UG - Biostatistician

This position contributes to the calling of Medical Teams International by Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) are essential in the design and implementation of Medical Teams International’s programs. The primary role of the MEAL Officer is to work directly with local field program staff to ensure collection of high-quality data to inform programming and report to external stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health and institutional donors. Working closely with the Senior MEAL Officer, Medical Coordinators and MEAL Manager, the MEAL Officer develops effective MEAL systems and data collection tools; collects data using qualitative and quantitative methods; and conducts data entry and analysis and presentation of analyzed information to guide decision making in their respective settlement/District. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Monitoring & Evaluation Maintain a comprehensive M&E plan for the location, including indicators and reporting schedules, and monitor progress toward the plan. Collect, compile and analyze data from MEAL Assistants to produce weekly and monthly reports that inform decision making and support donor reporting. Reports include these but not limited to weekly surveillance data (mtrac ), weekly public health data/report, Quarterly Results report tracker, Global KPI, Uganda Refugee Response Plan (UCRRP)/Activity info, Uganda Refugee Response monitor (URRM), mortality line listing, Enter reporting data into national and donor reporting platforms (DHIS2, HIS and others) according to deadlines. Train MEAL Assistants and clinical staff on HIS and HMIS usage and database utilization; ensure staff adhere to data management best practices and policies. Conduct routine/quarterly supportive supervision and data quality assessments (DQAs) at health facilities to measure the quality of data, identify gaps and develop strategies to improve records and data management Maintain health information systems (HIS), data bases and ensure data security Take lead in location specific health facility and community-based assessments such as Balance Score Card, Client satisfaction surveys, KPC surveys to measure coverage and quality of service provision Support MEAL Assistant to prepare and display up to date performance trends at the health facilities, ensuring availability of necessary logistics, participate in CMEs at facility level on data analysis and interpretation Conduct quarterly performance review meetings at field office level and support MEAL Assistants to conduct monthly data reviews at health facility levels, and prepare action plans in collaboration with the Medical Coordinator to improve data utilization and program implementation Ensure adequate stock of registers and reporting tools available in store and at health facilities and support in the quantification of HMIS tools needs. Collaborate with District Biostatistician to mobilize HMIS tools, training facility staffs on HMIS, and ensure high quality reporting into the Ministry of health reporting systems. Ensure that data practices are conducted with the highest level of integrity and ethics according to professional and MTI Code of Conduct Accountability: Work closely with the Medical Coordinator and Public Health Officer to conduct beneficiary interviews, community listening sessions, focus group discussions, and quality improvement verification visits to the project sites as required by the program to guide decision making Work with the Public Health Officer to regularly monitor UNCHR interagency platform and ensure that feedback, response and complaints are timely and appropriately responded to, as a way of enhancing feedback, trust and confidence with beneficiaries Conduct periodic review and presentation of FRRM incidences/cases to field management Ensure data storage and systems for sharing are set up to protect the confidentiality of personally identifying beneficiary data and adhere to generally accepted principles for data protection. Additionally, ensure that the program teams are oriented on both the donor and institutional data protection policies. Ensure safeguarding of program participants and personnel through promoting an environment of awareness and upholding the code of conduct provisions of Medical Teams Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, and Child & Vulnerable Adult protection policies and sexual harassment policies. Learning: Ensure learning from periodic surveys, monitoring data reviews and beneficiary feedback is documented and shared with program staff to inform programming. One quarterly lesson learnt institutionally/project level is expected from each location. Lead field level performance review meetings and share key recommendations to management Together with the communication focal point, support and organize the collection of success stories, case studies, and photos of activities for knowledge management Maintain a filing system for all location level MEAL activities, reports, and analyses in hard (whenever applicable) and soft copies, including backups. SharePoint and OneDrive is ideal Collaboration and Coordination: Supervise and mentor MEAL Assistants in the program area Coordinate with the District Biostatisticians on submission of DHIS2 data and reporting. Work with Medical Coordinator to determine staffing levels/roles needed to support location MEAL activities Collaborate with the MEAL Manager and Senior MEAL Officer on data sharing, reporting, and quality improvement Coordinate with MEAL counterparts in other organizations and information management working groups. Participate in relevant technical working groups at field level to provide MEAL oversight at field level Ensure the Safeguarding of program participants and employees through promoting an environment of awareness and upholding the code of conduct provisions of Medical Teams Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Child & Vulnerable Adult protection, and harassment-free workplace policies. Incumbents will remain alert and responsive to any child and adult safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child and adult safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding code of conduct and behavior expectations. Utilize volunteers when appropriate. Additional duties as assigned. EDUCATION, LICENSES, & CERTIFICICATIONS Required: Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, public health, Demography, Biostatistics, Statistics, or related subject is required Post graduate diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation is a preferred Preferred: Certificate in Monitoring & Evaluation EXPERIENCE Minimum 3 years of experience in MEAL activities related to Health and Humanitarian response Experience working with local government structures, reporting systems such as HMIS, DHIS2, and refugee health information system (HIS) Experience working with international NGOs is an added advantage KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITITES Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of statistical programs such as STATA, SPSS, ENA, Epi info and Microsoft database management programs such as Microsoft Excel Basic knowledge of principles and current approaches to monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning in humanitarian health and development programs Familiarity with institutional donor requirements related to proposals and reporting Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills Demonstrated expertise in creating and maintaining HIS and HMIS database systems Skilled at using statistical analysis programs to analyse data and create visual representations for information sharing and reporting Strong report writing skills Skilled in training and capacity building with peers Professional working proficiency in English Abilities: Self-directed, intrinsically motivated; proven capacity to multitask, work successfully in a team and be responsive to time-sensitive deadlines. Ability to work collaboratively with others. Ability to present technical information in lay terminology. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS & WORK ENVIRONMENT Physical Requirements : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent use of a personal computer, database and digital platforms, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine and computer printer. Frequently uses hands, fingers, and arms to reach, handle, touch or feel equipment, medical instruments, materials, computer. Frequent communication and exchange of information among colleagues and persons of concern which requires the ability to speak, hear, convey and express oneself. Frequent close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, steps, or ladder depending on the role. Occasionally move about inside an office to access file cabinets, office machinery, meet with colleagues, etc. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move heavy items Seldom to occasionally positions oneself to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. If in travel status, occasional to frequent traversing over rough or steep terrain in either a motor vehicle or on foot. Work Environment : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. The employee may be required to travel t o remote areas of the world where there are potential health hazards and risks, limited hygiene facilities, extreme weather, and very basic living conditions. NOTE: The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of staff in this position. Duties, responsibilities and skills are also subject to change based on the changing needs of the job, department or organization. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by Medical Teams International as the requirements of the job change. Medical Teams International is an equal opportunity employer and DOES NOT at any stage of the recruitment process (application, Shortlisting, interview meeting, processing, reference verification, training) request candidates to make payments of any kind. Further, Medical Teams International Uganda DOES NOT retain any agent to conduct recruitments on behalf of the organization. Please note that under NO circumstances shall Medical Teams International Uganda be held liable or responsible for any claims, losses, damages, expenses or other inconvenience resulting from or in any way connected to the actions of fraudsters and other false agents. Medical Teams International is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share the same commitment. We believe every stakeholder and every member of the communities we work with has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation - regardless of age, race, religion, and gender, status as an individual with a disability or ethnic origin. Therefore, our recruitment process includes extensive reference and background checks, self-disclosure of prior issues regarding sexual or other misconduct and criminal records and our values are a part of our Performance Management System.