Consultant - Develop / Update the Reaching Every Ward (REW) Microplans at John Snow Incorporated (JSI) - 4 Openings

John Snow, Incorporated (JSI) - We are public health care and health systems consultants and researchers driven by a passion to improve health services and health outcomes for all.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:

Title: Consultant - Develop / Update the Reaching Every Ward (REW) Microplans

Locations: Bayelsa, Edo, Jigawa and Lagos

Introduction

• Immunization has made significant strides in Nigeria from 33% in 2017 to 57% in 2021, however attaining high immunization coverage has remained a problem, with routine immunization (RI) coverage rates for penta3 at 57%.
• To expedite progress and focuson implementing strategic interventions towards improving immunization coverage, Nigeria launched the Strategy for Immunization and Primary Healthcare System Strengthening (NSIPPS) in 2018. This outlines a lot of strategies geared towards increasing immunization services especially targeting zero dose children.
• Nigeria accounts for 2.2 million zero-dose children (ZD) in the West Africa region and one of the highest in the world. NPHCDA conducted a prioritization exercise and identified 100 LGAs in 18 states with unimmunized children and has been implementing some strategies such as the RI intensification, however, the plan of reducing ZD children by at least 15% annually has not been reached. To achieve this, strategies customized to different settings are required to address context specific immunization issues relating to zero dose and underserved communities.

Project Background

• John Snow Incorporated (JSI) is a US based not for profit organization that supports Nigeria to strengthen health systems. MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (MRITE) is a subsidiary of the John Snow Incorporated.
• MRITE project is part of a suite of innovative awards funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to holistically improve family planning and maternal and child health in partner countries around the world. The project applies best practices and explores innovations to increase equitable immunization coverage in USAID-supported countries around the world. MRITE has improved immunization coverage in the focused states of Bayelsa, Edo, Imo, Jigawa and Lagos.
• MRITE is strengthening immunization by increasing access to routine immunization services which is crucial for safeguarding the health of children and preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.To ensure that all children are fully vaccinated, strategies must be put in place to ensure every child is reached with immunization services.
• Immunization services providers’ knowledge of REW and micro plan development must be improved. Also, their capacity must be developed to identify barriers to accessing and utilizing of immunization in priority settlements. A key strategy is to develop clear microplans and/or update already existing ones that reach every ward to improve immunization coverage.

Goal

• The overall goal is to develop and or updatetheReaching Every Ward (REW) Microplans for Primary Health Care facilities in Bayelsa, Edo, Jigawa and Lagos states.

The specific objectives include:

• Identify and map all settlements based on their populations within select LGAs in Bayelsa, Edo, Jigawa and Lagos;
• Develop clear microplans integrating all components needed for strong routine immunization service delivery and PHC services.

Scope of Work

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current immunization status in Bayelsa, Edo, Jigawa and Lagos states, identifying areas with the high concentrations of zero dose and underserved children to prioritize for development/update of REW microplans.
• Identify key stakeholders and their roles to enable effective involvement and include local community organizations to ensure community-level input in the immunization process.
• Implement awareness campaigns to address myths and misconceptions about immunization.
• Review existing policies, guidelines, and data related to immunization in Bayelsa, Edo, Jigawa and Lagos states.
• Conduct meetings with relevant health authorities, government officials, community leaders, and healthcare workers to gather insights for actional plans.
• Facilitate REW focused workshops to ensure active participation and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Train staff to conduct walkthrough microplanning in the Bayelsa, Edo, Jigawa and Lagos states.
• Utilize GIS mapping to identify high-risk areas and optimize resource allocation.
• Develop a comprehensive microplans for each ward, outlining strategies for immunization coverage improvement.
• Include details on targeted interventions, community mobilization, and communication strategies.
• Ensure the sustainability of the microplanning process through ongoing training and support.
• Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system, and supportive supervision to track the progress of activity.

Project Deliverables

• A completed GIS report showing mapped facilities, catchment areas/communities/settlements.
• A comprehensive report on the methodology used for REW microplans development
• Insightful power point presentations of findings from assessment and analysis.
• Well-developed/updated REW microplans.
• A monitoring, evaluation and learning report on the activity.

Budget:

• Prepare a budget estimate covering all aspects of the REW microplans development and in line with USAID cost principles.

Project workplace:

• The primary focus area will be select LGAs in MRITE’s supported states of Bayelsa, Edo, Jigawa and Lagos.However, coordination and collaboration may extend to neighbouring LGAs.

Expected Duration of Assignment:

• The assignment is expected to be completed within three months.

Payment Terms and Conditions

• Payment will be structured based on the achievement of predefined milestones. An advance will be provided upon project commencement, followed by subsequent payments tied to the successful completion of key deliverables.

Application Closing Date
8th March, 2024.