We require suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below.
Open To: All Interested Candidates
Position: AID Development Assistance Specialist
(Strategic Advisor), FSN-12
Opening Date: May 9, 2011
Closing Date: May 20,2011
Work Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week
Salary: FSN: N5,600,572.00 p.a (Starting basic salary on
FSN-12 Position Grade)
In addition to the basic salary, all allowances will be paid in accordance with the Mission Local Compensation Plan. USAID/Nigeria in Abuja is seeking to employ a suitable and qualified candidate for the position of AID Development Assistance Specialist (Strategic Advisor) in the HIV/AIDS and TB Office.
Basic Duties of the Position:
The Development Assistance Specialist (Strategic Advisor) is responsible for serving as a senior professional in the HIV/AIDS/TB Team, participating fully with all or most Team members in conceptualizing new approaches to reach USAID and USG PEPFAR goals and objectives in Nigeria and the region. Work includes research on best practices in other PEPFAR programs, and in other development interventions in general. The Specialist works with COTRs/AOTRs in all technical Work Groups on program/project design, and preparation of program/project Scopes of Work (SOW), and works with the Strategic Information Work Group on monitoring and evaluation and the reporting of performance results. The Specialist represents USAID to, and works in close coordination with, GON officials at the ministerial and equivalent levels, and with the full range of stakeholders in adapting techniques proven effective in other countries and/or programs to the Nigerian context.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- The Development Assistance Specialist (Strategic Advisor) participates in the planning and design of HIV/AIDS/TB Team programs/projects in all Team sectors for established, proposed, or potential PEPFAR activities, the conceptualization of new programs/projects/interventions, and participation in the initiation and/or instigation of state-of-the-art, approaches to new activities. The Specialist works with selected Team and external program/project activity design teams, providing substantive input and assigned managing the design process to ensure completeness of supporting analyses, efficiency of design methodology and logistics, and adequacy of technical design. The Specialist serves as a coach to all Work Groups within the learn on the development of new assistance activities, in solving implementation difficulties, and in the monitoring of results the specialist prepares technical issues papers and decision memoranda for HIV/AIDS/TB Team activity review meetings, identifying necessary actions related to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of PEPFAR assistance programs and projects. The Specialist leads Team efforts in the design and development of new or revised PEPFAR objectives, identifying impediments to program/project implementation.
b. The Specialist supports both Team Work Groups and implementing partners USAID/Nigeria, IIP, HIV/AIDS/TB Team procedures, and USAID/Washington regulations and guidelines, and monitors overall Team portfolio implementation. Identification of areas of analytical inquiry to strengthen activity design and implementation. The specialist participates in HIV/AIDS/TB Team performance reviews, assisting Work Group in finalizing reporting documentation as required.
c. The Specialist provides specialized data analysis and report preparation assistance, as required for Work Groups. IPs, and the overall Mission, as required. The Specialist contributes to the preparation of results reporting sections for the Annual Report, schedules due dates and internal reviews and follows up to ensure that input from the review process in incorporated into final drafts. The Specialist drafts individual sections of reports, edits drafts produced by Work Groups as needed, and works with the Team and IPs to review issues and comments.
d. The Specialist Coordinates and prepares the design schedule for the entire HIV/AIDS/TB Team portfolio and ensures that schedules for designs allow adequate time to complete the design process, and to obligate funds before the end of the appropriate fiscal year. The Specialist assists COTRs/AOTRs to manage closeout actions for completed Team activities, as required; coordinates actions to address program-related vulnerabilities; and compiles data and pertinent information on other donor assistance programs, to assure proper coordination.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.
A copy of the complete duties and responsibilities is available in the Human Resources Office. Contact (09-46-9319)
Minimum Requirements
Note:
All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting and each criterion or the application will not be considered.
1. Educational Qualification:
Applicant must possess a medical qualification (MBBS. MBCH or its equivalent) and a minimum of an advanced degree in Public Health (MPH) is required.
2. Experience:
Ten years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in public policy development, or in applied social sciences is required. Clinical or other experience in the areas of HIV/AIDS/TB program management is required. Experience must have provided the opportunity for project design, program planning, and/or implementation. At least two years of experience in development-related work, or related fields, for USG, other donor agencies GoN organizations, or private-sector institutions which included project design, performance monitoring and/or the analysis and interpretation of la amounts of data is required.
3. Language Proficiency:
Level IV (fluent) English language speaking and writing proficiency is required.
4. Knowledge:
In-depth professional-level knowledge of development principles,
relate to the assignment and to public health and HIV/AIDS/TB programs in Nigeria and the region must have a knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Nigeria; and the economic development problems, resources, resource constraints, and region, The Specialist must have a good knowledge, or the potential to acquire such practice relating to development assistance; USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures and documentation; and of the objectives, methodology, and status of assigned activities For example the Specialist must be able to demonstrate some familiarity with USAID’s global procurement reform agenda USAID FORWARD
http://forward.usaid.gov/home or http:/www.usaid.gov/press/factsheets/2010/fs101118.html). The Specialist must have knowledge and understanding of the organization and respective roles of the different branches in the GON, in order to enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on program/project strategy and implementation plans. The Specialist must have an in-depth knowledge of GON institutions, policy directions, objectives, and priorities relating to USAID Activities in the sector, etc.
5. Skills and Abilities:
The ability to plan, organize, manage, and evaluate HIV/AIDS/TB activities is required Verbal communication skills, tact, and diplomacy are required to establish and develop sustainable working relations and a high level of trust With senior and middle-level GON officials, and with public and private organizations, such as primary USAID technical contacts in the development area. Verbal communication skills are also used to explain and interpret GON attitudes priorities and concerns to USAID officials, and to negotiate project plans and resolve project implementation issues with appropriate Host-Country organizations, technical advisors, IPs, counterparts, and peers. Writing skills are required to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, program documentation, and briefing papers. Analytical ability is required in order to interpret public policies, and to assist in the development of revised policies, as required; and, to develop and monitor program performance, and the development of periodic work plans. Skill in project programming, policies, and plans, and in developing strategies for implementation, is required. The Specialist must have the ability to work effectively in a Team environment, and to achieve consensus on policy, project, and administrative matters. Good computer skills are required to manage activity goals and achievements, both technical and financial.
Selection Process:
It is essential that the candidate address the required qualifications above in the application.
Additional Selection Criteria:
Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
Current employees who are qualified will be given preference.
Only successful applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be notified.
The Human Resources Office will NOT accept applications or resume submitted in U.S. Government official envelopes.
The minimum requirements must be adequately addressed in the cover letter of your application package failure to do so will disqualify your application.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants for this position must submit the following, or the application will not be considered.
1. A type-written application specifically applying for this position, and addressing the minimum Please reference the job title and announcement number on the application letter.
2. A current resume or curriculum vitae, listing all job responsibilities plus
3. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above
4. Please indicate position title and vacancy announcement number on the top right subject line of the application letter
Submit Application To:
USAID Nigeria
ATTN: Human Resource Office
c/o U.S. Embassy
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive
Central Business District
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.
Point of Contact
Tel: 09-461-9300 ext 931 y
Closing date for this position is May 20th 2011. An equal Opportunity Employer.
