Options Consultancy Services Limited Vacancy for an Accountability and Advocacy Advisor

Options Consultancy Services Limited is seeking for suitably qualified candidate that can contribute and work within a dynamic five (5) year programme called MNCH2, to fill the position below:


Job Title: Accountability and Advocacy Advisor

Location: Kano

Primary Responsibilities

• The Accountability and Advocacy Advisor will be based at the programme headquarters in Kano with regular travel to MNCH2 States, to monitor and oversee the Accountability, Advocacy and Evidence strategy, and make sure it is developed and rolled out successfully to achieve indicator outputs.
• The Maternal, New-born and Child Health Programme (MNCH2) is a country led programme which aims to reduce maternal and child mortality in Northern Nigeria and it is funded by the Department for International Development (DFID).
• The MNCH2 programme is being implemented in six states in northern Nigeria: Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Yobe and Zamfara States.

• A post-graduate Degree in Public Health or a relevant field
• 10 years experience of working on large international development programmes in the area of accountability, governance and advocacy in the health sector.
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with existing accountability mechanisms (especially at community level) in Northern Nigeria.
• Experience of working in complex political environments, and a sound knowledge of the Nigerian context in terms of MNCH data generation, and use of MNCH data for advocacy and planning processes.
• Experience working effectively with LGA, State and Federal level authorities.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Hausa
• At least 3 years experience providing expertise in the area of advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, and/or institutional strengthening
• Experience with the development of accountability and advocacy strategies, and in having a leading role in the implementation of these strategies.
• A sound understanding of core social development concepts, such as voice, accountability, rights-based approaches, gender, equity and social inclusion and/or citizen participation.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work to deadlines
• A commitment to ensuring that all Nigerian citizens, including women, the poorest and other marginalized groups, are able to have equal voice and participate in holding government accountable in the delivery of public services.
• Being both an excellent leader and team player, with excellent interpersonal skills and comfortable working in a multi-disciplinary team.
• In depth understanding of the political, social, economic, and cultural context of Northern Nigeria.
• A commitment to achieving effective and efficient delivery of essential health care for pregnant women, newborns and children, alongside routine immunisation

• Fluency in Hausa Language is desirable.

• A friendly and team-based working environment
• The opportunity to truly 'make a difference'
• A competitive salary with benefits
• Opportunity to work with national and international colleagues
• Vital contribution to improving maternal and newborn services in Northern Nigeria