Job Details

Job Description

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Background

The 2024 Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS) results indicate that the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) decreased from 278/100,000 live births in 2018 to 187/100,000 live births in 2024. In the same period, neonatal mortality rate (NMR) declined from 27/1000 live births to 17/1000 live births. Adolescent pregnancy rate remains high at 28%. Despite progress, many deaths occur due to preventable causes such as infections, birth asphyxia, and complications related to preterm births for newborns. and bleeding in pregnancy and after, maternal hypertension and preeclampsia for mothers. A substantial number of these deaths occur in facilities and during transit between facilities or from home to health facilities. The other challenges leading to deaths are low staffing levels, inadequate transportation, poor roads, inadequate/poor infrastructure, and inadequate proper equipment. There is a dire need to support two provinces (Luapula and Northwestern) to strengthen the RMNCHA+N programs to improve critical RMNCHA+N indicators. During implementation of EU-HD programs in 10 select districts of Luapula and Northwestern province there are many activities which will require onsite support.

The consultant(s) will be based at the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Luapula/Northwestern with Provincial and District Health teams. UNICEF is implementing RMNCHA+N programs across 10 districts in Luapula and Northwestern provinces. The consultant will strengthen reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent, and nutrition (RMNCHA+N) program planning, monitoring and evaluation and will contribute to improved service delivery which will be contributing to reducing maternal and child mortality and enhancing health system resilience in these regions.

Position : Provincial Planning Monitoring & Evaluation Officer Consultant Luapula & Northwestern NHRA_UNICEF

Number of positions : 02

Duration of Contract : 1 Year (Renewable)

Type of Contract : Consultant/Coordinator

Duty Station : Luapula and Northwestern

Purpose of Activity/Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to support the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of EU-HD programs, ensuring alignment with national priorities and organizational goals. The

Provincial Planning monitoring and evaluation Officer (H&N)-consultant (PM&E Officer) will work with the District Health Office (DHO) in the UNICEF-European Union HD (EU-HD) project Districts and the District Information Officer within Provincial Government Health Team to strengthen data systems, enhance planning, monitoring, and review processes, and improve the use of evidence for decision-making to maximize program impact.

Key Responsibilities

1.) Planning Support:

• Support the development of annual work plans (AWPs) and ensure alignment with EU and UNICEF’s strategic objectives and national priorities.

• Assist in planning and budgeting processes at the national and sub-national levels.

• Provide technical guidance to program teams in results-based planning.

2.) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):

• Design, develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks and tools for program activities.

• Conduct regular field visits to monitor program implementation and verify progress against targets.

• Lead the collection, analysis, and interpretation of program data to inform decision-making.

• Provide meaningful interpretations of program data to program managers and decision-makers

• Contribute to the mid-term and annual reviews of programs and ensure alignment with results frameworks.

3) Reporting:

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Ensure the quality and accuracy of data reported in donor and government reports.

• Document best practices, lessons learned, and case studies to enhance program knowledge management.

4.) Capacity Building:

• Build the capacity of UNICEF staff and partners in planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Conduct training sessions on data collection, reporting, and results-based management.

5.) Coordination and Advocacy:

• Facilitate coordination between UNICEF, government counterparts, and implementing partners to ensure effective program delivery.

• Support advocacy efforts by providing data-driven insights to stakeholders.

6.) Strengthening Data Systems:

• Assist in the rollout and management of data systems, including DHIS2, community-based management systems, and other platforms.

• Enhance data visualization and reporting tools to improve accessibility and usability of program data.

• Work closely with government counterparts to build capacity for data management and use across various digital platforms.

7.) Any other task given by Supervisor

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Must have a Master’s Degree in Public Health, Health Systems, Hospital Administration, Data Sciences, Health Statistics or related health related sciences.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required

• At least 5 years of practical and demonstrated experience in planning, developing and implementing M&E Plans in RMNCHA+N (particularly for government).

• Demonstrated experience in Programme design, planning, data collection and analysis.

• Demonstrated experience in institutional and organizational capacity building in RMNCHA+N data handling.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) and experience in working with a wide range of individuals in government, private sector and civil society.

• Excellent analytical and research skills, and well-developed report writing skills.

• Proven experience in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Infogram, or DHIS2).

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are encouraged to submit their applications, relevant academic and professional qualifications, detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with traceable referees to [email protected]

Closing date is Friday 24th January, 2025. Note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted to attend panel interviews.