Maternal and Child Health Program Manager at USAID Nigeria

USAID Nigeria in Abuja is seeking to employ a suitable and qualified candidate for the position of Maternal and Child Health Program Manager in the Health, Population & Nutrition Office.

Job Title: Maternal and Child Health Program Manager, FSN- 11

Annoucement No.: 2012-009

Work Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week

Job Basic Function
The Project Management Specialist for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) provides technical and program expertise to the HPN team and the USG Mission at large. The primary responsibility is to provide project management and technical advice on maternal and child health.

Duties and Responsibilities

a.) Program/Project Management - 45 %

• The Specialist manages a diverse portfolio targeting evidence-based, high impact, cost effective interventions for the improvement of MCH including but not limited to prevention and treatment of diarrhea, and pneumonia; strengthening routine immunization and new life saving vaccines; improving emergency obstetrical care and newborn care.
• Close coordination, collaboration, alignment and integration with staff working to improve other components of the portfolio, including malaria, family planning, nutrition, prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, health systems strengthening, health seeking behavior and quality improvement is essential.
• Serves as Agreement/Contract Officers Representative (AOR/COR) and program/project/activity manager. Provides review and approval of work plans, project budgets, performance monitoring plans, quarterly and annual reports,. and other key documents for managed activities.
• She/he provides guidance on new program initiatives, drafts program documents to secure funding and implement activities, and manages the relationships between USAID staff and USAID implementing partners (IPs).
• Provides technical assistance in capacity building, planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation to key USAID governmental and nongovernmental partners, to ensure that they develop measurable plans and objectives for implementation of innovative and effective HPN projects.
• Provides oversight to ensure that programs achieve sound programmatic and financial management, achieve anticipated results, are linked to and enhance attainment of strategic objectives, are aligned with GON priorities and are implemented within the framework of the USG foreign assistance policies.
• Works closely with other U.S. Mission and Agency staff to ensure effective coordination and alignment of all USG programs. Conducts regular site visits to monitor activity progress and to provide technical and programmatic recommendations.

b.) Technical advice and advocacy - 35%

• Serves as a Mission point of contact for all matters relation to MCH. Works to ensure technical and programmatic synergy within USG/Nigeria supported activities and with GON and other development partners by facilitating the exchange and coordination of technical information and identifying and fostering opportunities for partnership on technical and programmatic activities.
• Participates as USAID representative in national-level technical, programmatic and policy meetings and in consultations with other donors, government officials, and implementing partners.
• Develops policies and guidelines to integrate MCH activities and technical priorities with other areas of health and related sectors, including HIV, education, governance, agricultural and economic strengthening activities.
• Participates in relevant Mission, donor and GON working groups, providing technical advice and guidance and advising on projects supporting maternal health and child survival.
• Advocates for MCH programs and for funding required to achieve desired outcomes within the HPN and lIP results framework. Ensures that USAID programs contribute to relevant USG plans and. goals.

c.) Other - 20%

• Provides technical and programmatic support, including developing presentations and talking points, and serves as site officer for high-level delegations, other visitors, and overall USG and USAID Mission needs. Maintains responsibility for supporting the HPN team, other technical offices, the Agency and USG Mission in developing strategic and technical plans.
• Responds to reporting requirements and requests from within the Mission, and from USAID/ Washington and others, as needed.

The Maternal and Child Health Program Manager performs other duties as assigned and/or required.

Requirements

• Minimum Education: Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, international health development, or a closely related degree is required.
• Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible professional experience working in the health or development field in Nigeria. Three years of this experience should be in direct management of health or development activities, including designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating activities. Experience should include working or collaborating with other donors, governments, international organizations, nongovernmental orgahizations, etc. Knowledge of relevant, evidence-based MCH activities is critical.
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English Language oral and writing ability is required.
• Knowledge: State-of-the-art, specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in MCH is required, including all areas mentioned heretofore as well as relevant and current research. Significant knowledge of program management strategies and monitoring and evaluation methods is required. A thorough knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques and practices of Nigerian maternal and child health policies and programs is required. A thorough knowledge of Nigerian economic, political, social and cultural characteristics and the history of development assistance, particularly as relates to health programs in Nigeria, including current trends and directions is expected.
• Skills and Abilities: Must be able to work effectively with mid- and senior- level public and civil society officials from the GON, development partners and the community. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment and to coordinate well with others. Must be able to develop effective and collaborative managerial relationships with implementing partners. Excellent writing and computer skills needed to develop presentations, reports, etc. are required. Diplomacy, tact, cultural sensitivity and team participation skills are required in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the USG Mission, with donors and the public and private sectors. Excellent judgment and organizational skills are required to manage competing priorities and needs in a fast paced, complex and frequently changing environment. Demonstrated advanced analytical skills and problem solving as well as the ability to effectively manage stress and conflict is required.

Selection Process
It is essential that the candidate address the required qualifications above in the application.

Remuneration
Salary: FSN: N5,050,289.00 p.a (Starting basic salary on FSN11 Position Grade)
In addition to the basic salary, all allowances will be paid in accordance with the Mission Local Compensation Plan.

Application Closing Date
1 November, 2012

How To Apply
Interested applicants for this position MUST submit the following, or the application will not be considered:

• A type-written application specifically applying for this position, and addressing the minimum requirements as advertised. Please reference the job title and announcement number on the application letter.
• A current resume or curriculum vitae, listing all job responsibilities; plus
• Any other documentation (e.g. essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
• Please indicate position title and vacancy announcement number on the top right corner of the envelope and also on the subject line of the application letter

Submit application to:
USAID Nigeria
ATTN: Human Resource Office
c/o U.S. Embassy
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive Central Business District
Abuja, FCT,
Nigeria