Data Use Specialist

The Futures Group International, Inc. Established in 1971, Futures Group develops and delivers innovative, locally relevant, evidence-based solutions to improve the health and well being of people around the world. We assist governmental and non-governmental agencies, foundations, and the private sector by designing, implementing and evaluating programs in HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, population and family planning, maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and gender. Futures Group has deep expertise in policy and advocacy, research and strategic information, health markets and private sector engagement, modeling and economic analysis, patient monitoring and management/HMIS, strategic consulting, and program management.Closing date: 31 Dec 2010
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
Project Summary
APHIA II Evaluation project is a 5-year, USAID funded project that seeks to contribute to the strengthening of Kenya’s ‘one national monitoring and evaluation framework’. The specific Activity Objective of the project is to strengthen capacity of the Ministry of Health’s National Health Management Information System and USG’s (CDC, USAID, DOD and Peace Corps) implementing partners’ Monitoring and Evaluation Systems to collect and use HIV/AIDS, RH/FP and MCH data.

Position Summary
The Data Use Specialist will assist the project to strengthen the capacity of key M&E partners to use population and health data in decision-making. Specifically the Specialist will develop systematic approaches and apply proven, effective best practices and appropriate tools to increase demand for health system data and ensure that the information is used in an evidence-based decision-making process. The Data Use Specialist also manages and monitors the project’s data use portfolio and contributes to project results reporting.

The Data Use Specialist will work from the project’s Nairobi office, reporting directly to the Chief of Party and will be supported by short assistance from Futures Group’s HQ.

Key Responsibilities
• Manage the timely implementation of the data use work plan and integration with related M&E project activities. Promote the use of data use strategies and tools in all project activities.
• Support the national roll out of the Kenya District Health Profile tool. Work with national trainers and District Health Teams to ensure integration of the tool into district-level program monitoring and planning.
• Implement the assessment of the District Health Profile tool.
• Facilitate the use of DEMMIS data in the education sector through training and technical assistance to key stakeholders.
• Assist the Division of RH to identify key data needs.
• Provide support to the Population Studies and Research Institute and the Department of Public Health Kenyatta University in the design and implementation or short courses on data use and analysis and interpretation.
• Facilitate the use of mortality data at the local and national levels.
• Prepare technical reports, training curricula, literature reviews and other project documents, tools and reports.
• Assist with logistical arrangements for project workshops.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Public Health with 8-10 years of professional experience.
• Experience with monitoring & evaluation in a health-related project.
• Familiarity and understanding of the Kenyan health system especially the decision-making process within the health system.
• Familiarity and understanding of routine data systems in public health.
• Experience with communication strategies and/or knowledge management. Ability to synthesize information and utilize communication approaches to disseminate that information
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and to be able to work independently.
• Experience with varied training approaches, curricula development and training methodology. Proven experience facilitating training events.

To respond to this position, please email your resume and cover letter to careers@futuresgroup.com with the title of the position and Reference # in the subject line of your email. Thank you!

For more information on our company, please review our website: www.futuresgroup.com

Futures Group provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

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