Program Associate, National Level (HAPPI) - Phase I at JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI)

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) is a public health management consulting and research organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Associate - National Level, for the HPV Vaccine Acceleration Program Partners Initiative (HAPPI) - Phase I

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Period of Performance: 1 May 2023 to 31 August 2023
Position type: Full-time consultant
Position category: Local hire, paid in country
Company/Division: JSI – Local Hire
Hiring Manager: Professor Amos Bassi

Description

• The HPV Vaccine Acceleration Program Partners Initiative (HAPPI) Consortium was awarded to JSI by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in October 2022 as Phase I of an anticipated two-phase project period. HAPPI project is managed by JSI in collaboration with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), Jhpiego, and PATH. Together, partners will enable global coordination efforts around HPV vaccine, in addition to supporting HPV vaccine introduction in Nigeria.
• In Nigeria, cervical cancer is a significant contributor to the morbidity and mortality of women. It is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths among women in Nigeria. Nigeria contributes a large proportion of the West Africa regional cervical cancer burden. HAPPI project will be supporting Nigeria for the HPV introduction planning and rollout. Introduction is anticipated to start in November 2023 in 16 selected states, followed by national introduction in 2024.
• The HAPPI Project is currently recruiting for a national consultant Program Associate position to support HPV vaccine introduction in Nigeria. The person in this position will provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, SPHCDA and other stakeholders to advance human papilloma virus vaccine introduction.
• We seek candidates who have at least 2 years’ experience working with immunization programs and systems, to help implement and evaluate strategies that protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with the project teams and partners, including NVSTT/NPHCDA, CHAI, WHO and UNICEF to ensure the successful implementation of project activities, including creating work plans, and reporting. Help facilitate coordination for budgeting and reconciliation of finances.
• Work closely with the relevant stakeholders, including Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, Ministry of Education, NGOs, civil society, private sector partners, etc.
• Support Sub-national Program Associates with SPHCDA support for the development of HPV introduction microplans as well as the roll out.
• Collaborate with CHAI, UNICEF, and WHO in the implementation of formative research and readiness assessment of the HPV introduction.
• Provide regular reports and updates as directed by supervising National Technical Advisor and other staff to key stakeholders on HAPPI project.
• Coordinate with partners to co-facilitate or participate in trainings and organizing key events and meetings.
• Work with NPHCDA, CHAI and UNICEF and support demand generation activities, IEC material development, sensitization and community engagement for the preparation of Multi Age Cohort (MAC) campaign.
• Provide technical support for project activities, monitoring, supervision, reporting, evaluation, and documentation in a timely manner.
• Assist with other programmatic and administrative duties as required for successful implementation of HAPPI program activities.
• Liaise with other technical experts across JSI.
• Represent HAPPI project as a member of Technical Working Groups (TWGs) at the national level.

Deliverables
By 19 June 2023:

• Completed work plan and successful ongoing implementation of project activities.
• Mid-point report and update as directed by supervising National Technical Advisor

By 31 August 2023:

• Final report and update as directed by supervising National Technical Advisor

Qualifications

• Medical Degree in Public Health / Microbiology / Epidemiology / Social Sciences / or related field, from a reputed institute.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in vaccines and immunization with demonstrated skills in vaccine implementation.
• Experience in projects that involve liaising with government institutions, USAID, Public Health Institutions, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and/or other stakeholders and NGOs.
• Experience in any of the following areas is preferred: digital health, health systems strengthening, MNCH, and infectious diseases.
• Proven ability to multi-task and collaborate work effectively with senior staff, colleagues, donors, partner organizations, stakeholders, local institutions, and others at all levels.
• Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines, and an emphasis on quality.
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation and report writing skills
• Excellent skills in facilitation, team building and coordination.
• Fluency in English required and preferably an additional local language spoken in the state
• Demonstrable problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in application of Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite with an emphasis on proficiency in Word, PowerPoint and SharePoint.
• Proven success drafting, proofreading, and editing documents.
• Extremely detail-oriented, with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-site organization and in a team-based structure.

Application Closing Date
4th April, 2023.