New Job Vacancies at Malaria Consortium, 7th August 2019

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Malaria Consortium is one of the world’s leading non-profit organisations specialising in the comprehensive prevention, control and treatment of malaria and other communicable diseases among vulnerable and under privileged populations. We increasingly find our work on malaria can be effectively integrated with other similar public health interventions for greater impact and therefore expanded our remit to include child health and neglected tropical disease interventions. We are recruiting to fill the positions below:     Job Title: Health Management Information System (HMIS) Officer  Location: Abuja, Nigeria Department: Technical Length of contract: 2 years Role type: National Grade: 8 Travel involved: In-country up to 50% Reporting to: M&E Specialist Direct reports: None Dotted Line Manager: Country Technical Coordinator Country and Project Background

• The Nigeria Country Office with office in Abuja, started operations in 2008, through the DFID/UKaid funded Support to National Malaria Programme, SuNMaP (2008 – 2016). The office had presence in 23 states of the country and has managed at various times, about 15 programmes and projects. It follows the mandate of the parent organization in Nigeria and has been working specifically in the following areas:
  • Malaria control/elimination;
  • Integrated community case management (iCCM) for malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea;
  • Nutrition; and
  • Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
• Malaria Consortium recently received a grant to implement SMC in three West African countries including Nigeria. In Nigeria, malaria consortium has decided to use the fund to continue SMC implementation in the 4 states it has been supporting since 2013 with UNITAID (Sokoto and Zamfara), DFID (Katsina and Jigawa) and BMSMC (Katsina) funds.  Under this new funding and any anticipated additional funding, all malaria consortium SMC activities in county will be consolidated into a single project and managed by senior project manager who will report to the country programme manager.  A Zonal Project Manager will head each of the states.

Job Purpose

• The project relies on the HMIS data from health facilities in the intervention areas to demonstrate impact. However, the HMIS data as available on the DHIS2 platform have quality issues.
• The Health Management Information System (HMIS) Officer will support the SMoH to improve on quality of data generated and uploaded on the DHIS2 platform.
• S/he will assist and report to the M&E Specialist regarding using the HMIS data to evaluate SMC intervention in Nigeria.

Scope of Work:

• The incumbent will work as part of the project team under the M&E Specialist overall leadership of Country Technical Coordinator for the attainment of the project goal.

Key Working Relationships:

• The officer working under the line-management of the M&E Specialist and in close collaboration with SMC field staff (Cluster Supervisors and Field Officers), State, LGA, community actors, stakeholders and partners would deliver aspects of the project as per the specified job tasks and expected deliverables.
• The position holder will work closely with focal persons for SMoH HMIS and other partners working on HMIS in supported states

Key Accountabilities (percent of time spent on each area) Technical contributions (90%):

• Assess the HMIS of each of supported states to identify data quality gaps and develop a quality improvement plan to address identified issues
• Support the selection of model health facilities to receive focused intervention and serve as model health facilities for impact analysis for SMC project
• Ensure high quality data are available on a regular and timely basis for programmatic decision making through data validation and DQA processes
• Conduct a regular check of the completeness and timeliness of state and national malaria data in DHIS2 and flag areas of gap and follow up with the states and NMEP and support the states to incorporate corrections from DQA findings in the data on the DHIS2 platform;
• Manage the data collection and management processes from selected health facility HMIS records and DHIS2 platform monthly
• Plan and implement HMIS activities such as data validation, Data Quality Assessment (DQA), coordination meetings, capacity building in data quality and coordinate supportive supervisory visit by MC field staff (Cluster Supervisors and Field Officers) to strengthen health management information system in SMC project-supported health facilities.
• Provide technical assistance to the NMEP/SMEP in the use and management of HMIS tools and DHIS2;
• Support the implementation of the HMIS at field level by leading on users’ capacity building and delivery of in-country training on a variety of  HMIS topics and provide supportive supervision as a continuous learning opportunity for MC field staff and LGA stakeholders

Program Management (5%):

• Support NMEP and SMoH to ensure implementation of the data quality improvement plan
• Support NMEP in her efforts to create a repository for campaign data on DHIS2 platform

Representation (5%):

• Participate in events/ meetings related to HMIS at national level
• Actively participate in the M&E Community of Practice of MC.

Qualifications and Experience Essential:

• Degree in Statistics, Demography, Mathematics or related discipline
• Experience in managing HMIS as well as familiarity with Nigerian public sector health systems
• Experience in DQA and data quality improvement approaches
• A minimum of 4 years post qualification

Work-based Skills and Competencies   Essential:

• A solid understanding of health systems strengthening
• Proficiency in database management especially DHIS; Excel, Word, PowerPoint and demonstrable experience with statistical software packages (Stata, SPSS, Epi Info)
• Facilitation and coordination skills
• The ideal candidate must be attentive to detail, highly organised, flexible and selfmotivated with excellent communication skills in written and oral communication
• He/she must clearly display the ability to effectively prioritise and perform tasks to meet tight deadlines
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model
• Proven writing, communication and presentation skills in English
• A collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality

Desirable:

• Fluency in written and spoken Hausa

Core Competencies Delivering results: LEVEL B -  Take on work when required and demonstrates excellent project management skills:

• Shows a flexible approach to taking on additional work / responsibilities when needed to achieve results
• Demonstrates excellent project management skills to agreed timescales (timelines, targets, donor requirements)
• Makes clear and timely decisions within remit of own role

Analysis and use of information: LEVEL B-  Uses evidence to support work:

• Identifies and uses various sources of evidence and feedback to support outputs
• Uses evidence to evaluate policies, projects and programmes
• Identifies links between events and information identifying trends, issues and risks
• Ensures systems are in place to address organisation needs

Interpersonal and communications: LEVEL B -  Fosters two-way communication:

• Recalls others’ main points and takes them into account in own communication
• Checks own understanding of others’ communication by asking questions
• Maintains constructive, open and consistent communication with others
• Resolves minor misunderstandings and conflicts effectively

Collaboration and partnering: LEVEL B - Collaborates effectively across teams:

• Proactive in providing and seeking support from expert colleagues
• Raises difficult issues with teams/ partners and stakeholders with a view to positive resolution
• Proactive in building a rapport with a diverse range of people

Leading and motivating people: LEVEL B - Manages own development and seeks opportunities:

• Manages own development and performance positively.
• Learns lessons from successes and failures.
• Seeks and explores opportunities within Malaria Consortium which develop skills and expertise.

Flexibility/ adaptability: LEVEL B - Remains professional under external pressure:

• Able to adapt to changing situations effortlessly
• Plans, prioritises and performs tasks well under pressure
• Learns from own successes / mistakes
• Remain constructive and positive under stress, able to tolerate difficult situations and environments

Living the values: LEVEL B - Promotes Malaria Consortium values amongst peers:

• Shows a readiness to promote Malaria Consortium’s values amongst peers
• Promotes ethical and professional behaviour in line with Malaria Consortium’s values

Strategic planning and thinking and sector awareness: Level A -  Manages own workload effectively:

• Plans and manages own workload effectively
• Is familiar with Malaria Consortium’s mission and current strategic plan.
• Understands own contribution to Malaria Consortium’s objectives

Salary Competitive. Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply       Job Title: Senior Health Systems Strengthening Advisor Location: Abuja, Nigeria Donor Title: Senior Health Systems Strengthening Expert Department: Technical Length of Contract: Five years Grade: 11 Travel involved: Up to 40% Reporting to: Line manager: Team Leader, SUNMAP2 Direct reports: Supply Chain expert, Budgeting and Financial Management Expert Dotted Line Manager: TBD Country and Project Background Malaria is highly endemic in Nigeria and it remains one of the leading causes of childhood and maternal morbidity and mortality in the country. Nigeria is deeply committed to making progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goalsand it recognizes the fact that, without firm efforts to control malaria, achievement of the targets related to child mortality, maternal mortality, and reducing the burden of communicable disease will not be possible. Malaria therefore constitutes a significant development challenge for Nigeria. Interventions for reducing malaria burden in the country are documented in the national malaria strategic plan with Government taking the lead in its implementation with the support of all the RBM partners.The DFID funded and Malaria Consortium led malaria programme, SUNMAP, provided technical assistance and other support to the Nigeria National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) covering the period 2008 to 2016. The anticipated follow on project, SUNMAP2 has been designed to strengthen the management and technical capacity of NMEP, State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) and their stakeholders to drive the implementation of the National Malaria Strategic Plan, 2014 to 2020and achieve its ambitious targets. This will include short term technical assistance and technical assistance embedded in NMEPin key areas of programme management,evidence generation and use,and capacity building across all project outputs and ultimately reducing Nigeria’s malaria burden and strengtheningthe Government of Nigeria’s health systems capacity to ensure long term programme and impact sustainability. Job Purpose

• The Health Systems Strengthening Expert will provide technical leadership on all aspects of health systems to improve the quality of service delivery in both the public and private health sectors using malaria as the entry point into the health system at Federal and State levels
• He/she will lead the design and oversight of interventions which usethe WHO Health Systems frameworkand Malaria Consortium’s approach to health systems strengthening to facilitate changes required to embed and institutionalise SUNMAP2 into the Nigeria Health system at Federal,State and LGA levels
• The position holder will work closely with the project team and Short Term Technical Assistance (STTA) to implement evidence-based approaches to achieve the projects outcomes
• The position holder will serve as a resource for up-to-date technical information on how malaria can be used to strengthen health systemsincluding providing technical support to NMEP, SMEP and other key stakeholders
• He/She will supervise a team of twoexperts and support them to implement work plans in a coherent and harmonised manner.

Scope of Work:

• The position holder will lead the development,working with the project team and STTA, of SUNMAP2’s strategy on health systems strengthening using malaria as an entry point into the health system at Federal, State and LGA levels
• He/She will be the focal point for the DFID health systems programme to ensure coordination and harmonisation
• He/She will harness and coordinate expert inputs from STTA into strategy development, oversight and implementation
• He/she will support project team members to adapt the strategy into all streams of work and build capacity of project teams and implementing partners to deliver the projects health systems strengthening strategy
• He/She will provide and coordinate HSS technical assistance to the National and State Ministries of Health, including their Malaria Elimination Programmes
• This will require them to identify gaps which can be addressed through technical assistance
• He/She will support NMEP in its efforts in harmonisation, partner coordination and donor alignment
• He/she will also look to engage with broader health issues such as the sustainable goals for development
• The position holder will lead the projects efforts towards the institutionalisation of specific malaria control interventions such as seasonal malaria chemoprevention and integrated community case management
• He/She will represent the programme on relevant technical working groups, such as the Capacity Buildingworking group under the Programme Management subcommittee.

Key Working Relationships:

• The Senior Health Systems Strengthening Expert will mobilise and coordinate with a broad range of stakeholders to embed the project within the Nigeria health system at Federal and State levels
• They will work closely with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, State Malaria Elimination Programmes in the six SUNMAP2 supported states, public and private sector actors in the malaria control landscapeand SUNMAP2’s STTA providers
• Along with the Team Leader/Project Director he/she will liaise periodically with DFID Nigeria
• He/She will be a member of the SeniorManagement Team (SMT) of the project.

Key Accountabilities (Percentage Level of Effort) Strategic Contributions(10%):

• Leadthedevelopment of project strategy paperson health systems strengthening in which malaria is an entry point into the health system
• This should include financing for sustainable programme impact and alignment with the sustainable goals for development
• Contribute to the development and improvements in the projects value-for-money approach, in particular related to effectiveness and impact optimisation
• Contribute to the development of a framework for technical quality improvement for the project
• Provide strategic technical support to the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), includingsupport in the coordination of partners, harmonisation of tools and approaches, and donor alignment.

Technical Leadership and Oversight (40%):

• Provide technical support to the project’s technical team in relation to WHO’s Health Systems Framework, the National Malaria Strategic Plan, 2014 to 2020 and SUNMPA2’s health systems strengthening strategy
• Oversee the institutionalisation of malaria interventions implementation into the health system at Federal and State levels, from intervention design to quality assurance of implementation
• Oversee data-driven adaptation of SUNMPA2’s HSS strategyto achieve project output and outcome targets
• This will require working closely with other teams within the project and collaboration with partners and other organisations
• Periodically carry out sustainability capacity assessments, working with the Senior MEAL Expert in this regard
• Provide technical support to Ministry of Health in areas such as Planning and Programme management. This includes sustainability of interventions such as SMC and iCCM
• Work with the Team Leader and the Senior Malaria Expert to embed malaria control activities into the broaderhealth systems to improve programme and impact sustainability
• Remain abreast of relevant technical developments in HSS and share them with the project team and with NMEPand SMEP
• Facilitate the use of data and experiential learning to inform quality improvement of project implementation and technical assistance
• Contribute to the use of information management tools such as dashboards to support decision-makers atnational and state levelsto make better use of data,include data from SUNMAP2
• Line manage twotechnical experts, and in so doing provide them with inspiring technical leadership.

Learning, Sharingand Positioning (25%):

• Work with the Senior MEAL Expert to spearhead the use of a learning agenda approach including accountability within the project and amongst key stakeholders such as NMEP and SMEP
• Help to operationalise the learning agendaapproach, results measurementand documentation
• Develop guidance documents on how malaria interventions should be embedded within the health systems and monitored using the project results measurement framework. This may require checklists, SOPs or guidance instructions
• Work with the Senior MEAL Expert to leadthe documentation of experiences and lessons learnt from the project including production of learning briefs, learning papers and general documentation (e.g. narrative reports, infographics)
• Disseminate lessons learned to national and global audiences through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and technical reports

Technical Qualityand Continuous Improvement (10%):

• Facilitate the regular use of project and other information for technical quality improvement
• Facilitate the development and embeddingof standards of annual operational planning and budgeting into NMEP and SMEP.

Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening (10%):

• Lead in building project capacity in health systems strengthening approaches through writing of capacity building tools and work guidance documents
• Organise periodic technical strategy meetings to update the project team on new developments and current trends in using malaria as an entry point into health systems strengthening in Nigeria, in the region and globally
• Work closely with long term technical assistance (LTTA) to NMEP to strengthen its institutional capacity for programme management, and health systems strengthening
• Lead capacity building efforts to strengthen both individual and institutional technical capacities within the National Malaria Elimination Programme, and State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) and LGA levels working with State Malaria Service Delivery Experts.

External Representation (5%):

• Participate in national or regional technical working groups as relevant
• Make presentations at national, regional or global conferences showcasing the HSS approaches we are using in the project, including how programme and impact sustainability are achieved.

Person Specification Qualifications and Experience Essential:

• Postgraduate Degree in Public Health or Development related fields, with a focus on health systems strengthening approaches
• At least 8 years working in technical role with an excellent understanding of health systems
• Significant experience in intervention design and implementation of large-scale health projects
• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities of strengthening health systems in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA)
• Experience with value-for-money measurements
• Familiarity with the Nigerian health system, including government planning and budgeting processesat Federal and State levels.

Desirable:

• Significant knowledge in communicable diseases control
• Experience of supporting development of learning processes and structures, ideally in an NGO context
• Experience working with private sector actors involved in health services delivery.

Work-based Skills: Essential:

• Excellent skills in public health, and in particular related to malaria
• Strong analytical ability
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Management of high performing teams, including abilityto delegate efficiently and technically support teams
• Mentoring and coaching skills with respect to junior staff
• Strong skills in negotiating with and engaging Ministry of Health Officials at all levels of the health system
• Ability to work in a multicultural team
• Results-oriented attitude to work
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to work independently with little support
• Practical organisational skills with the ability to manage a fluctuating workload, prioritise and re-prioritise when necessary and meet tight deadlines
• Able to travel to SUNMAP2 supported states for up to one week at a time to oversee implementation activities
• Attention to detail
• Problem solvingmind-set
• Positive work attitude; a team player.

Desirable:

• Excellent project management and planning skills
• Demonstrable publication writing skills include peer reviewed publications
• Advocacy skills.

Core Competencies Delivering Results: LEVEL D - Inspires wider teams to achieve outstanding results and to manage risks:

• Proactively improves effectiveness and performance of other senior staff to increase ability to meet objectives, acquiring new skills when appropriate
• Encourages mitigating risks amongst the teams/ groups they work with/manage
• Ensures the quality of all internal/ external work of own and others

Analysis and Use of Information: LEVEL D - Analyses the external environment confidently:

• Generates a range of policy options and appraises them based on the internal and externalevidence
• Develops ways of applying new knowledge and ensures lessonâ€�learning with self and wider team
• Analyses the significance of external events and situations for Malaria Consortium.

Interpersonal and Communications: LEVEL C - Adapts communications effectively:

• Tailors communication (content, style and medium) to diverse audiences
• Communicates equally effectively at all organisational levels
• Understands other’s underlying needs, concerns and motivations and communicates effectively in sensitive situations
• Resolves intra-team and inter-team conflicts effectively.

Collaboration and Partnering: LEVEL C - Builds strong networks internally and participates actively in external networks and think tanks:

• Builds strong networks internally
• Participates actively in external networks and/or think tanks
• Engages with relevant experts to gather and evaluate evidence
• Shares and implements good practice with internal and external peers.

Leading and Motivating People: LEVEL C - Effectively leads and motivates others or direct reports:

• Gives regular, timely and appropriate feedback
• Acknowledges good performance and deals with issues concerning poor performance
• Carries out staff assessment and development activities conscientiously and effectively
• Develop the skills and competence of others through the development and application of skills
• Coaches and supports team members when they have difficulties.

Flexibility/Adaptability: LEVEL C - Supports others to cope with pressure:

• Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems and supports others to do the same
• Adapts team approach, goals, and methods to achieve solutions and results in dynamic situations
• Sets realistic deadlines and goals for self or team

Living the Values: LEVEL D - Acts as a role model in promoting Malaria Consortium’s values:

• Champions and takes ownership of corporate decisions, values and standards and ensures team members implement them in a positive manner
• Acts as role model internally and externally in promoting Malaria Consortium’s values
• Is accountable for ensuring that cultural awareness is demonstrated across the area (s) they manage

Strategic Planning and Thinking and Sector Awareness: LEVEL C - Keeps up to date with the internal and external environment:

• Takes into account economic, political and other business factors when drawing up medium and long-term plans, covering both public and private sectors
• Looks beyond the immediate operations to prospects for new business
• Engages with appropriate internal and external sources to establish major influences on future plans.

Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply       Job Title: Senior Technical Specialist Location: Abuja Department: Technical Length of contract: July 2019 - Dec 2020 Role type: National Travel involved: In-country Safeguarding level: TBA Reporting to: Programme Director Dotted line manager: Country Technical Coordinator Grade: 9 Country and Project Background The Nigeria Country Office in Abuja, started operations in 2008, through the DFID/UKaid funded Support to National Malaria Programme, SuNMaP (2008 – 2016). The office had presence in 23 states of the country and has managed at various times, about 15 programmes and projects. It follows the mandate of the parent organization in Nigeria and has been working specifically in the following areas:

• Malaria control/elimination;
• Integrated community case management (iCCM) for malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea;
• Nutrition; and
• Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Currently, the Nigeria country office manages MC programmes/projects in Sierra Leone, Chad and Burkina Faso. In January 2018, Malaria Consortium become a sub-recipient for the grant of the Global Fund (GF) to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria under the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and Catholic Relief Services as the principal recipients. The goal of the grant is to contribute towards reducing the malaria burden to pre-elimination levels and bringing malaria-related mortality to zero by 2020 in Nigeria. This project aims to achieve seven objectives while delivering high quality malaria services in 14 states (MC implementing in 7 of the states - Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Niger, Yobe, Gombe and iCCM only in Kebbi and Niger) through improved service delivery mechanisms, demand creation and health system strengthening strategies:

• To ensure at least 80% of targeted population utilizes appropriate preventive measures by 2020
• To test all care-seeking persons with suspected malaria using RDT or microscopy by 2020
• To treat all individuals with confirmed malaria seen in private or public facilities with effective anti-malarial drug by 2020
• To provide adequate information to all Nigerians such that at least 80% of the populace habitually takes appropriate malaria preventive and treatment measures as necessary by 2020
• To ensure the timely availability of appropriate antimalarial medicines and commodities required for prevention and treatment of malaria in Nigeria wherever they are needed by 2018
• At least 80% of health facilities in all LGAs report routinely on malaria by 2020
• To strengthen governance and coordination of all stakeholders for effective program implementation towards an “A” rating by 2018 on a standardized scorecard

Job Purpose

• To work with the Senior Project Manager (SPM) and team in providing technical support and direct implementation of both health facility based and iCCM components of the programme, covering training, routine reporting, logistic system, quality assurance (QA) and supportive supervision at the state, LGA, health facility and community levels as per the agreed performance framework targets.

Scope of Work:

• The Technical Specialist (TS) will provide additional technical support working closely with the Country Technical Coordinator (CTC), to the technical team at the country office level with specific attention to follow-up on ToRs, concept notes, engagement of technical assistance (TA), TA and programme reports, tracking/follow up on technical quality of state level activities through interphase with the STOs.
• Furthermore, the TS would follow up on additional/emerging issues in the programme; e.g. technical activities at the national level especially the integration of malaria with RMNCH+N, demand creation, and oversee quality of care (QoC) processes and procedures to ensure quality assurance (QA) at the programme level.
• S/he would also be involved in representation of the programme during meeting with PRs and other stakeholders.

Key Working Relationships:

• The Technical Specialist working under the line-management of the Programme Director, dotted line management of the CTC and in close collaboration with the colleagues in the country office, dotted line relationship to the State Technical Officers, other GF SRs, partners and stakeholders would deliver aspects of the programme as per the specified job tasks and expected deliverables.

Key Accountabilities Technical contributions (80%):

• Support states to ensure that rollout of programme service delivery activities meet international standard of quality;
• Initiate/follow-up on approval of ToRs for all activities to be carried out at the national, state, LGA, health facility and community level;
• Work with the Human Resource Management towards the engagement of appropriate TA as per approved ToRs and oversee the implementation of such activities;
• Work in liaison with country office team to closely monitor delivery of ToRs; obtain reports in a timely manner and ensure the proper sign-off of all submitted reports;
• Provide technical support, including building their capabilities, to the state teams in the planning and implementation of all programme activities including malaria prevention (routine LLINs distribution & IPTp), case management (diagnosis and treatment), quality of care (QoC), integrated community case management (iCCM), logistics management information system (LMIS) and health management information system (HMIS);
• Follow up on additional/emerging issues in the programme; e.g. integration with RMNCH, demand creation, QoC processes and procedures to ensure quality assurance (QA) at the programme level;
• Ensure the GF project’s adherence to technical quality assurance processes for MC in programme planning and implementation.
• Document innovation and best practices that are related to the programme.
• Represent MC on malaria Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and other relevant health coordinating committees at national level as designated.

Project Management (20%):

• Support collation, review and submission of routine project service delivery activity reports to Programme Director.
• Support Programme Director to follow up Country Office review feedbacks on reports and other project documents.
• Contribute to preparation of the quarterly Progress Update and Disbursement Request (PUDR) to the donor.
• Contribute to quarterly lessons identification and learning documentation and dissemination
• Contribute to project exit strategy and ensure inclusion of relevant activities to promote sustainability within the workplan and smooth transition of the programme to government;

Person Specification Qualifications and Experience Essential:

• Master's Degree in Medicine, Public Health, Health Policy, Epidemiology or another relevant specialty with at least ten years work experience, is a minimum requirement;
• Previous experience working at national level with oversight for at least 3 states
• Demonstrable experience working with national programmes and engaging with stakeholders at that level.
• Significant experience of working in developing countries and experience with GF or GAVI funded programmes would be an added advantage;

Work-based Skills and Competencies Essential:

• Knowledge of global and country specific malaria policy and guidelines;
• Knowledge of medical supplies procurement and supply chain management;
• Technical knowledge and skills in control of malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea;
• Demonstrable report writing and presentation skills.
• Excellent project management and M&E skills; and familiarity with accountability and learning
• Excellent written and spoken English

Core Competencies Delivering results; LEVEL C - Supports others to achieve results:

• Displays a positive and enthusiastic approach and is not deterred by setbacks, finding alternative ways to reach goals or targets.
• Supports others to plan and deliver results
• Supports others to manage and cope with setbacks

Analysis and use of information; LEVEL B - Uses evidence to support work:

• Identifies and uses various sources of evidence and feedback to support outputs
• Uses evidence to evaluate policies, projects and programmes
• Identifies links between events and information identifying trends, issues and risks
• Ensures systems are in place to address organisation needs

Interpersonal and communications; LEVEL C - Adapts communications effectively:

• Tailors communication (content, style and medium) to diverse audiences
• Communicates equally effectively at all organisational levels
• Understands others’ underlying needs, concerns and motivations and communicates effectively in sensitive situations
• Resolves intra-team and inter-team conflicts effectively

Collaboration and partnering; LEVEL B -  Collaborates effectively across teams:

• Proactive in providing and seeking support from expert colleagues
• Raises difficult issues with teams/ partners and stakeholders with a view to positive resolution
• Proactive in building a rapport with a diverse range of people

Leading and motivating people; LEVEL B - Manages own development and seeks opportunities:

• Actively manages own development and performance positively
• Learns lessons from successes and failures
• Seeks and explores opportunities within Malaria Consortium which develop skills and expertise

Flexibility/ adaptability; LEVEL C -  Supports others to cope with pressure:

• Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems and supports others to do the same
• Adapts team approach, goals, and methods to achieve solutions and results in dynamic situations
• Sets realistic deadlines and goals for self or team

Living the values; LEVEL B - Promotes Malaria Consortium values amongst peers:

• Shows a readiness to promote Malaria Consortium’s values amongst peers
• Promotes ethical and professional behaviour in line with Malaria Consortium’s values

Strategic planning and thinking and sector awareness; LEVEL B - Is aware of others’ activities and vice versa in planning activities:

• Takes account of team members and others’ workloads when planning.
• Maintains awareness of impact on other parts of the organisation, keeping abreast of other’s activities, objectives, commitments and needs
• Has a good understanding of the sector in which Malaria Consortium works

Salary Competitive Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply       Job Title: Operational Research & Surveillance Specialist Location: Abuja, Nigeria Grade: 9 Role type: National Department: Technical Length of contract: 2 years Reporting to: Senior Project Manager Direct reports: Consultants (Data collectors and supervisors) Dotted Line Manager: Country Technical Coordinator Travel involved: In-country Country and project background The Nigeria Country Office with office in Abuja, started operations in 2008, through the DFID/UKaid funded Support to National Malaria Programme, SuNMaP (2008 – 2016). The office had presence in 23 states of the country and has managed at various times, about 15 programmes and projects. It follows the mandate of the parent organization in Nigeria and has been working specifically in the following areas:

• Malaria control/elimination;
• Integrated community case management (iCCM) for malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea;
• Nutrition; and
• Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Malaria Consortium has recently received grant from the Good Ventures to implement SMC in three West African countries including Nigeria. In Nigeria, malaria consortium has decided to use the fund to continue SMC implementation in the 4 states it has been supporting since 2013 with UNITAID (Sokoto and Zamfara), DFID (Katsina and Jigawa) and BMGF (Katsina) funds. Under this new funding and any anticipated additional funding, all malaria consortium SMC activities in county will be consolidated into a single project and managed by senior project manager who will report to the country programme manager. A Zonal Project Manager will head each of the states. Job Purpose

• The Operational Research Specialist will provide technical inputs into OR designs for SMC.
• H/she will lead in implementation, data management, reporting and dissemination of project key outcomes relating to OR, ensuring standards and quality in project activities.
• S/he will contribute to the development of SMC learning agenda, particularly in operational research, working closely with the other technical experts in the project to maintain scientific soundness of activities and protection of research participants.
• The position holder will contribute to evidence base and support peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conferences and presentations.

Scope of Work:

• The Operational Research Specialist will report to the Senior Project Manager and will be responsible for providing direct support and technical assistance in operational research to the project and its partners.
• The post holder will be a member of Malaria Consortium’s Research Group (one of the communities of practice).
• The post holder will work with the Senior M&E Officers, Data Analysis Specialist, M&E Specialist, Regional Epidemiologist and Country Technical Coordinator to share responsibility in ensuring that high quality operational research approaches are implemented in SMC Project.

Key Working Relationships:

• The Operational Research Specialist will work closely with the Senior Project Manager, an OR consultant as well as other M&E team members under the leadership of the Country Technical Coordinator.
• In the implementation of data collection activities, he/she will need to liaise with stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Health, State Ministry of Health, partner organisations and subcontractors.
• The position holder will support recruitment and maintenance of a network of data collectors and supervisors in SMC supported states. H/she will also work closely with a research advisor from the academia.

Key Accountabilities (percent of time spent on each area) Operational Research contributions (75%):

• In conjunction with other project team members develop OR protocols and lead in pre-implementation activities such as securing ethical clearance and waivers where necessary, particularly where proposed procedures are not approved in national implementation guidelines
• Coordinate day-to-day technical preparations, implementation and supervision of research activities in SMC states
• Support the Data Analysis Specialist in statistical analysis of operational research data, and contribute to reports and publications to disseminate among partners
• Write periodic research-related reports for project for donors and other audiences as required
• Coordinate the implementation of in-country dissemination and research uptake activity plans, such as stakeholder consultations, media engagements, and country specific project learning outputs
• Advise and support the SMC state teams in managing activity plans, consultants and budgets for specific operational research activities.
• Support, and as appropriate lead, the documentation of operational research and lessons learnt from the project including drafting of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, learning briefs, learning papers and general documentation (e.g. narrative reports, infographics).
• Support the dissemination of lessons learned to national and global audiences through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and technical reports.

Quality Assurance of Operational Research (10%):

• Ensure adherence to OR protocols during implementation. Flag any necessary changes to protocol and seek approvals as appropriate either from the CTC or the research ethics committees. Supervise SMC operational research project implementation and outputs, quality control of data collection and carry out regular project performance assessments as planned and other reports as required
• Working with the SPM, contribute to the adherence of research guidelines and embedding into research studies, standards of operational research quality

Capacity building and institutional strengthening (10%):

• Participate in building project capacity in operational research, mainly in the NMEP and SMEPs but also where appropriate within SMC team
• In liaison with the SPM and CTC, support capacity building initiatives of the project’s M&E team and contribute to the organisation’s strategic objectives

External Representation (5%):

• Participate in national or regional technical working groups as relevant

Person specification Qualifications and Experience: Essential:

• Postgraduate degree in Epidemiology, Statistics or Public Health
• 10-12 years post qualification and 8 years working in a research role with an excellent understanding of operational research approaches
• Demonstrable knowledge and ability to design and implement research studies, including design of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools.
• Good qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills
• Demonstrated experience of working in a team of experts delivering specialized TA services
• Previous public health sector experience in sub-Saharan Africa countries
• Familiarity with Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) in Low and Middle Income countries e.g. DHIS2
• Experience in setting up standards of quality as well as internal quality assurance mechanisms
• Strong writing skills with publications in peer-reviewed journals

Desirable:

• Significant knowledge in communicable disease control, particularly malaria
• Experience in working effectively with government and non-government partners

Work-based skills: Essential:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team, particularly with Ministries of Health and/or other government sectors and partners
• Proven ability in transferring skills, particularly working with government and nongovernment colleagues
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Excellent statistical analysis skills including familiarity with software such as STATA, R or Statgraphics, CSPro, Atlas ti, NVIVO
• Results-oriented attitude to work
• Expert competency level in reviewing, understanding and synthesizing data for sharing with wider audiences
• Practical organizational skills with the ability to manage a fluctuating workload, prioritize and re-prioritize when necessary and meet tight deadlines
• Able to travel to SMC supported states to oversee OR or other data collection activities
• Excellent command of English with exceptional writing and communication skills and the ability to present information in clear, concise, and compelling ways
• Computer literacy, including high degree of skills in MS Office and Stata

Core competencies Delivering results: LEVEL C - Supports others to achieve results:

• Displays a positive and enthusiastic approach and is not deterred by setbacks, finding alternative ways to reach goals or targets.
• Supports others to plan and deliver results
• Supports others to manage and cope with setbacks

Analysis and use of information: LEVEL C- Works confidently with complex data to support work:

• Interprets complex written information
• Works confidently with data before making decisions: for example; interpreting trends, issues and risks
• Acquainted with the validity, relevance and limitations of different sources of evidence

Interpersonal and communications: LEVEL C - Adapts communications effectively:

• Tailors communication (content, style and medium) to diverse audiences
• Communicates equally effectively at all organisational levels
• Understands others’ underlying needs, concerns and motivations and communicates effectively in sensitive situations
• Resolves intra-team and inter-team conflicts effectively

Collaboration and partnering: LEVEL C - Builds strong networks internally and participates actively in external networks and think tanks:

• Builds strong networks internally
• Participates actively in external networks and/or think tanks
• Engages with relevant experts to gather and evaluate evidence
• Shares and implements good practice with internal and external peers

Leading and motivating people: LEVEL B - Manages own development and seeks opportunities:

• Actively manages own development and performance positively
• Learns lessons from successes and failures
• Seeks and explores opportunities within Malaria Consortium which develop skills and expertise

Flexibility/ adaptability: LEVEL C - Supports others to cope with pressure:

• Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems and supports others to do the same
• Adapts team approach, goals, and methods to achieve solutions and results in dynamic situations
• Sets realistic deadlines and goals for self or team

Living the values: LEVEL C - Supports others to live Malaria Consortium’s values:

• Demonstrates personal integrity by using position responsibly and fairly
• Cultivates an open culture within the wider team, promoting accountability, responsibility and respect for individual differences

Strategic Strategic planning and thinking and sector awareness: LEVEL B - Is aware of others’ activities and vice versa in planning activities:

• Takes account of team members and others’ workloads when planning.
• Maintains awareness of impact on other parts of the organisation, keeping abreast of other’s activities, objectives, commitments and needs
• Has a good understanding of the sector in which Malaria Consortium works

Salary Competitive. Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply     Application Deadline  14th August, 2019.

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