Technical Lead - Capacity Building and Research at African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET)

Background

• The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) seeks the service of qualified candidates to fill the positions below for a project titled “ Partnership for enhanced learning towards advancing immunization equity in Nigeria”.
• AFENET in this partnership will serve as a country partner to Gavi to lead the implementation of the Zero Dose Learning Hub in Nigeria.
• The goal of the Zero Dose Learning Hub is to provide a structured framework for the country to improve data use and promptly generate evidence that can be leveraged to successfully identify, measure, monitor and reach “zero dose” children and the “missed” communities in which they live.

Terms of Reference

• The position will be primarily responsible for leading the capacity building component of the project as well as the research design, implementation and translation activities including development and dissemination of learning products in alignment with the Zero Dose country learning agenda.
• S/he should have optimal knowledge of the Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI) operations in Nigeria at national and sub-national level, in-depth knowledge and requisite skills as well as experience in capacity building focusing on adult learning and skills transfer as well as knowledge management within the context of immunization programmes.
• In addition, S/he should have sound knowledge and experience in health data management, public health implementation research including research translation.

The specific responsibilities include:

• Lead the planning and conduct of capacity needs assessment in data reporting, use and evidence generation at various levels to better inform implementation of Zero Dose Immunization Programme (ZIP) interventions at national and sub-national level.
• Develop a context tailored capacity building strategic plan to address identified capacity needs.
• Lead the co-creation and design of tailored training curricula and materials focusing on strengthening capacity for data reporting, routine data management and data use for evidence-based practise in the context of the “ Identify, Monitor, Measure, Reach and Advocate” (IRMMA) framework of ZIP.
• Lead the planning and implementation of capacity building activities, working closely with the project team, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA)  in targeted states and partners.
• Coordinate training activities and interface with all level actors to ascertain the status of activities with respect to the chronogram and timelines.
• Design and coordinate evaluations to assess effectiveness and impact of capacity building interventions supported through the project.
• Coordinate activities to strengthen the knowledge management system within relevant departments at NPHCDA and SPHCDAs in targeted states.
• Lead the design of relevant research protocols and tools aligned to the country Zero Dose Learning Agenda, working closely with the Project Coordinator and in consultation with key government stakeholders, JSI the Global learning partner and Gavi.
• Coordinate the timely submission of research protocols for ethical clearance by the relevant research regulatory/ ethics authorities.
• Lead the implementation of approved research protocols including the aspects of development of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and implementation plan, protocol training, coordination of field data collection, data management and analysis.
• Coordinate the timely development and dissemination of learning products (e.g., research reports, targeted power point presentations, scientific abstracts/posters or manuscripts, bulletins, policy brief) to ensure that data and evidence generated through the Zero Dose Learning Agenda is widely available for use to inform policy reviews, direct interventions, and course- correct implementation approaches.
• Provide technical input in the development of the Zero Dose Country Learning Agenda that will be coordinated by the Global learning partner (JSI)
• Support stakeholder engagement activities at national and sub-national level
• Support representation of the ZD Learning Hub in relevant national and sub-national platforms and fora
• Provide technical oversight and work with the Behavioural scientist and Research officers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Post graduate Degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Policy, Allied Health, Veterinary Science, Biostatistics or other related field.
• Pre-requisite: post-graduate training through a field epidemiology training program or equivalent
• At least four years' experience working within the primary health care system in Nigeria, with at least 2 years working within the EPI space.
• At least three years’ experience in a coordination role or directly supporting  capacity building initiatives in public health.
• At least three years' experience in public health research

Knowledge Requirements / Skills:

• Language proficiency in English.
• An in-depth understanding of EPI in Nigeria is a requirement.
• Strong technical knowledge in capacity building with focus on RI data management and metrics
• Practical experience in the design and implementation of operational research in public health
• Knowledge in qualitative research design and implementation is an added advantage.
• Skills in Microsoft Office, Epi Info and other data analysis software
• Excellent skills in written and oral communication, including presentation skills.
• Good leadership and management skills.