Key Performance Areas:

• Provide strategic, technical leadership and oversight of all (MERL) aspects for the GF MSM/TG programme and project staff at SR, district, and facility levels.
• Development of a robust MERL system to capture and report high-quality, timely, valid, and verifiable data on programmatic results to the PR. 
• Develop and implement a data analytics framework for all the GF MSM/TG programme activities and indicators. 
• Develop and implement learning agenda to inform the PR and other stakeholders about the lessons learned from grant activities. 
• Conduct MERL needs assessments, baseline assessments, routine data quality assessments (RDQA), spot checks, program evaluations and rapid assessments and develop strategies to address identified gaps in line with the strategic objectives of the Global Fund grant. 
• Develop work plan tracking indicators and targets as required.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of a comprehensive project database and ensure accurate and timely storage of electronic files.
• Support the development of grant work plan, data collection tools, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and tracking progress against the set targets. 
• Provide MERL technical assistance on data analytics, reporting and data utilization for decision making to the district, sub-district and facility levels through mentorship and training. 
• Promote a culture of data usage and evidence-based decision making for continuous quality improvement through feedback, training and capacity building activities at district, health facilities and community levels through regular monthly and quarterly data review meetings
• Work closely with provincial and district HAST managers to ensure that program and grant objectives are met. 
• Build and maintain partnerships with all stakeholders including participating in all district and subdistrict MERL meetings, workshops, and discussions to provide ongoing technical support. 
• Supervise and capacitate relevant grant-related MERL staff at the province, district and facility levels to comply with Aurum Institute GF MERL protocols and guidelines.
• Oversee data collection, validation, collation, storage, analysis, interpretation, visualisation and reporting data collected in facilities and community levels. 
• Support grant evaluation activities and assist the PR to identify topics for operational research.
• Responsible for the data analysis, writing, and review of the results and learning sections of program reports in collaboration with program staff, before submission to the PR and ensuring compliance with MERL data quality requirements and timely submissions of reports.

Qualification and Education 

Bachelor’s degree, national diploma or advanced certificate in Public Health, M&E, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Statistics, Health Informatics, Information Management or Statistics, Data Management and Health Information Systems and other relevant disciplines

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• At least 5-10 years of working experience in designing, managing, and implementing results-based MERL activities, especially in public/ private health sectors HIV programmes.
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Practical working experience in setting up and managing MERL systems for health programs and the ability to build capacity and mentor others. 
• At least three years of operational experience with the existing national health information system such as TIER.Net, DHIS, HPRS and others) information systems. 
• Experience in working with GF or other similar donor-funded programmes and a good understanding of the South African Department of Health system, including policies, management and health information systems and structures will be an added advantage

Technical Competencies 

• Excellent report writing, analytical and oral presentation skills. 
• Experience in program M&E including the development and implementation of M&E frameworks, plans, systems, procedures, and policies
• Experience in managing and building M&E capacity including training, mentoring, coaching and supportive supervision of field-based data management teams
• Ability to produce clear graphical representations and data visualizations of public health data especially TB and HIV/AIDS. 
• Critical and strategic thinking as well as problem solving skills.
• Ability to take initiative, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in knowledge management and dissemination of programmatic results and lessons learned.
• Sound problem solving and decision-making skills, effective time management and coordination skills and highly meticulous with attention to detail 
• Competent in Microsoft Office suite and other data analytics software (quantitative & qualitative)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive