Jobs at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

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 Chief of Party (COP) will provide overall strategic vision and technical leadership for the activity and supervise management of the program management team. The COP supervises effective implementation of program activities by promoting a learning agenda and adaptative management approach. The COP makes programmatic decisions, oversees quality data collection for decision-making and reporting, ensures sub-grant development and compliance with USAID rules and regulations.

The COP ensures effective collaboration with government stakeholders, various development and health partners, and civil society organizations to guarantee delivery of the program objectives and outcomes, meeting targets within budget, timely submission of quality deliverables and high-level accountability to beneficiaries. The COP provides the necessary guidance to the consortium management bodies and ensures high quality coordination, analysis, and strategic technical directions to the implementation of the project as per award and agreed action plan between the IRC and USAID. The COP is the main activity point of contact for USAID, and serves as advocate and spokesperson to federal and local governments, and other stakeholders.

The COP will work closely with and under the supervision of the IRC Country Director with collaboration with the Deputy Director of Programs (DDP), as well as in close coordination and collaboration with consortium partners.

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

Major Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Technical Excellence
 

• Provides high quality leadership and strategic vision to the activity, with hands-on management when needed, ensuring program activities achieve expected outcomes and targets, coordinated inputs and quality programming with data-driven decision making and adaptative management
• Ensures program implementation in compliance with USAID rules and regulations, agreements signed with partners and IRC internal policies and procedures
• Ensures effective project management, oversees implementation and monitoring of IRC and partners’ program activities, expenditure, M&E and procurement plans, by organizing joint and regular monitoring and review meetings, assessing progress and reviewing program approaches, identifies proactively implementation challenges and solutions to reach program outcomes and targets
• Leads quality of Project Cycle Meetings (PCM) throughout the project period, promotes regular reviews of program progress (internal and external) and budget spending (i.e., through tracking spending plans, BvA meetings, etc), conducts learning meetings in a timely and participatory manner with all consortium members and relevant stakeholders, and proposes recommendations for changes in partners' activities, approaches, and areas of action as appropriate
• Ensures production of quality reports, both narrative and financial, and other deliverables by the consortium
• Ensures a culture of client responsiveness through adequate resource allocation, advocacy, and project design and by requesting and using client feedback data to make decisions
• Works closely with IRC MEAL Coordinator and consortium members to develop and ensure a strong MEAL system in place that adheres to program quality standards and procedures and that data drives decision-making and resource allocation
• Conducts frequent field visits to all project sites for monitoring, quality control and program staff mentoring and coaching
• Works closely with the Senior Grants and Partnership Managers to guarantee implementation of IRC’s Partnership (PEER) system across all sub-awards and promote partnership principles, and ensures consortium partners compliance with USAID and IRC rules and regulations
• Provides leadership and transparent communication to the consortium for timely, quality and compliant program implementation
• Serves as the consortium’s representative to USAID, Federal/State Ministry of Health (F/SMoH), development and technical partners, and local organizations, and coordinates with other USAID-funded activities
• Ensures engagement and coordination with humanitarian and development coordination mechanisms, providing regular program updates to partners and stakeholders and promoting joint planning and implementation

Staff Performance Management, Learning and Development

• Manages a diverse team, both international and national staff, cultivating and maintaining a work environment promoting collaboration and mutual respect, and promotes a strong team spirit by providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their roles
• Hires, supervises, and mentors direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely performance feedback, holding regular meetings, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews
• Identifies opportunities for career growth, where appropriate, and develops capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, as part of succession plan and nationalization goals
• Provides a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths
• Identifies, as required, staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies
• Promotes and monitors staff care and well-being, healthy work-life balance practices, and supports appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs
• Approves and manages time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheets submission and carry out probationary reviews
• Adheres to and acts in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures and communicates through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Health management and other relevant health related subjects, Post-graduate medical degree (MPH, MD, RN, PA, or midwife), or other relevant degrees.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 10-15 years of increasingly responsible experience in designing, implementing and managing large and complex health programs in Nigeria or relevant context
• Senior leadership experience with similar USAID-funded programs required
• Demonstrated experience in PHC, with expertise in at least one of the following sectors: health governance; maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH); adolescent health; family planning (FP), sexual and reproductive health (SRH); nutrition; malaria prevention and service delivery; in insecure environments and areas affected by crisis.
• Experience and knowledge of Nigeria’s healthcare system and working with Nigeria local government officials required
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing inter-institutional coordination bodies within a multi-cultural operating environment. and working with local and international partners
• Demonstrated ability to work with central and local governments, policy makers, national partners and research institutions to promote innovation and local-led initiatives and support local capacity development efforts
• Experience in developing or adapting health standards, guidelines and protocols and working with state/local health authorities, health care service providers and communities
• Demonstrated experience in program management, project design and use of project design tools with hands-on management ensuring program activities achieve the greatest coverage and impact possible, coordinated inputs and technical/managerial quality and programming that is data driven and adaptative
• Demonstrated experience in team building and leading large, geographically dispersed and diverse teams, providing staff oversight and performance evaluation, supervision of deliverables and award management
• 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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Job Overview

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will report to the Chief of Party (COP) and provide technical leadership to the program team as well as operational and financial management oversight over activities in all program locations.

The DCOP is responsible for working closely with Technical leads and experts of consortium partners to ensure an aligned and client-centered approach is applied across all consortium partners and work closely with local government authorities to design, implement and report on program activities and meet program outcomes and targets. The DCOP will ensure a specific focus is placed on program quality and quality reporting by using IRC’s Project Cycle Management tools, IRC’s standard operating procedures and tools.

The DCOP ensures efficient collaboration with consortium partners, State and local government authorities, various development and health partners, and civil society organizations. The DCOP will regularly visit program locations to ensure efficient and compliant implementation of program activities and engage with stakeholders at local levels.

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

Major Responsibilities

Program Management and Quality

• Develops, reviews and monitors, with key program staff, annual work and performance plans to ensure long-term and short-term program priorities are on track to meet program outcomes and outputs
• Ensures close coordination with Technical leads and Experts of consortium partners to ensure a integrated program approach is used across program areas and consortium partners and quality and timely technical program reporting and submission of quality program deliverables to USAID
• Manages the reporting process, including coordination with internal and external stakeholders in accordance with contractual requirements and USAID rules and regulations
• Develops, in consultation with the COP, a clear strategy to enhance complementarities and synergies with other USAID-funded health and nutrition activities in targeted areas and promotes a learning environment
• Designs and rolls out program quality assurance initiatives to address any potential efficiency, effectiveness or compliance concerns
• Identifies implementation challenges and obstacles to programmatic success in a proactive manner and implemented corrective measures as needed
• Manages, on a day-to-day basis, financial and operational support to optimize use of resources through sound budgets and consistent financial tracking

Technical Excellence

• Develops a strategy for mainstreaming governance, gender equality and inclusion principles aimed at increasing participation, responsiveness and accountability in the delivery of health services and working with health service providers
• Tracks project performance indicators in close collaboration with the program Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Advisor and supports any revision of the program’s intervention strategy as needed
• Oversees the overall provision of quality health services and ensures all implementation strategies across various technical areas reflect governance and inclusion principles and best practices
• Provides leadership in the development and adaptation of service delivery models and systems promoting quality healthcare, especially organizational development of LGA Primary Healthcare Departments (PHD) and implementation of social accountability approaches to allow enhanced responsiveness of the health care system and greater participation of users with the ultimate aim to promote quality health care services
• Provides leadership in assessing and designing strategies to improve the management of PHC systems and quality of care at LGA PHD and health facility levels, specifically with planning, budgeting, supervising human and financial resources management
• Provides capacity assessment, capacity strengthening, implementation and monitoring of other Technical leads and experts to ensure equitable access to quality health care services and enhanced mechanisms for users to voice priorities and preferences
• Promotes knowledge management by identifying, documenting and disseminating best practices in strengthening quality of care and PHC systems

Staff Management and Development

• Sets up a core program team responsible for the efficient and compliant design and implementation of program activities
• Supports program staff by creating and maintaining a work environment promoting teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility
• Contributes to the development of field staff through assessment, training, mentoring, and coaching

Coordination and Representation

• Advocates and collaborates with State Ministries of Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Agencies (SPHCDAs), local authorities, health service providers and civil society organizations to incorporate best practices and international standards in health service delivery
• Creates and maintains active and cooperative relationships with all key stakeholders, including with state and local government officials, program partners, health and development partners, and other institutions
• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships between IRC, the consortium and all other partners and stakeholders
• Provides technical contribution to the development or adaptation of national policies, guidelines and standards that promote quality heath care service provision in program locations, ensuring that is accessible, responsive and accountable to users and potential users, and allows users’ voice to be heard

Job Requirements

Education:

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Health management and relevant health related subjects.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 7-10 year experience in designing, implementing and managing health programs in Nigeria or relevant context
• Minimum of 5-year experience in working directly with nations, state and/or local health authorities to strengthen quality of care and PHC systems strengthening
• Demonstrated technical expertise in PHC and/or any of the following sectors: health governance; maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH); adolescent health; family planning (FP); sexual and reproductive health (SRH); nutrition; malaria prevention and health service delivery
• Demonstrated experience working in conflict and crisis-affected environment, preferably in Western Africa
• Proven experience managing large, diverse and geographically dispersed teams and tack-record proving technical guidance, coaching and mentoring to program teams
• working closely with local international partners
• Proven coordination and networking skills
• 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.