Knowledge Management Volunteer – Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Community of Practice

in Practicums/Internships
August 5th, 2015

Knowledge Management Volunteer – Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Community of Practice

Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) was founded in 2002 with a transformational goal: help save the lives of millions of people living with HIV/AIDS in the developing world by dramatically scaling up antiretroviral treatment. Since then, CHAI has pursued several similarly ambitious goals, from scaling up pediatric AIDS treatment in order to achieve equity with adults in a timeframe few thought possible, to rapidly accelerating the rollout of new vaccines. Fundamental to CHAI’s approach is the use of data to define needs, identify actionable solutions and catalyze decision-making.

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is the practice of designing and executing systems for data collection, analysis and dissemination in order to inform programmatic and policy decision-making. M&E at CHAI has evolved as CHAI’s scope, scale, and areas of work have expanded. The Monitoring and Evaluation Community of Practice (MECoP), founded in July 2014, emerged as a grassroots initiative from M&E practitioners across CHAI who wanted to share experiences and best practices. Specifically, MECoP aims to create a platform for CHAI M&E practitioners to:

  1. Share the diverse M&E expertise and experience across CHAI
  2. Engage in collective problem-solving around specific questions regarding M&E
  3. Discuss current and evolving trends in and approaches to M&E
  4. Move towards a shared understanding of M&E best practices, with specific application to CHAI’s programs

These objectives are pursued through two primary means: (1) an online discussion forum, and (2) monthly calls dedicated to a specific M&E topic. Organizational interest in M&E has grown at CHAI, with MECoP membership exceeding 70, and MECoP is looking to strengthen its knowledge management systems. MECoP is seeking a Knowledge Management Volunteer to propose targeted strategies to strengthen knowledge sharing within MECoP, including designing and implementing a resource sharing system.

The ideal candidate is a self-starting individual with demonstrated organizational skills and a shared passion for M&E. The volunteer will be responsible for assessing MECoP’s current practices and identifying opportunities to strengthen knowledge sharing. In addition, the Volunteer will conduct literature reviews of topics in M&E, provide support in organizing monthly calls, and assemble and organize critical M&E resources into an appropriate file-sharing system.

Among the benefits to the candidate will be the opportunity to immerse her/his self in the current M&E literature, allowing the candidate to become well-versed in the most up-to-date best practices in the field. Additionally, the position offers the candidate an opportunity to interact with a diverse group of CHAI M&E staff from many topical program teams and country offices. Participation in the monthly calls will afford the Volunteer exposure to the wider range of M&E strategies across CHAI programs.

Specific responsibilities of the Volunteer include:

  • Assess MECoP’s current practices and propose strategies to strengthen the capacity of MECoP to reach its stated objectives
  • Identify an appropriate file-sharing system for MECoP
  • Organize existing M&E literature and resources
  • Conduct a literature review of M&E resources and update the file system as necessary
  • Coordinate MECoP’s monthly calls
  • This volunteer position would require around no more than 8 hours per week
  • This position is unpaid
  • Projected duration: ASAP for 3-4 months. Would consider a project start in Sept 2015.

Specific qualities sought in candidates include:

  • Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field
  • 2+ years experience working in a results-oriented environment
  • Meticulous work ethic and strong attention to detail
  • Tendency to overachieve or go above and beyond the required expectations
  • Excellent organizational and problem solving skills
  • Strong communication and writing skills
  • Ability to work independently

Pluses:

  • Experience working in M&E or another data-driven field
  • Knowledge management experience
  • Familiarity with issues in global health