Job Title: Senior Program Officer, Diarrhea Management
Ref: 2011-AFR-NIG-04
Reports to/Position Title: Senior Technical Advisor, Nigeria
Reports Indirectly to: Technical Advisor, BCC, Africa
Overall Purpose/Broad Function:
In line with Micronutrient Initiative’s (MI) strategic objectives in Africa, and in collaboration with stakeholders, contribute to both the reduction of child mortality and morbidity in Nigeria by
supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of effective and sustainable diarrhea treatment services incorporating the use of zinc and
low osmolarity oral rehydration salts (ORS).
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
On the demand side:
Working in collaboration with relevant members of the MI Technical Team and government partners:
- Assist with the identification of barriers to take-up of zinc and ORS in diarrhea treatment by caregivers, health-workers and other treatment providers.
- Assist in the development and implementation of a marketing plan to stimulate health seeking behavior for diarrhea, and demand for zinc and ORS therapy by treatment providers and
caregivers.
- Identify the most appropriate strategies, approaches and tools for effective behavior change communication (BCC) for both caregivers and treatment providers relating to the correct
utilization of zinc and ORS in the treatment of diarrhea.
- Assist in identifying the most appropriate and cost effective communication channels to disseminate information to caregivers to improve health-seeking behavior, practice and
knowledge regarding the importance of zinc and ORS in the treatment of diarrhea.
- Support the MoH in the development of indicators related to the utilization of zinc and ORS in diarrhea treatment, and to their use in the evaluation of approaches and assessments of
program progress.
On the supply side in collaboration with Government/MoH:
- Assist in identifying the most cost-effective delivery mechanisms to improve the coverage of zinc and ORS in the management of diarrhea.
- Assist in identifying the most effective network of private, community and public sector stakeholders to deliver diarrhea treatment among other health services.
- Liaise, advocate, and provide technical assistance to suppliers to facilitate the provision and timely supply of ‘seed’ supplies of zinc and ORS therapy that are adequate and available to
caregivers at pharmacies and health posts.
- Assist in the training of treatment providers and other stakeholders in the private, communityand public sectors in the appropriate skills and knowledge to provide high quality and
accessible services in the case management of diarrhea.
- Facilitate technical and other assistance to develop and refine national guidelines and tools regarding the management of diarrhea, in line with international guidelines and based on
scientific evidence.
- Assist in the development of indicators related to the supply and distribution of supplies for diarrhea treatment that include zinc and ORS, and to the conduct of counseling by treatment
providers, their integration within existing Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), and their use in monitoring the implementation and performance of the program.
- Facilitate technical and other assistance to develop and carry out research activities required to monitor aspects such as pharmaco-vigilance, inter-action of zinc with other micronutrients.
Project Implementation and Management
- Prepare Project Concept Notes for MI supported interventions to support the implementation of the MoH’s policies on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), community
based IMCI, and other (including private sector) approaches to improved diarrhea management.
- Review and monitor the progress of project activities and expenditure, take corrective steps when necessary in line with deliverables.
- Prepare project reports and updates on project performance as per MI policies and procedures and as required by donors.
- Maintain project financial records using the MI Contracts Database accurately and in a timely manner.
- Manage financial resources in line with MI policies and procedures.
Project Review
- Review program for lessons learned and document and share appropriately.
Program Evaluation
- Support formal evaluations of programs with view to informing improved practice in Nigeria and elsewhere.
External Relations
- Keep local CIDA office and other relevant stakeholders up to date with project progress.
- Maintain good working relationships with, and knowledge of the work of, other actors involved in the treatment and prevention of childhood illness.
- Draft or provide input to documentation on lessons learned and assist in the dissemination of documentation to targeted audiences as well as other stakeholders in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa where MI has zinc programs.
- Stay abreast of the research in the field of diarrhea management and provide advice to partners, as necessary.
- Participate in national and international fora on diarrhea management as required.
Other duties and responsibilities as may be required.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Position has shared supervision of one program assistant with other Senior Program Officers. Has no other direct supervisory responsibilities but has indirect supervision of projects managed by
partners.
Education/Professional Designations/Experience:
Education:
- At least a Masters degree from a recognized university in one or more of the following areas:public health, child health, health sciences or a similar discipline.
Experience:
- At least 10 years in the management of public health, clinical practice, child health and/or related programs. Experience of IMCI or diarrhea management programs in Nigeria is essential.
- Demonstrated experience in program/project monitoring and reporting to/stewardship of donors.
- Demonstrated experience with improving coverage, utilization and health seeking behaviours as part of programs is preferred.
Language Skills
Fluent English.
Travel Requirements
Based in Abuja, Nigeria, up to 20% of time will be spent travelling within Nigeria.
Other Specific Skill Requirements:
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Very good presentational skills.
- Excellent team working skills.
- Discretion.
- Initiative.
- Integrity.
This job description can and will be amended as required from time to time.
Method of Application
2011-AFR-NIG-04 selection process is open to all residents of Nigeria and those entitled to work in Nigeria. The position is located in Abuja. The salary is paid in NGN and is subject to Nigeria’s taxation laws. Candidates’ evaluations may include both a written exam and an interview. You must submit by email the following documents in one file: your curriculum vitae in English (typed), a presentation letter, in English (typed), explaining how you meet the qualifications for the job and your motivation (typed), plus the names of 3 references to the following email address: hr@micronutrient.org. Please quote number 2011-AFR-NIG-04 on your application.
Deadline to apply is 7 September, 2011 at midnight (Abuja’s time). Only the candidates considered for the position will be contacted.
Failure to submit the documents in the format required may result in the rejection of your application.
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