Program Officer, Evidence and Learning Full-time Job

Overview:

Living Goods seeks a highly motivated Program Officer to join its Evidence and Learning (E&L) team, contributing to the delivery of data collection, synthesis, and visualization related to research studies as well as monitoring of Living Goods’ programmatic and advocacy outcomes.

The Evidence and Learning team at Living Goods aims to (a) improve the operational efficiency and impact of community health programs managed or supported by Living Goods; (b) support Living Goods’ thought leadership efforts through generating new evidence on how best to improve primary healthcare; and (c) help Living Goods make strategic course corrections, when needed, using data on progress, outcomes and contextual changes.

This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a high-impact organization, work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, and develop technical and program management skills related to evaluation, data management and evidence-based policy influence.

Responsibilities:

Help coordinate research activities as directed by the Program Manager, Senior Program Officer and/or Senior Manager (E&L); tasks may include stakeholder mapping, creation of MOUs and data sharing agreements, management of consultants and research assistants, and day-to-day coordination with research partners. Ensure smooth running of program implementation while adhering to deadlines.

Lead in the collection of qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring the highest standards of data quality. Duties will include (a) managing data collectors, (b) holding data collectors accountable for delivering high quality data; and (c) performing data quality checks. In conjunction with Program Manager, provide appropriate training for the field teams and/or research partners on research/evaluation protocols and data collection instruments.

Contribute to data quality improvements. Identify, monitor and mitigate quality-related project risks as needed. Duties will include monitoring and flagging anomalies in research data; proposing steps for data quality improvements; leading trainings on the importance of data quality; performing spot checks of primary data collected; and working with community health workers to re-survey households where potential issues are noted.

Contribute to study design, the preparation of study protocols, development of training materials and monitoring tools, data analysis and report writing under the supervision of the Senior Manager (E&L) and/or Program Manager.

Write high-quality program reports as needed, synthesizing evidence to draw compelling implications for practice, policy or additional areas of study. Ensure that all program reports align with program strategies, and meet funder standards.

Assist with literature reviews, gap analysis, and desk reviews to determine what evidence already exists regarding programmatic issues and strategic needs, and summarize and circulate these findings. Document project findings, and support preparation of dissemination activities.

Identify potential conference/workshop presentation and journal publication opportunities, and draft abstracts and manuscripts.

Support stakeholder mapping for influencing priority agendas. Present Living Goods’ E&L findings to internal and external audiences to maximize their impact. Conduct desk research on relevant global initiatives and trends.

Work closely with team members and program partners to identify barriers to optimal execution, determine effective solutions and strategies for program delivery and implementation.

Provide financial and operational oversight, ensure accountability of program activities to Living Goods procedures, standards and policies, as well as donor requirements. Ensure grant reporting and program compliance. Responsibilities may include maintaining comprehensive program documentation, drafting communications materials and supporting knowledge management initiatives. Identify bottlenecks to achieving financial targets and make strategic recommendations on remedial activities to maintain program success.

Maintain professional internal and external relationships that meet Living Goods core values and contribute to strategic initiatives.

Represent Living Goods at external partner meetings, as assigned.

Any other duty assigned.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences, economics, public health or related fields. Possession of a Master’s Degree is an added advantage.

At least 2-3 years relevant professional experience.

Experience of qualitative data collection required (interviewing, focus group discussions, etc.) and ability to oversee quantitative data collection.

Experience coordinating small-to-medium scale field research projects, and a strong understanding of field research methodologies, logistics, and security.

Exceptional quantitative, qualitative and analytical skills; and data interpretation skills. Ability to triangulate different sources of data and generate evidence for improved programming and policy engagement.

Proficiency in data analysis packages such as Stata or SPSS and statistical packages.

Good understanding of implementation research and the impact evaluation landscape.

Excellent project management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines, and monitor work progress in line with grant requirements.

Effective writer with outstanding report writing skills, and good oral communication skills with demonstrable ability to communicate findings from impact evaluation studies.

Strong relationship building and stakeholder management skills.

A good team player who can work with minimum supervision in a fast-paced environment.

Demonstrated leadership abilities and skills with the ability to work independently and in teams.

Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.

High level of integrity, accountability and responsibility.

Fluency in English and other local languages is a MUST.

Living Goods is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Living Goods empowers networks of community health workers to deliver life-saving care to the doorsteps of women and children in Uganda, Kenya, and beyond. We work with governments and partners to ensure community health workers have the tools, training, and compensation they need to provide high-impact health services.