Resident Program Advisor (RPA) at Research Triangle Institute (RTI International)

Research Triangle Institute (RTI International) is an international, independent not-For-profit organization dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. With a worldwide staff of more than 4,000 people, RTI offers innovative research and development and a full spectrum of multi disciplinary services that meet the highest standards of professional performance.
ENVISION is a five-year cooperative agreement through which RTI supports and expands Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) control and elimination in priority countries and will further the development of evidence-based policies and standards globally. To learn more about ENVISION's work, visit: http://www.ntdenvision.org/.

RTI is recruiting for the following position:

Job Position: Resident Program Advisor (RPA)

Location: Abuja, NG
Job ID: 14556
Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Description

• The Resident Program Advisor (RPA) is responsible for providing a wide range of support to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) NTD program and will represent RTI's ENVISION program in Nigeria.
• The RPA will work closely with the FMOH to support and ensure effective management of ENVISION's contributions to the national program.
• The RPA will provide technical oversight for implementation of integrated NTD activities, including strategic program collaboration, information sharing, and identification of technical assistance needs.
• The RPA will collaborate with the national NTD task force to support the goals of LF, Onchocerciasis and blinding trachoma elimination and control of soil-transmitted helminthes and schistosomiasis.
• The RPA will play an integral role in working with the FMOH to develop a national, integrated M&E NTD database. The RPA will assist with strategic planning, NTD program assessments, and impact surveys.
• The RPA will work with the ENVISION headquarters to ensure timely submission of technical and financial deliverables and sound management of ENVISION program budgets and contractual obligations in Nigeria. Specific examples of support include: preparation of annual country work plans and budgets; financial management, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation of country program activities, and implementation of reporting tools in collaboration with and in support of the FMOH. In addition,
• The RPA also provides global support for NTD activities in Nigeria including provision of specific technical assistance upon request.

Responsibilities

• Manage all RTI ENVISION activities in support of the Nigerian government's NTD control activities;
• Work with the national NTD Team, the FMOH, and ENVISION partners to develop annual work plans and budgets and ensure activities are in line with ENVISION agreements for Nigeria program;
• Provide support to the FMOH for timely implementation and smooth operation of ENVISION program activities, ensuring that all activities are implemented in accordance with work plan and budget;
• Provide technical assistance to the FMOH and NTD partners and grantees (USAID | Nigeria, WHO and other potential partners);
• Work in partnership with the ENVISION M&E team in monitoring implementation of the country program to include tracking progress of program targets and deliverables, identifying issues that need to be addressed and ensuring that technical and financial reporting requirements are met; keep ENVISION team up to date on all project activities;
• Work with the FMOH to field test the national, integrated database template that is being developed by ENVISION in collaboration with WHO, AFRO, APOC, and CNTD;
• Serve as a key liaison between ENVISION headquarters and the Nigeria FMOH, USAID | Nigeria, program partners, and other national and international donors and organizations involved in NTD control activities;
• Assist with monitoring ENVISION spending and make projections to ensure project is carried out within budget;
• Monitor and report on country program progress on a weekly basis, using the work plan timeline; submit biweekly progress reports to the NTD Advisor backstopping Nigeria, highlighting any areas of concern or matters requiring remedial action;
• Assist in preparing routine technical and programmatic reports, including semi-annual reports and updates;
• Develop and manage mechanisms for coordination and collaboration with other partners and grantees;
• Identify and initiate requests for short-term technical assistance through ENVISION by assisting with the preparation of scopes of work and budgets for consultants and sub-awardees, as needed, and provide follow up for obtaining their approval;
• Assist with field supervision and monitoring during mass drug administration, mapping and impact studies;
• In collaboration with the national NTD team, travel to selected districts for supervision and data collection;
• Remain informed of new knowledge, information and technology relevant to NTDs in Nigeria as well as WHO guidelines for NTDs;
• Assist in responding to requests from the USAID | Washington and ENVISION headquarters for information on country programs;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Master's Degree in public health or other relevant discipline and at least 12 years' progressive experience implementing and leading technical and program activities for donor-funded health programs.
• At least 5 years of experience in implementation and management of infectious disease control programs.
• Experience working with USAID- or DFID-funded projects required.
• Experience in all aspects of program management: planning, organizing and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing quantitative and qualitative data along with knowledge of reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, and tools for M&E.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain management, commodity procurement, logistics and distribution issues is highly desirable.
• Ability to successfully coordinate with officials from the FMOH at all levels, U.S. Government, donor organizations, NGOs, and other agencies.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team-oriented setting.
• Strong English language oral and written communication and presentation skills. Additional fluency in languages of targeted areas for implementation will be an asset and preferred.
• Experience in monitoring, database management and program evaluation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience in disease surveillance, neglected tropical diseases preferred.
• Willingness to travel within Nigeria frequently.

Application Closing Date
10th May, 2013

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their applications and Cv's to: ghrecruitment@rti.org indicating "Nigeria RPA" in the subject line.

Note:
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.