Strategic Information Officer

Vacancy: Strategic Information Officer

Location: Nairobi

Proposed Start Date: March 2016

Introduction

Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) is an affiliate of University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). UMB has a Global Health Program which is delivered through the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) and housed by various institutes among them the Institute of Human Virology (IHV). Since 2004, IHV has partnered with the governments of Kenya, Guyana, Haiti, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia to address each country’s growing HIV and AIDS epidemics. The Institute has led efforts to build National Health Systems in each country via strategic international, national, and local collaborations through the design and implementation of unique education, training, and treatment programs addressing each country’s complex HIV/AIDS epidemics. In Kenya, UMB through the Institute of Human Virology started operations in 2004 under the AIDS Relief Project consortium funded by Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through HRSA/CDC. This was the beginning of UMB’s work in Kenya which has seen implementation of 11 grants to-date. MGIC is seeking a suitably qualified person able to fill the position of Strategic Information Officer, under the Boresha Maabara Grant.

Boresha Maabara Grant

“BORESHA MAABARA” (improve laboratory services) is a five (5) year project funded through the US Government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The project seeks to enhance diagnostic testing for the prevention, surveillance and treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis, and other HIV-related opportunistic infections. The project is implemented jointly by the Ministry of Health, National Public Health Laboratory Services, National Blood Transfusion Service and the respective County Governments.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of Senior Technical Advisor, The S.I Officer will provide technical assistance in Strategic Information/Monitoring and Evaluation for the project at national level and designated counties. This will include supporting data management for timely quality reporting and optimal utilization of data for enhanced decision making among other roles.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Facilitate routine data management including data collection, cleaning, validation and compilation;
2. Take lead in data analysis, generation of reports and presentation to the project on a monthly/quarterly/annual basis.
3. Develop and revise M&E processes and related tools that support quality assurance for key project areas;
4. Provide training and mentorship to site level staff on M&E activities such as data collection, analysis and interpretation;
5. Conduct data quality assessments and develop action plans to inform improvement interventions for enhanced service coverage;
6. Collate and disseminate strategic information towards achievement of the 90-90-90 targets;
7. Provide mentorship/ coaching on improving functionality of manual and electronic laboratory management information systems to enhance linkage of laboratory data to patient care data systems;
8. Facilitate functionality of National TB/HIV surveillance systems including supporting database management and sample repository/archiving systems;
9. Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Bio-statistics, Biological Sciences or other related discipline.
2. A post-graduate degree as well as training in M&E will be an added advantage.
3. At least 3 years’ experience in supporting M&E systems for public health projects.
4. In-depth understanding of HIV and TB M&E mechanisms.
5. Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet packages (MS-Excel), database management systems (MS-Access or Epi-Info), MS-Word, MS-Power-Point, the internet, SPSS or STATA
6. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
7. Exceptional report writing skills
8. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
9. Good analytical and presentation skills

Desired Skills

1. Ability to work independently, under pressure while at the same time adhering to strict deadlines.
2. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
3. Excellent analytical skills and problem solving skills.
4. Innovative with a high degree of initiative
5. Organizational skills
6. Excellent Leadership & Presentation skills b

HOW TO APPLY:

If you meet the above qualifications, you are requested to send your application and CV tohr@mgickenya.org by March 2, 2016. Candidates are required to quote the title of the position being applied on the subject line of the email. Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.

Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.