GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.:21-55

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 3, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 16,        2021 (4:30 PM East Africa Time).

4. POSITION TITLE: Project Management Specialist (Data                        Management)                                                   

5. MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-PSC 10: Step 1: 3,203,516.00          KSH to Step 13: 5,445,968.00 KSH per annum). In accordance                with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of  USAID/      Kenya and East Africa. Final compensation will be negotiated within          the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Initial six (6) months probationary            period, with an additional six (6) months upon successful completion        of probation period. Additional four (4) option years contingent on            fully successful or better performance rating, funds availability and          the continued need to retain the position.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya; with possible travel as        stated in the Statement of Work.

8. SECURITY CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: Prior to joining USAID, the      selected candidate will be required to:

• Undergo a comprehensive background investigation
• Undergo a health check to obtain medical clearance and;
• Obtain and Retain an embassy issued Security Certification.

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: (See Below).

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to qualified Kenyan Citizens.            USAID provides equal opportunity and equitable treatment for                employment of all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex,        national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or            sexual orientation.

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position requirements do not involve            rigorous physical demands.

BACKGROUND

USAID/Kenya and East Africa invests in population and health programs at national and county levels that aim to improve the survival, well-being and productivity of the Kenyan population by reducing the burden of major infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, and addressing the main causes of maternal and child illness and deaths.  This includes cross-cutting work to strengthen healthcare systems and build capacity, and to support the national government to formulate key policies and guidelines while assisting counties to better plan, manage and finance quality health services to meet local needs. 

The Health Population and Nutrition (HPN) office is USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s (KEA) largest office, managing a portfolio valued at over $400 million annually.  The office receives funding from a number of U.S. Presidential Initiatives, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), Feed the Future (FtF) as well as other USAID health funds for family planning, maternal newborn and child health, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene.  USAID Kenya and East Africa has a Kenya Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) with the goal “Kenya’s governance and economy sustainably transformed.”  The Health Population and Nutrition Office’s portfolio contributes to this strategic goal by primarily contributing to the CDCS Development Objective (DO) 2 “Health and Human capacity strengthened.”

The Project Management Specialist (Data Management) of the Health Population and Nutrition (HPN), USAID/KEA serves as one of the key strategic information (SI) technical advisors to the HPN Director and Team Leaders (HIV/AIDS, Family Health, Malaria, and Health Systems Strengthening) in the management of strategic information under the HPN portfolio.  The Project Management Specialist is one of four members of the Strategic Information and Monitoring and Evaluation Team, and reports to the Project Management Specialist (Strategic Information/Monitoring and Evaluation).

The incumbent in her or his capacity as Project Management Specialist (Data Management) shall:

• Develop clear and well-structured analytical plans and analyzes large data-sets of programmatic and national cross sectional survey data, and this will include analyzing HIV, tuberculosis (TB),malaria, family planning/reproductive newborn and child health (FP/RMNCH), nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programmatic data, Demographic and Health Survey data, HIV Impact Assessment data, Malaria Indicator Survey data among others.                                                                                                 
• Work within and across the health sector portfolio understanding the strategic programmatic data requirements, while ensuring total compliance with all planning and reporting requirements, plays a critical role in managing the evolution of HPN’s data management and analytical programs and systems.                                               
• Actively collaborates with HPN’s team leaders, national programmatic institutions such as the National AIDS Control Program (NASCOP), National AIDS Control Council (NACC), Family Health Division, Malaria Control Program, and Division of Health Informatics, Monitoring and Evaluation among other key stakeholders, in conducting gap analyses and in supporting the leadership of national programs’ through analytical data processing.                                                                                  
• Builds statistical data analytic models, validates and improves the performance of these models over time in addition to creating efficient and reusable computer application programs meant for the improvement, manipulation, and analysis of data.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. PLANNING AND RESULTS MANAGEMENT                        60 %

• Provides technical support in all data analytical processes critical for the HPN portfolio’s performance management, specifically; planning data analyses, conducting data analysis, results interpretation and dissemination to USAID KEA technical staff and implementing partners.                                                                                        
• Plans and implements data quality assessments for HPN, and supports implementing partners in the development of data quality improvement plans.                                                                           
• Provides technical assistance to implementing partners including but not limited to: interpretation of indicators’ definitions and their reporting requirements, identification of potential areas of errors in the computation of coverage results across different outcome indicators, and development of technical program performance review forums.                                                                              
• Assists the HPN team on the use of relevant data management systems (databases) such as; PEPFAR’s DATIM, PANORAMA, DHIS2, FACTS Info, and PHES. Serves as subject matter expert on all data management systems, and supports HPN technical staff in the use of user-friendly data analytics programs that integrate data from different databases in answering specific questions on health outcomes of interest.                                                                        
• Trains for HPN technical staff and implementing partners on various data management applications, methods and techniques to meet the specific data needs of PEPFAR, TB, malaria, FP/RMNCH, WASH, and nutrition programs. 

• Ensures that all HPN technical staff is exposed to the evolving data management and analysis techniques in response to changing technological innovations in the areas of data management, analysis, presentation, and use. 

• Evaluates the results achieved by implementing partners against their targets and tracking overall progress in achieving PEPFAR, PMI, TB, RMNCH/FP, WASH, and Nutrition goals as outlined in relevant strategic planning and activity level agreements. As necessary, adapts targets to be consistent with appropriated budgets, country constraints, and new opportunities.

2.  STRATEGIC PLANNING                                                  20%

• Provides analytical products from different data sources such as routine program, surveys, and surveillance data to support the development of new and/or adaptations of existing activity designs, and the strategic directions of the HPN portfolio, improving evidence-based programming.                                                               
• Provides advanced data analytical support to national technical working groups (TWG) during the development of national strategic plans, development of national program evaluation reports such as Demographic and Health Surveys, HIV Impact Assessments (HIA), Malaria Indicator Surveys, Kenya Health Facility Assessments, among others.                                                                                  
• Participates in national TWGs and provides technical support in the development of data capture programs for the national household surveys and health facility assessments.

 3. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, COORDINATION &                                   REPRESENTATION                                                         20 %

• May serve as the Contracts Officers Representative/Assistance Officers Representative (COR/AOR), Alternate COR/AOR and/or Activity Manager for strategic information (monitoring and evaluation, health management information systems, surveys and surveillance) activities, as assigned. Analyzes program performance data and financial reports, including reports on activity burn rates and pipelines and expenditure accruals, reviewing reports from partners with particular attention to activity and financial indicators.                                                                                      
• Liaises with USG counterparts, including Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Department of Defense (DOD), State Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (S/GAC) and Department of State (DOS) on critical strategic information issues for PEPFAR programming areas including programs target setting, reporting requirements and results management.                                                                  
• Supports USAID/KEA’s efforts to rapidly strengthen and use the one host country national monitoring and evaluation system in collaboration with the; U.S. Government PEPFAR Country Team, Government of Kenya (GOK), NASCOP, NACC, Family Health            Division, Malaria Control Program, Kenya National Tuberculosis,  Leprosy and Lung Disease Program, and development partners. Kenya's National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program, and development partners.                                                                                     
• Program, Kenya's National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program, and development partners. Kenya's National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program, and development partners.                                                             
• Participates in national strategic information TWGs for the health sector (HIV, TB, Malaria, RMNCH/FP, Nutrition, and WASH).

POSITION ELEMENTS

A. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The Project Management Specialist (Data Management) works under the supervision of the Project Management Specialist (Strategic Information/Monitoring and Evaluation). Assignments are made orally and in writing.  Most assignments are self-generated, and occur in the normal course of the work.  S/he exercises independence in most phases of the assignment, but determines those situations that must be coordinated with the supervisor.  The supervisor provides a review of the assignment, the goals and objectives to be achieved, and the results expected.  The incumbent seeks advice and assistance as required.  Completed work is accepted as technically correct, and the overall assignment is reviewed in terms of results achieved.

B.  SUPERVISION EXERCISED: N/A

C.  AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: PEPFAR Planning and Reporting Guidelines, USAID regulations (including the Automated Directives System), the CDCS Performance Management Plan, HPN PAD Monitoring and Evaluation Plan including its Logical Framework Analysis provide broad guidelines as to the conduct of work related to the duties described above.  USAID and PEPFAR program both have other documents and background papers on strategic information (health management information systems, monitoring and evaluation, surveys and surveillance) which may also provide valuable resources.

D. EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: The incumbent works with a high level of independence in managing OPH monitoring and evaluation systems, and in informing and advising technical staff and IPs on data collection and measurement in Kenya.  S/he uses considerable judgment in developing ideas and proposals, and in determining the appropriate analytical approach to be used for a particular analysis.  The incumbent also exercises considerable judgment in determining who to involve or not involve in a particular activity, and proposes teams to accomplish the objectives and analyses agreed to.

D. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: The Specialist retains the authority given to activity managers in USAID, and may make administrative arrangements and determinations consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy.  The Specialist must take action and establish priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment.  Guidance should be sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status.  The Specialist will on occasion be required to negotiate ad referendum for the supervisor.

E. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Maintains a range of contacts with host-government professional staffs, representatives of other donors, and senior-level professional staff of other HPN Teams and Offices within the Mission.  Maintains contact with leaders from private-sector and non-governmental organizations.  These contacts may involve sensitive program and project management matters (e.g., failure to comply with agreed-upon conditions precedent).  The purpose of these contacts is to collect information, organize input into program reviews and strategic objective/activity evaluations, and on occasion to explain the entire USAID/KEA PEPFAR program and its objectives.

F. TIME EXPECTED TO REACH FULL PERFORMANCE: One year.

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in the monitoring, and evaluation of public health development projects is required.  Experience in the application of statistical methods and field research experience is required. Demonstrated ability to provide technical support and capacity building in; high quality data capture, and the management, analysis and use of data for decision-making is required.  Prior work experience in database management, data informatics, delivery of technical and scientific presentations and report writing is highly desirable.  Experience with USAID, PMI and/or PEPFAR programs, policies, and regulations is desirable.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: The incumbent must have in-depth professional-level knowledge of strategic information and monitoring and evaluation principles, concepts and practices, especially as they relate to managing public health and HIV/AIDS programs in Kenya.  S/he must possess expert quantitative and analytical skills, an ability to develop monitoring and evaluation protocols, devise measurable indicators and set appropriate and achievable targets to measure performance outcomes.  S/he must possess demonstrated competency in data management systems and data analysis applications such as MS Access, SPSS, STATA, and Spectrum.  The Incumbent must be able to proactively and independently locate reference materials and data, research and analyze quantitative and qualitative data and present interpretation of said resources in concise and appropriate written reports.  S/he must be able to develop a variety of data tools for analysis, aggregation, and interpretation of data, including but not limited to country-specific workbooks, dashboards, data visuals, indicator and budget trend analysis charts, geospatial data mapping and program monitoring informatics.  This position requires a thorough knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire a thorough knowledge of USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation; and, the objectives, methodology, and status of projects assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: This position requires experience in a management capacity, political analysis, and program reporting and monitoring, as well as strong interpersonal and team-building skills.  The ability to serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions is essential.  The incumbent must possess a familiarity with a wide range of issues, such as program evaluation, public health, community development, economic policy, and democracy and governance.  S/he must be able to prepare clear, substantive reports and briefing papers in English, in a timely manner, and have the ability to develop a thorough understanding of USAID and host-government policies and procedures.  The position requires flexibility, an ability to react to changing systems with sound analyses, and the ability to work under pressure.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Applicants must submit a resume/cv which describes how their relevant professional experience and education has prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above.  As part of the interview process, those applicants ranked highest may be required to submit a timed writing sample on a topic provided.  The selection committee may conduct reference checks at any time during the selection process. 

Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. 

• Prior work experience (30 points)
• Job Knowledge (40 points)
• Skills and abilities (30 points)

Total possible points:  100

Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks.  References will be asked to assess the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above criteria.  USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed applicants.  The interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS:

1.  Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted through myjobsinkenya.com as stated in Section IV.

2. Submissions will only be accepted through myjobsinkenya.com/usaid. Late and Incomplete applications (those that do not contain the applicant’s most current and up to date detailed CV and relevant education certificates) will not be considered for the position. The closing date for receipt of applications is indicated above.

3. USAID provides equal opportunity and equitable treatment for employment of all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation.

4. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

5. USAID DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING) AND DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.