Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting systems with the national M&E framework resulting into a fully functional one M&E system. In this regard, METS is seeking to recruit competent, self driven and hard working individuals to fill the position of MIS Technical Advisor to support and provide technical, program monitoring and evaluation.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The incumbent will serve as subject matter specialist for Strategic Information (SI) related tasks pertaining to HIV/AIDS activities. Bringing his or her specialized technical knowledge and work experience in public health data management, surveillance, evaluation strategies and research methodology. s/he will be responsible for the collection and ensuring data quality assurance of HIV/AIDS related data.
The incumbent will focus on monitoring implementing partner reporting requirements, using PEPFAR data management systems such as Site Improvement through Monitoring Systems (SIMS), and Data for Accountability Transparency and Impact (DATIM) (online platform), and Expenditure Analysis (EA) as well as national systems (DHIS2). Furthermore, the incumbent will provide technical guidance to 1) Improve the capacity of all CDC supported implementing partners to be able to report reliably; 2) ensure all data reported to CDC is of high quality.
As a METS staff, the MIS Technical Advisor will work closely with all other METS team members in a coordinated, collaborative and cooperative manner to ensure realization of program objectives
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In consultation and collaboration with the CDC Strategic Information team and implementing partners, the incumbent responds to all MIS related activities, such as developing strategies for improved data management Information Systems, data collection, cleaning, aggregation, analysis and dissemination especially for purposes of reporting on PEPFAR indicators to CDC Uganda, USG agencies and other national stakeholders
Project Implementation and Management
- a) Participates in the planning, designing, and implementing data quality processes aimed reviewing, and improving data.
- b) Works with CDC supported implementing partners to provide technical and program support to the collection, cleaning, aggregation, analysis and submission of the quarterly, Semi-annual (SAPR) and Annual reports (APR)
- c) Works with the various program teams to ensure activity work plans and monitoring plans are properly implemented and results documented.
- d) Participates in data collection and analysis, training of staff and CDC implementing partners in PEPFAR M&E protocols and tools and assists in the dissemination of information for timely utilization by OGAC, PEPFAR related USG agencies, implementing partners, and key stakeholders.
- e) Guides efforts to streamline and standardize CDC Implementing partner reporting efforts through dialogue on reporting processes and routine monitoring of the quality, accuracy, and consistency of reporting.
Data Management Systems
- a) Supports the CDC Strategic Information teams to build capacity and utilization of key Information Systems including SIMS, DATIM and the National DHIS2
- b) Utilizes appropriate data management systems to monitor indicators for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care activities.
- c) Analyzes quarterly programmatic data entered by implementing partners into PEPFAR’s
Data for Accountability Transparency and Impact (DATIM) online platform.
- d) Provides assistance to the PEPFAR team in interpreting data on indicators, targets and results.
- e) Responds to requests from CDC Strategic Information teams, Implementing partners and national stakeholders for information and technical assistance on strategies for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care activities.
- a) Responds to other program related duties as assigned by the Program Manager and/or the Deputy Program Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education: A Master’s degree in one of the following disciplines: Health Sciences; Social Sciences; Applied Mathematics, Information Science or a strongly related discipline is required.
Prior Work Experience: The incumbent should have at least five years of progressive and responsible experience in public health at the local, national, regional or international levels that entailed responsibility for public health project activities. The incumbent should also have experience working with U.S. Government agencies, international development organizations on PEPFAR-funded projects. Expertise in supporting health projects related to HIV or health systems strengthening would be an asset.
Required Knowledge and skills
- a) Strong knowledge of Health Information Systems, data quality assurance, analysis reporting and best practices in data dissemination and usage is required.
- b) High level of competency in managing data information and evaluations of large scale health or HIV/AIDS activities is required.
- c) Knowledge of public health programs, strategies, methods, processes and techniques used to plan, develop, implement and evaluate results of development projects is required.
- d) Knowledge of data management processes and tools, including web-based database systems is required. Strong skills in project monitoring, interpretation and evaluation of data are required.
- e) Strong oral and written communications skills are required to develop and maintain effective, sustainable working relationships with implementing partners and both national and international working partners to prepare required reports.
- f) Strong computer literacy especially with Word and Excel software to create and edit charts, tables, graphs and presentations, in addition to the effective use of email and the Internet are required.
- g) Ability to use survey indicators, monitoring systems and evaluation designs.
- h) Ability to effectively gather, interpret, and report on data obtained from a variety of sources, including competent use of reliable and valid instruments.
- i) Ability to facilitate training workshops and present technical Strategic Information data in a clear and concise manner to audiences with varying degrees of knowledge/experience in the area of M&E.
- j) Ability to operate successfully in a team environment and to work independently.
- k) Excellent interpersonal skills.