Consultant - Interim HHA Team Lead at Population Services International (PSI)

Objective of the Project
The primary objective of this project is;

• To increase the demand for and accessibility of high-quality screening, diagnosis, treatment, and referral services for hypertension (HTN) within primary healthcare centres in the public sectors across 18 states spanning the six geo-political regions of Nigeria.
• Integrate treatment of HTN into the Minimum Service Package (MSP) of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
• Improve program data capture to efficiently monitor and manage the program.

About the Assignment

• Healthy Heart Africa (HHA) is dedicated to addressing the high burden of hypertension across Sub-Saharan Africa through comprehensive community-based interventions and health system strengthening. With the program slated to close by March, the Program Operations Lead—who was formerly the HHA Team Lead—has been promoted but will continue to provide strategic support. Given the timeline and the immediate need, this consultancy has been created to ensure programmatic continuity, maintain performance, and complete final reporting and close-out activities.
• The primary objective of this consultancy is to support the HHA program through its final operational phase by assuming interim team leadership duties and maintaining the program’s operational, monitoring, and reporting standards. The consultant will work under the oversight of the Program Operations Lead and closely collaborate with key stakeholders, partners, and funders to achieve project milestones, report on progress, and facilitate a smooth and compliant project close-out.

Scope of Work and Specifications
Program Oversight and Strategic Management:

• Serve as the interim focal point for HHA, overseeing day-to-day activities and ensuring alignment with the program’s strategic objectives and final milestones.
• Support the Program Operations Lead in refining close-out strategies and contingency planning to ensure all project deliverables are met by December.
• Facilitate coordination and maintain effective communication between all implementing partners, stakeholders, and field teams to address emerging needs and achieve program targets.

Operational Support and Quality Assurance

• Oversee daily operations to ensure quality standards are met in service delivery, community engagement, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance for key program activities, supporting field teams with implementation issues, troubleshooting, and adherence to guidelines and timelines.
• Ensure effective supply chain management and distribution of program resources in compliance with organizational policies and funder requirements.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Monitor project performance and progress against established metrics and targets, addressing any gaps proactively.
• Develop high-quality monthly, quarterly, and final project reports for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Coordinate with the teams to compile and validate data, oversee timely and accurate submissions, and manage end-of-program data analysis, including impact assessments.

Liaison with Partners and Stakeholder

• Serve as the primary liaison between HHA and all project partners, including but not limited to the FMOH, partner NGOs, CBOs, and community stakeholders.

• Maintain open communication channels with all partners to ensure consistent alignment with project objectives and priorities.
• Address and resolve any issues with local and regional stakeholders to maintain strong relationships and program support through the closing phase.

Program Transition and Close-Out Support

• Collaborate with the Program Operations Lead to develop and execute a close-out plan, including documentation, final reporting, and financial reconciliations.
• Ensure the accurate, thorough handover of all program documentation, tools, and assets in compliance with organizational and funder guidelines.
• Identify and document lessons learned and best practices to inform future programs and organizational strategy.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Program Operations Director to support the successful closeout of the HHA project.
• Adapt to evolving project needs and provide flexible support as required to address unforeseen challenges.

Deliverables

• Monthly Progress Reports detailing project activities, partner updates, and financial status.
• Final Project Report summarizing key achievements, lessons learned, and recommendations for future NCD-focused initiatives.
• On-Site Supervision Visit Reports, including findings, observations, and suggested improvements for project activities.
• Prepare and submit a quarterly HHA report
• Comprehensive close-out strategy, including resource allocation, documentation requirements, and timeline.

Qualification and Experience

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Development Studies, Program Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in health program management, ideally within hypertension or non-communicable disease programs.
• Proven expertise in project close-out and handover processes, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with donor-funded health projects, especially USAID and DFID-funded initiatives.
• Strong communication, analytical, and reporting skills, with demonstrated success managing multi-stakeholder projects.

Level of Effort (LOE):

• This consultancy requires full-time engagement over a six-month period (July 2025 – Dec 2025) with biweekly reporting to the Program Operations Lead and regular consultations with HHA stakeholders as necessary.