Vacancies: Health Systems Advisor (HSA), Social Mobilization & Development Advisor (SMDA)
The Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Initiative is a 5-year old programme which operates alongside the PRRINN programme that focuses on strengthening routine immunization in four Northern
Nigerian States. The MNCH programme aims to address the unacceptable high rates maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality in selected Northern Nigerian States. This programme is funded by the Norwegian government in partnership with the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and is operated by a consortium of three organizations, namely: Health Partners International UK, Save the Children, UK and GRID Consulting Nigeria.
The joint programme collaborates with stakeholders in the health sector as well as civil societies to provide quantifiable improvements to the PHC systems in Northern Nigeria. PRRINN/MNCH is managed by a team of internationally recruited professionals. Its programme activities are carried out in Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe and Zamfara with coordination from the programme head office in Kano. The programme seeks to recruit qualified professionals to fill the vacant positions as identified below:
Position: Health Systems Advisor (HSA): Kano
- The Health Systems Advisor will provide strategic leadership and support the delivery of the health systems outputs under the MNCH program as agreed with the programme management team, stakeholders and their partners. S/he will build on the existing working relationships and linkages with other donor organizations and partners, and also coordinate the current system strengthening issues on advocacy, demand creation, quality improvement and capacity building in the PRRINN/MNCH programme states. The successful candidate will also support the state programme teams in reviewing the health human resource situation in each state and develop interventions to address them.
Qualification:
- Candidate(s) must hold a post-graduate qualification in any of the Health Management related discipline with a minimum of 10 years professional work experience. S/he must have a good understanding of health delivery systems in Nigeria particularly at the primary health care level. Also required for this position are advocacy and leadership skills, excellent facilitation and communication skills (oral and written). Good understanding of public sector – at all levels is necessary. Ability to communicate fluently in Hausa is essential.
Position: Social Mobilization & Development Advisor (SMDA): Kano
As the technical lead for the programme on social development and communications issues, the Social Mobilization and Development
Advisor will engage with the Federal Ministry of Health to build capacity and understand social development and communication issues in immunization. S/he will provide technical advisory support to the relevant bodies and the State Social Mobilization officers on the appropriate capacity building support required to address the issues to demand and access to immunization services. The SMDA will also ensure the coordination of efforts in activities that will increase the participation of communities in immunization activities in the programme states; establishing mechanisms to promote community
voice, and develop stronger accountability relationships between
policy-makers, service providers and communities.
Qualification:
- Candidates must hold a post graduate qualification in of Social Development Health Management, Public Health, or any related disciplines with a minimum of ten (10) years’ work experience at a senior level. Previous experience in an advisory position in providing social development technical support to health projects/programmes in Africa, specifically in Nigeria is essential for this position. S/he must have a good understanding of the role communication in creating the demand/awareness for services, Prior experience in designing/implementing qualitative research studies are also required for this job.
- Previous experience in similar role and environment will be an added advantage. And engaging with senior government officials on social development issues at the highest level are essential skills required for the position. Good understanding of immunization in Nigeria and previous work experience in Northern Nigeria as well as in DFID-funded health projects will be an added advantage.
Method of Application:
Interested candidates should submit an application and updated Cvs to include contact mobile numbers and email address through the link on our website at: www.gridconsultinh.net Closing date for submission of applications is Friday, 2nd November, 2012 Interviews will commence thereafter with a view to successful candidates commencing work immediately. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
