Project Team Lead / Field Coordinator at the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET)

The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) is a non-profit networking and service alliance of Field Epidemiology (and Laboratory) Training Programs (FELTPs), and other applied epidemiology training programs. AFENET has operations in over 31 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa or the World Health Organisation Africa Region (WHO – AFRO). Established in 2005, AFENET is dedicated to helping Ministries of Health in Africa build strong, effective, sustainable programs and capacity to improve public health systems on the African continent.

We are recruiting suitable candidates for the National Stop Transmission of Polio (NSTOP) Program within the capacity below:

Job Title: Project Team Lead / Field Coordinator

Location: Abuja   
Duration of contract: One year
Work Hours: Full time
Open to: All Interested Candidates

Background

• AFENET is implementing a project to improve use and quality of PHC data in Nigeria. The project aims to improve data quality, specifically accuracy, completeness and use, using a human centered behavioral science (HCD-BS).
• Planned activities are geared towards improving data quality and use under the hypothesis that completeness and accuracy of routine PHC data is affected by behavioral, technical and organizational factors. AFENET seeks the services of qualified culturally competent personnel to implement the project in six states in northern Nigeria.

Scope of work

• This is a full-time position to be stationed in Abuja. The position will lead the project team and be responsible for overall project management to ensure all planned activities are carried out within budget. S/he will also supervise/oversee all activities done in the project and make decisions on team members travels.
• S/he should have optimal knowledge of PHC operations in Nigeria and sound knowledge in epidemiology, data management and behavioral science approach to health interventions. In addition, S/he should possess adequate knowledge in health information management systems with leadership and team management skills.

Major duties and responsibilities

• Lead the design and the implementation of the project
• Provide oversight and supervision of the project implementation
• Lead the development of a robust learning agenda around various interventions aimed at changing the behaviour of front-line health workers in order to improve PHC data quality and use
• Lead the design of metrics to monitor and measure progress of the project
• Provide technical support for the implementation of the National Data Quality Improvement Plan
• Provide technical support to National primary Health Care Development Agency on data quality improvement
• Coordinate activities at the national level. Interface with all level actors to ascertain the status of activities with respect to the chronogram and timelines.
• Support the development of training modules addressing accurate reporting, review and data use
• Lead advocacy to government and other partners and stakeholders at all levels
• Develop training modules and materials for the training of all categories of personnel involved in this project
• Ensure tracking of all project indicators and timely reporting of project activities
• Develop and share reports and updates with donors and other stakeholders
• Provide technical support to government staff at all levels on data management in accordance with program requirement and specification.
• Provide technical leadership to the implementing team on data driven decision making
• Provide support for implementing states in data quality improvement

Required Qualifications/Experience

• Post graduate degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Policy, Allied Health, Veterinary Science, Biostatistics or other related field
• Pre-requisite: post-graduate training through a field epidemiology training program or the Epidemic intelligence Service (EIS)
• Three years’ experience working with primary health care systems in Nigeria
• Three years’ experience in leading diverse teams

Knowledge Requirements/Skills:

• Language proficiency in English.
• A good understanding the primary health care is a requirement
• Strong technical knowledge in public health, epidemiology, PHC systems, and data management
• Practical experience in the design and implementation of operational research
• Knowledge in conduct of qualitative study is an added advantage
• Skills in Microsoft Office, Epi Info and other data analysis software
• Excellent leadership and management skills is required
• Ability to communicate clearly in English language orally and in writing
• Ability to engage in successful interaction, extensive contact with members of government agencies and partners at national, state and local government levels.

Application Closing Date
31st December, 2019.