Consultant - Program Optimizer (Laboratory Systems) at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) - 2 Openings

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is an organisation charged with the responsibility of facilitating the development and management of the policies and strategies of all sectors to ensure the human, financial and organizational resources to support the successful execution of the national HIV/AIDS response programme in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Consultant - Program Optimizer (Laboratory Systems)

Locations: Abia and Taraba
Employment Type: Full-time
Duration for the Consultancy Services: Six (6) months
Reporting Line: Technical Specialist - Laboratory Systems

Introduction

• The Global Fund GC6 Grant spanned from 1st April 2021 through 31st December 2023 with NACA being the Principal Recipient and NCDC in collaboration with FMOH-MLSD as Sub Recipient for the Laboratory Systems Strengthening component.
• As part of the efforts to strengthen referral of biological specimens in the country, there was support for the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in two (2) states (Abia and Taraba).
• Following the end of the grant in December 2023 and as approved by the Global Fund, the implementation of the Laboratory systems component is to remain with NACA as the PR and FMOH-MLSD as the SR for Laboratory Systems on the ongoing C19RM grant from January 2024 through December 2025.
• In the Laboratory Systems component of the grant, there is continued funding to support the implementation of pilot integrated specimen referral using the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in the 2 states. This initiative is aimed at optimizing the transportation of biological specimens, improving result retrieval efficiency, and strengthening laboratory logistics in Nigeria’s public health system. Given the critical role of effective specimen referral in disease diagnosis and surveillance, it is imperative that this pilot is implemented with strong technical and operational oversight.
• To ensure the successful execution of this initiative, the engagement of qualified consultants is necessary to provide specialized expertise in laboratory systems, program coordination, monitoring and evaluation, as well as financial reconciliation. These consultants in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in the two states will play a crucial role in ensuring that specimen transportation is properly monitored, data is accurately reported, key stakeholders are effectively engaged, and financial reconciliation processes are conducted in compliance with donor requirements.
• Given the strategic importance of this pilot program and the need to commence implementation without delays, NACA is seeking to engage eight (8) consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States.

Role Summary

• The Program Optimizer will support the timely implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in Abia and Taraba states and track performance indicators.

Job Description

• Support the Managing of the Programme delivery of the pilot, implementing the agreed Programme plan and transition modality plan
• Analyze and escalate new programme risks
• Supports the Technical Specialist to communicate programme status to national stakeholders including the NLTWG
• Supports the continued partnership development through the identification, targeting and cultivation of relationships with appropriate national stakeholders
• Manage existing national stakeholders and partner relations, with regular and scheduled feedback, to ensure continued success of the pilot and beyond
• To support the tracking of implementation and absorption rates (programme budget).
• To ensure there is a strong link between programme activities, deliverables and budgets.
• To work with the Finance Officer to ensure the timely production of monthly financial reports for specimen referral and other Lab Systems interventions

Job Qualifications

• First Degree or equivalent in basic science, public health, monitoring and evaluation, epidemiology, surveillance, project management, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications in project management are an advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in project management.

Submission of Quotations

Sealing and marking of Quotations
The suppliers shall submit the original and one copy of their quotation in two separate sealed envelopes, one marked “original” and one marked “copy”. The two envelopes shall then be enclosed in one single outer envelope. Both the inner and outer envelopes shall be addressed as follows:

• To the Purchaser as indicated in the Request for Quotations; and
• Bearing the Project name (if applicable), the title and number of the Quotation as indicated in the Request for Quotations.

Deadline for the Submission of Quotations

• Quotations must be received by the Purchaser at the address specified in below at the latest time and date specified in the Request for Quotations.
• Any quotation received by the Purchaser after the deadline for the submission specified shall be returned unopened to the supplier.

Evaluation Criteria and Award of Contract

• Please refer to the link below for more information.

Salary
N425,000 per month.

Application Closing Date
25th June, 2025; 12:00 PM.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their detailed CV, which must be in English Language and submitted in two (2) hard copies one original & one copy) of the requested CV. The two copies shall then be enclosed and sealed in one (1) single outer envelope and clearly marked at the topmost right corner "Engagement of Consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States" and the Name, Address, Email and Phone Number of the Consultant boldly written at the back of the envelope, with acknowledgement to NACA office at the address below.

Attention:
Head Procurement
National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)
Ground Floor Room 1.0
No. 3 Zinguinchor Street, Beside AEDC Office,
Wuse zone 4, Abuja.
Or
By E-mail to: procurement@naca.gov.ng

Pre-qualification Requirement
To qualify for consideration, interested consultants are required to submit CVs including the underlisted documents below:

• Cover Letter (Sign) – Unsigned cover Letter shall be automatically disqualified.
• Recent copy of CV
• Copies of all qualifications certificate indicated in the CV
• Relevant experiences and supporting documents
• Consultant profile

Click here for more information on the Engagement of the Consultant

Note: The submission (s) received will be opened immediately after closing at NACA Conference Room in the presence of consultants that choose to attend.