National MNCH Policy Advisor at John Snow Incorporated (JSI)

John Snow, Inc. (JSI) is a US-based international public health consulting firm and manages two projects/contracts through its integrated office in Abuja, Nigeria. Through the Partnership for Supply Chain Management consortium, JSI implements the Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) project for the US Government as part of the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The purpose is to establish and operate a safe, secure, reliable and sustainable supply chain management system to procure pharmaceuticals and other products needed for the care and treatment of persons with HIV/AIDS and related infections. JSI implements the USAID I DELIVER Project, a global technical assistance project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and aimed at increasing the availability of essential health supplies through procurement services and assistance designed to strengthen health commodity supply chains in developing countries.

JSI is seeking to fill the position of

Job Title: National MNCH Policy Advisor

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Description:
John Snow, Incorporated (JSI), a public health management consulting and research organization, is recruiting for a National MNCH Policy Advisor to provide technical assistance for a Nigeria MNCH Programme funded by UKaid. The purpose of this project is to provide technical assistance in comprehensive maternal, neonatal and child health services to the government of Nigeria in the states of Jigawa, Zamfara, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano. The National MNCH Policy Advisor will be a full-time position based in Nigeria and is anticipated to begin in early 2014.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic and technical direction for the Programme’s policy activities in collaboration with the SMOH;
• Work with SMOH and key stakeholders to identify and select priority maternal health policy areas for research, pilot testing and policy development;
• Develop plans, concept papers, and proposals for policy initiatives;
• Work with SMOH and key stakeholders to provide technical leadership and coordination of policy initiatives, including advocacy activities and development of such documents as laws, ordinances, decrees, and circulars;
• Plan and conduct advocacy workshops and consensus meetings for constituencies involved in or affected by the policy process;
• Work with state ministries of health, LGAs, and other partners to prepare for and implement new health policies; and
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree in public health or related field;
• Eight to ten years’ experience working on MNCH health policy and programs, preferably in Nigeria;
• Proven ability to collaborate successfully with counterparts, government organizations, and related stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability to be a team player, to lead teams, and to organize multiple activities simultaneously;
• Demonstrated ability to work with communities, ward development committees, LGA leadership, and SMOH technical staff;
• Demonstrated understanding of public health issues and challenges in resource poor settings in northern Nigeria;
• Computer skills that include Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access;
• Ability to produce accurate data and reports;
• Excellent communication skills in local languages; ability to give clear instructions; good English writing skills; and
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively in the field under, at times, suboptimal conditions.

Remuneration
Salary commensurate with experience.

Application Closing Date
31st October, 2013

Method of Application
Interested applicants should
Click here to apply online