Country Project Director at John Snow Inc - JSI

Background

• We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the USAID-funded MOMENTUM (Moving Integrated, Quality Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services to Scale) Round 3B, known as MOMENTUM-Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE).
• M-RITE’s overarching goal is to sustainably strengthen routine immunization programs to: 1) overcome the entrenched obstacles contributing to stagnating and declining immunization rates in USAID-supported countries, and 2) address the barriers to reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children with life-saving vaccines and other health services. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption of immunization services, M-RITE will also support countries with the maintenance, adaptation, and/or reinstatement of immunization and support countries as they roll out the COVID-19 vaccine. 
• In Nigeria, M-RITE will bring its expertise to strengthen national COVID-19 vaccination efforts through participation in national-level COVID-19 technical working groups and work in 5 states to support the national SCALES 3.0 strategy.  
• M-RITE will support microplanning and work to build demand and acceptance for the vaccine in partnership with states to mitigate the risk of misinformation and hesitancy among health workers and other priority populations, support the design and implementation of communications and community engagement strategies to promote uptake of the vaccine and help develop and review monitoring tools.
• In addition, M-RITE will provide technical assistance to support routine immunization strengthening in 5 states, applying a co-creation approach to improve equitable coverage with a focus on identifying, understanding, and reaching zero dose and under-immunized children and communities. 

Summary of Position Description

• The Country Project Director (CPD), located in Abuja, will lead and supervise a team to implement a USAID-funded scope of work focused on providing direct technical support to the NPHCDA/SPHCDA and national/state routine immunization and COVID-19 technical working groups and State Immunization Teams. 
• The CPD will be responsible for client management (USAID Mission and MOH) and will engage with other partners and donors. 
• S/he will lead a team of public health technical and program management experts to achieve desired results, in coordination with the global M-RITE team, and collaborate with JSI/Nigeria leadership. 
• The CPD will also be responsible for the management and technical oversight of the M-RITE portfolio and funding streams, and overall risk management for the program.
• The CPD will report to the M-RITE Deputy Director.  

Duties

• Serve as the program director and technical representative with USAID, MOH, and other national/international agencies,  institutions, and stakeholders. 
• Provide management and technical oversight for the M-RITE portfolio and funding streams, and overall risk management for the program. 
• Directly supervise senior members of the team and provide leadership for the full project team. 
• Encourage mentoring mechanisms within and outside the Team to promote continuity and sustainability. 
• Assure compliance with JSI and USAID policies, rules, and regulations, as well as in-country legal and regulatory frameworks, and assure open and transparent communication with the global team and the assigned Country Program Manager (CPM) and Senior Technical Officer (STO). 
• Manage the successful performance of the project and oversee the preparation of routine and ad hoc performance reports and technical deliverables. 
• Ensure accuracy and timely submission of all quarterly/annual reporting requirements. 
• Ensure quality and timeliness of work and the completion of all activities within budget. 
• Oversee the development of appropriate planning, monitoring, management, and control systems to ensure informed decision-making and implementation of project activities. 
• Oversee monitoring of project activities and ensure incorporation of lessons learned into ongoing activity tasks. Ensure performance against targets. Take corrective action where necessary. 
• Communicate regularly with the central M-RITE team, sharing information in a timely manner. 
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor from time to time. 

Qualification Requirements  

• Advanced Degree in Public Health, Immunization, Supply Chain Management, the management or related social science or  the equivalent in practical experience; 
• At least 10 years of direct experience with the EPI program and/or immunization is required; Knowledge of the principles and practice of public health. Familiarity with immunization systems support such as  the implementation of outreach activities,  vaccine management, cold chain, waste management and disposal, and vehicle management as well as primary health care systems; 
• Ability to review and analyze routine immunization data, monitor and present program progress; 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a complex, multi-intervention health development program in collaboration with national  health ministries and international partners; 
• Personal and professional commitment to gender equality; 
• Ability to travel to/among states and internationally when needed; 
• Leadership and management experience in the context of USAID awards/contracts is required; 
• Demonstrated project management and leadership skills with an ability to take initiative; 
• Effective presentation and strong advocacy skills; 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English is required; 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with a diverse team of partners and counterparts.