Description

The Health Systems Trust wishes to appoint one Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, to support the Global VAX Programme ‘Initiative for Global Vaccine Access’. The project aims to integrate COVID-19 vaccination into routine adult vaccine programmes in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, and leverages existing HIV/TB infrastructure at Primary Health Care (PHC) level to accelerate engagement and address vaccine hesitancy through health education. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the quality of routine health data used in reporting on trends within health services, improving health programme decision-making, and providing information on the quality of health service delivery through a multi-partner evaluation project on COVID-19 vaccination success and integrated vaccine programmes. This will entail giving input for optimising the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the programme to support its governance within the district, as well as ensuring the accurate and timeous development and submission of all reports required by various stakeholders. This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable based on funding and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and execute plans to enhance data quality, including conducting data-quality assessments and developing action plans based on the findings. 
•  Develop and implement comprehensive M&E strategies that align with project objectives. 
•  Supervise the collection, management and analysis of project data to ensure accurate and timeous reporting. 
•  Monitor programme performance, analyse data, and report outcomes to stakeholders and funding bodies. 
•  Collaborate with the Department of Health at all levels to ensure seamless programme execution and stakeholder engagement. 
•  Manage and mentor a team of Data Capturers and M&E Officers to promote high performance and data integrity. VACANCY ADVERTISEMENT 
•  Regularly monitor project activities and outputs against established goals and objectives, using the project’s defined M&E indicators and targets. 
•  Prepare detailed reports and presentations summarising findings, highlighting successes, and identifying areas for improvement to inform stakeholders and guide decision-making processes. 
•  Mentor and enhance the capacity of Data Capturers and M&E Officers in accurate data-collection, analysis and reporting. 
•  Build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including District Departments of Health, community bodies, and civil society groups. 
•  Work closely with the Department of Health, PEPFAR-funded partners, and other stakeholders to ensure co-ordinated programme execution and maximise the impact of the vaccination integration programme. 
•  Act as the main point of contact for M&E in the project, providing technical assistance and fostering effective communication and collaboration among all project participants. 
•  Lead data analysis to assess the impact of past community-based vaccine campaigns and other project components, deriving actionable insights and lessons learnt for future strategies. 
•  Ensure optimal resource utilisation at all times.

Key Attributes

• Time-consciousness, self-motivation, and a results-driven approach are essential, as is the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. 
•  Ability to work as part of a team and independently. 
•  Ability to use personal initiative towards achieving the programme goals. 
•  Excellent administrative and organisational skills. 
•  Strong facilitation and communication skills. 
•  Sensitivity to cultural differences as well as political, confidential and ethical issues pertaining to patient information. 
•  A valid driver’s license is essential.

Education Required

• Degree

Qualification Required

• An undergraduate degree in Public Health or data management, or a related field. 
•  A Master’s degree in Public Health or related field would be an advantage.  Formal training in monitoring and evaluation would be an advantage. 
•  Certified training on TIER.Net software and/or previous experience with TIER.Net data-capturing and reporting. 
•  Knowledge of the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) and health information systems.

Experience Required

• At least five years’ experience in managing health-related data, including data verification and quality assurance, is essential. 
•  A demonstrable background in data analysis in the following programme areas: vaccination, COVID-19, pandemic preparedness, and HIV 
•  would be an advantage. 
•  Knowledge of pandemic prevention, response, treatment, care and support programmes. 
•  Knowledge of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). 
•  A good understanding of South Africa’s public health system, including the national and provincial policies, management and health information systems and structures. 
•  Excellent computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint).