AVADAR Project Assistant (G5) at World Health Organization (WHO)

Purpose of the Position

• The Nigerian national authorities have intensified efforts to continuously interrupt wild poliovirus transmission within the shortest time possible. Therefore, a strong AFP surveillance system is crucial to detect and investigate cases early.
• A strong community surveillance linked with ACS to priority health facility is proved to effective in many countries. Therefore, a new innovative approach in making the surveillance system sensitive is crucial to make sure that we are not missing any cases in the community.
• Auto-Visual AFP Detection and Reporting (AVADAR) was piloted in two LGAs in Nigeria and the result has shown that it increases both the number of cases detected and the geographical distribution of case reporting.
• After reviewing the result of the pilot an agreement is reached to implement this initiative in other 11 states across 62 LGAs with persistent surveillance gaps. There is need for coordination of the project at state level to oversee the general implementation of the project.

Objectives of the Programme

• To sustain the present gains of the Polio Eradication program, AVADAR project was deployed to increase the sensitivity of AFP detection and reporting using smart phones and AVADAR application to send AFP alert to DSNO. This innovative solution allows monitoring and provide real time analytics for information collected using the electronic tools.
• The main objective of the post is to support the implementation of AVADAR in the state through technical guidance of the AVADAR SOPs, supportive supervision and providing on site trainings to HWs and CIs.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the PEP/Polio Focal person and over all supervision of Zonal Coordinator and guidance of the State Coordinator the AVADAR Project Assistant will carry out the following specific task:

Coordination:

• Working with the project coordinator to ensure that there is constant communication on the project from the field level to the state and eventually to national level.
• Support the set-up of meetings be they physically or virtually
• Perform other responsibilities that may be required of him.

Operations:

• Support the preparations and implementation of the trainings
• Ensure that AVADAR SOPs are followed in LGA implementation sites
• Conduct monitoring and supervisory visits to end users
• Support the process of payment incentive for the notification of an AFP case that yields a polio virus
• Track and attend to complain related to the project from the informants and health workers
• Support the quarterly review meeting of the project
• Provide weekly/monthly report on the project including tracking information of the project indicators.

Cross Cutting Tasks:

• Support the design and implementation of electronic and mHealth data collection tools
•  Support in the investigation of disease alerts and verifications.

Competencies:

• Communication
• Producing results
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Ensuring the effective use of resources.

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

• Ability to organize and provide training for community informants and health workers
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and partners at state and LGA levels
• Ability to provide leadership and monitor progress
• Computer software proficiency including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and ODK.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the state of assignment. 

Education (Qualifications)
Essential: 

• Completion of Secondary School Education, Technical Certificate, or Diploma in Management from an accredited institution.

Desirable:

• University Degree or its equivalent in social or health sciences from an accredited university.

Experience:
Essential:

• 5 to 7 years’ working experience in project management with WHO or agencies of the United Nations.

Desirable:

• Experience in data collection, analysis, dissemination, and use of health information for program planning and management.

Languages: 

• Excellent knowledge of English.