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Job Overview

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Advisor will be responsible for developing and implementing the project’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning strategy, in accordance with IRC, USAID, and international best practices. S/he will work closely with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, the Senior MEAL Coordinator, other technical staff, technical and consortium partners to ensure that relevant data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform design and program management decisions, and to provide quality and timely program reporting and program updates, as required.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the program, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Major Responsibilities

Leadership, Program Quality and Partnership

• Develops, manages and implements a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning strategy for the program, including a system across all program components that leverages qualitative and quantitative methods, and draws from a variety of data sources to measure progress towards targets and evaluate impact, as well as support Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA)
• Participates and provides inputs to program strategy, including necessary adjustments or refinements to program workplans
• Develops, coordinates and strengthens capacity sharing partnerships with MEAL counterparts of consortium agencies, technical partners, service providers, local organizations and Government entities
• Represents the program on MEAL aspects at internal and external meetings, forums, and other events, as requested
• Ensures capacity strengthening of consortium partners and works closely with service providers and stakeholders to ensure timely access to quality program data and evidence
• Champions design, access and use of data by leaders and consortium partners for shared learning and evidence-based decision-making
• Shapes and implements MEAL systems and approaches that meet USAID and IRC’s standards and practices, program needs, enabling accountability to clients, partners, and stakeholders, and fostering program learning
• Promotes technological and social innovation in MEAL and leads pilots aimed at data visualization and dashboard digitalization
• Reinforces integration of cross-sectoral priorities in MEAL, including gender equality, inclusion, protection, safeguarding, disaster risk reduction, and Do No Harm
• Develops and ensures compliance with procedures for collection and reporting of program performance data to provide quality and timely data.

Technical Oversight

• Provides technical leadership for an efficient monitoring system and reliable processes throughout the project cycle from the design, efficient and compliant implementation to close-out and learning including:
• Using learning and evidence from internal and external sources including previous projects and USAID-funded health activities to inform proposal design and Theory of Change
• Developing and operationalizing, logical framework, MEAL plan, data collection tools, processes for data management, consolidation and back-up, clients feedback approaches, quality checks and audits, and data visualization
• Conducting regular visits to project sites to provide on-site technical assistance, ensure proper monitoring of program activities and efficient implementation of program tools by program and field teams as well as consortium partners and stakeholders
• Developing and advocating for adequate MEAL budget and staffing structure for the program
• Producing high-quality data, analysis, reports, presentations, and dashboard of key findings that foster learning and decision-making and share in key meetings such as project cycle meetings, strategic senior management team meetings and meetings with USAID/Nigeria
• Communicating information obtained through MEAL activities to program staff, and external stakeholders, including USAID, to enable informed decision making
• Provides technical leadership for the design, method, and conduct of surveys such as baseline, midline and endline, and the commission of evaluations and surveys as required in coordination with program management, technical advisors, and consortium partners, when needed
• Leads and advocates for the expansion of standard mobile data technology and online dashboard to enhance timeliness and quality of data collection, analysis and visualization
• Provides technical leadership to project efforts in meeting its internal and external accountability commitments through the implementation of sound accountability, client feedback, and response mechanisms
• Establishes a robust data quality assurance system by conducting regular routine data quality assessments and on-site data verification.

Staff Management and Development

• Promotes the growth and development of others within the program team and consortium partners by assessing proficiencies, developing and leading targeted learning and training strategy, providing coaching, mentoring and supporting M&E and MEAL staff, providing vital tools and resources, as well as on the job training
• Supervises medium to large sized MEAL team across multiple sectors and geographical areas by setting clear performance objectives, managing staff work plans, establishing regular performance reviews, championing a positive working environment for professional development, fostering an inclusive and respectful team climate, where all staff are valued and respected and can contribute to their maximum potential
• Leads the recruitment of country MEAL staff, temporary seconded staff, consultants and, support their onboarding.

Job Requirements

Education

• Advanced degree (PhD or MA) from an accredited university in Social sciences, International development, Evaluation research, Statistics, or a related discipline required. Equivalent experience may be substituted for graduate degree.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a similar MEAL role for multi-million-dollar health programs – design, implementation and management of health programs- in Nigeria or relevant context, preferably for USAID
• Experience with USAID’s CLA approach preferred
• Minimum of 5-year experience in working directly with national, state and/or local health authorities
• Demonstrated experience working in conflict and crisis-affected environment, preferably in Western Africa
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of diverse stakeholders: consortium partners, local organizations, service providers, state and local authorities, institutions, contractors, etc.,
• Leadership experience and proven technical skills in setting up quality M&E and MEAL systems that leads to evidence-based decision-making for complex programs
• Proven experience managing large, diverse and geographically dispersed teams and tack-record proving technical guidance, coaching and mentoring to program teams working closely with international and partners
• Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods together with strong presentation and reporting skills
• Self-motivated with excellent organization, planning, and analytical skills – able to work without close supervision, including prioritizing work and multi-tasking
• Proficiency and experience with mobile data collection such as: CommCare, Kobo, ODK Collect as well as proficiency with Microsoft Excel, SPSS, STATA or other similar software,
• Knowledge of PowerBi, Tableau, or GIS software are additional assets
• Strong understanding of accountability and proven ability to build Client Feedback Systems is a distinct advantage
• Experience working to incorporate issues of social accountability, transparency, and equity in health programs, including gender equality, diversity, and disability inclusions,
• Capacity to work well under pressure, and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively cross‐culturally is critical
• Excellent oral and written communication in English and interpersonal skills with evidence of ability to productively interact with a wide range and levels of organizations
• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office suite
• Commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion
• Ability to Travel: minimal.

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Job Overview

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will have responsibility for all aspects of strategic and operational finance, acting as the principal finance business partner to the Chief of Party (COP) and other Senior Management Team, as well as conforming to IRC’s financial control environment and CFO standards and objectives.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the program, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Major Responsibilities

Leadership and Program Compliance

• Establishes program’s finance and supporting function policies, systems and procedures, and directs or performs their development, documentation, and implementation
• Leads start-up immediately upon award, including establishing field offices as relevant, setting up the ERP system, crafting a staffing plan, and preparing for annual workplans and budgets.
• Ensures that all policies and procedures are compliant with USAID and the IRC policies, procedures, and requirements
• Maintains strict adherence to USAID cost allowability principles through thorough review and justification of all project expenditures.
• Enforces internal control policies and procedures
• In compliance with IRC policies, establishes procedures regarding cash holding limits, cash movements and foreign currency holdings for the program
• Designs, implements, and monitor systems, procedures and reporting necessary to maintain updated accurate forecasts of cash requirements for meeting future spending, including commitments entered into and which obligate IRC to future spending
• Closely monitors all financial activities and keep the COP, Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) and Country Senior Management Team advised of all situations which may have a negative impact on internal controls or financial performance
• Leads the project’s annual budget process and monitors budget execution to ensure adherence to the implementer and USAID regulations
• Ensures project delivery meets best practices for operational policies and procedures, for their impact and compliance, with a specific focus on AIDAR conformity
• Supports consortium partners with finance, accounting and administrative matters, maintains collaborative partner relations, and ensures effective delivery of program support when needed
• Oversees all sub-recipients and sub-grantees’ adherence to USAID, the IRC, and host country policies
• Oversees development, delivery, capacity building, and monitoring of sub-grantees
• Directs the preparation and approval of all USAID financial reports in respect to accounting, legal and contractual requirements and ensures the review of such reports by the COP and IRC headquarters (HQ) prior to submission
• Manages all procurement activities to ensure smooth and efficient implementation of project activities and minimization of fraud and related risks.
• Reviews and submits invoices that reflect accurate service delivery, ensuring timely collections within contractually obligated timelines
• Maintains current knowledge of local Government requirements related to financial matters and ensure compliance with tax regulations and other legal requirements
• Coordinates and leads the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the IRC Finance team and Senior Management Team, supervise implementation of audit recommendations when necessary.

Technical Oversight

• Establishes program finance roles and responsibilities matrix; ensures job descriptions are updated; recruits and maintains qualified staff to perform finance functions
• Provides oversight of Operations teams, including Procurement, Finance, Grants, Logistics, HR, Security, and Administration support staff
• Manages all project finance activities and schedules to meet the financial reporting requirements and deadlines specified by USAID and the IRC HQ
• Assists with the preparation and revision of project budgets
• Provides program management and program staff with monthly actual-to-budget expenditure reports and analysis for project funds and facilitate the review and discussion
• Prepares quarterly accrual reports, expenditure reporting, and burn rate projections
• Prepares annual and monthly cash budgets based on approved funding
• Supervises the preparation of Cash Transfer Requests to IRC HQ and ensure that appropriate cash balances are maintained to facilitate program implementation
• Supervises all project office bank relations and bank account activities including negotiation of fees, interest and currency exchange rates
• Oversees the timely preparation, review and approval of all monthly bank account and cash reconciliations
• Provides program management and program staff with monthly actual-to-budget expenditure reports and analysis for project funds and facilitate the review and discussion
• Ensures balance sheet reconciliations are completed monthly and on a timely basis and review final reconciliations and trial balances with the COP.
• Any other duty assigned

Staff Management and Development

• Promotes the growth and development of others within the Operations teams and consortium partners by assessing proficiencies, developing and leading targeted learning and training strategy, providing coaching, mentoring and supporting staff, providing vital finance and accounting tools and resources, as well as on the job training
• Supervises medium to large sized Operations team across multiple sectors and geographical areas by setting clear performance objectives, managing staff work plans, establishing regular performance reviews, championing a positive working environment for professional development, fostering an inclusive and respectful team climate, where all staff are valued and respected and can contribute to their maximum potential
• Leads the recruitment of program Finance staff, temporary seconded staff, consultants and, support their onboarding.

Job Requirements

Education:

• A Masters’ degree from an accredited university in Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce or Finance with a recognized professional certificate in accounting such as CPA.

Work Experience

• Minimum of ten years of experience in a similar Finance, Compliance, or Operations role for multi-million-dollar health programs – design, implementation and management of health programs- in Nigeria or relevant context, preferably for USAID
• Experience managing USAID cooperative agreements and overseeing financial management and reporting on USAID-funded programs with international and local sub-recipients and grantees
• In-depth knowledge of USAID financial management processes, rules and regulations, budgeting and reporting requirements required
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices, financial reporting standards, financial management processes and procedures
• Extensive experience in working with computerized accounting systems, standard spreadsheet and database programs
• Significant previous experience working in crisis-affected contexts, preferably in West Africa and/or Nigeria
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders.
• Capacity to work well under pressure, and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively cross‐culturally is critical
• Excellent oral and written communication in English and interpersonal skills with evidence of ability to productively interact with a wide range and levels of organizations
• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office suite
• Commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion
• Ability to Travel: minimal

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