Social Mobilization & Development advisor (SMDA) at Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH)

The Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) initiative is a 5-year aid programme which operates alongside the PRRINN programme that focuses on strengthening routine immunization in four Northern Nigerian States. The MNCH programme aims to address the unacceptable high rates maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality in selected Northern Nigerian States. This programme is funded by the Norwegian government in partnership with the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and is operated by a consortium of three, organizations, namely: Health Partners International UK, Save the Children, UK and GRID Consulting Nigeria.

The joint programme collaborates with stakeholders in the health sector as well as civil societies to provide quantifiable improvements to the PHC systems in Northern Nigeria. PRRINN/MNCH is managed by a team of internationally recruited professionals. Its programme activities are carried out in Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe and Zamfara with coordination from the programme head office in Kano. The programme seeks to recruit a qualified professional to fill the vacant position as identified below:

Job Title: Social Mobilization & Development advisor (SMDA)
Location: Kano

Responsibilities

• As the technical lead for the programme on social development and communications issues, the Social Mobilization and Development Advisor will engage with the Federal Ministry of Health to build capacity and understand social development and communication issues in immunization.
• S/he will provide technical advisory support to the relevant bodies and the State Social Mobilization officers on the appropriate capacity building support required to address the issues to demand and access to immunization services.
• The SMDA will also ensure the coordination of efforts in activities that will increase the participation of communities in immunization activities in the programme states; establishing mechanisms to promote community voice, and develop stronger accountability relationships between policy-makers, service providers and communities.

Qualification

• Candidates must hold a post graduate qualification in any of Social Development, Health Management, Public Health, or any related disciplines with a minimum of ten (10) years’ work experience at a senior level.
• Previous experience in an advisory position in providing social development technical support to health projects/programmes in Africa, specifically in Nigeria is essential for this position.
• S/he must have a good understanding of the role communication in creating the demand/awareness for services.
• Prior experience in designing/implementing qualitative research studies are also required for this job.
• Previous experience in similar role and environment will be an added advantage.
• and engaging with senior government officials on social development issues at the highest level are essential skills required for the position.
• Good understanding of immunization in Nigeria and previous work experience in Northern Nigeria as well as in DFID-funded health projects will be an added advantage.
  

Terms of Employment
These appointments will be for a short term contract up to six months. The programme offers highly competitive salary packages. However, local terms and conditions are applicable.

Application Closing Date
2nd November, 2012

Method of Application
Interested candidates should submit an application and updated Cvs to include contact mobile numbers and email address to: cvs@gridconsulting.net, 

Or through the link on our website at: www.gridconsulting.net.

Interviews will commence after the closing date with a view to successful candidates commencing work immediately.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.