Program Manager, Group Ante-Natal Care (G-ANC) Project at Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH)

Job Description

• The Program Manager will be responsible for the design, implementation, monitoring and accountability  of the Lagos State Group Antenatal Care Deployment with support from  the TA Connect / Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Project.
• She / He will work in collaboration with the key State stakeholders, multiple local and international actors and implementing partners to improve access to Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) services and support state-wide institutionalization of the G-ANC model.

She/He will be responsible for:

• Technical skills in Obstetrics care and Managing G-ANC program
• Leading ARFH’s technical team for efficient planning, financing, delivering, and monitoring high quality services to the Lagos State government.
• Designing and implementing operational plans and leading programmatic activities.
• She/he will provide technical leadership on all aspects of improving the quality of RMNCH services by supporting the government’s strategic goal of increasing G-ANC coverage in the targeted LGAs in Lagos state and generate an evidence-base to support other Nigerian states to adopt G-ANC.
• Develop strategies for Local resource mobilization , including BHCPF,
• Prepare quarterly, semi-annual and annual quantitative and narrative reports, including relevant information on lessons learnt, challenges encountered, and opportunities identified for improvement.
• Responsible for coordinating amongst the different health actors to guarantee the feasibility of the project and country program.
• Possess strong understanding of Health system operations in Lagos state health system to engender smooth operations working with stakeholders
• Participate in other RMNCAH activities of  SMOH ,Lagos state
• Conduct monthly review meetings and monthly TA Connect check-ins.

Specific Responsibilities
Strategic Planning:

• Oversees the program budget and development of annual work plans, semi-annual reports, and other reports as needed to ensure all project deliverables are of high quality and produced in a timely manner and within the approved budget.
• Provides leadership in developing, implementing, and assessing an integrated package of interventions to increase coverage and utilization of high-quality RMNCH interventions at the household, community, and health facility levels in collaboration with key national and state stakeholders
• Operationalize and implement the Lagos State Group Antenatal Care Deployment program components
• Support the development, strengthening and implementation of state and LGA RMNCH strategic and annual plans
• Facilitate linkages and foster collaboration and coordination with key stakeholders including relevant national, state, and local government authorities, partners and civil society organizations involved in RMNCH, and communities
• Provide input and participate in the project strategy design and implementation plan for the health facility and community services components.

Technical Leadership:

• Directly supervise the work of project staff and ensure efficient and effective contribution to project goals.
• Oversee extensive technical and programmatic activities in Lagos state to ensure high quality, evidence‐based approaches, and effective implementation to increase access to, use, and quality of services at the facility and community levels for implementation of the RMNCH and G-ANC Model.
• Contribute to the development of evidence‐based training materials and standards, supportive supervision materials and approaches, job aids, and other systems and tools for diverse stakeholders in line with approved national guidelines.
• Conduct regular field visits in collaboration with key national, state, and LGA MOH stakeholders and facilitate follow up on recommendations
• Ensure comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of the program
• Providing leadership for publications writing and best practice documentation strategies.

Implementation:

• Directly supervise the work of senior project staff and consultants and ensure efficient and effective contribution to program activities in line with grant agreement
• Support the development of Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) and procurement plan and other project management tools.
• Coordinate the implementation of the G-ANC program and determine the operational needs of the program within the scope of the project
• Provide on-going management, supportive supervision and mentorship to team members working on the project
• Organize and facilitate training and capacity building of health personnel and other project implementation stakeholders as necessary.
• Produce and ensure timely submission of monthly program activity and M&E reports when required.

Administrative and Financial Management:

• Provide guidance to the finance and admin officers in the management of administrative and financial tasks pertinent to the project.
• Ensure that all programme administration and financial management in the state is in line with ARFH’s and donor´s regulations and requirements.

Representation & Communication:

• Participate in and represent ARFH at the Ministry of Health and other Coordination platforms with all other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain partnerships and linkages with sub-recipient organizations, host government health departments, health facilities and community-based organizations for effective implementation of health programs at country level.
• Create awareness and promote ARFH’s principles throughout program/ project implementation.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Degree in Medical Field – MBBS, B.Sc. Nursing or related medical disciplines.
• O& G and, MPH / experienced Midwife with work experience in Lagos will be an added advantage.

Required Experience:

• 5 – 7 years demonstrated knowledge and experience in coordinating projects and managing a wide range of stakeholders.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the social welfare context and health system in Nigeria, and preferably in Lagos state
• Successful experience in implementing RMNCH projects and familiarity with USAID/BMGF programs preferred.
• Familiarity with the Nigerian Health system including government planning and budgeting processes at Federal and state levels
• Strong skills in negotiating with and engaging Ministry of Health officials at all levels of the health system.
• Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook and advanced skills in the use of analytical tools
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of RMNCH Indicators
• Contribute to the use of information management tools such as dashboards to support decision-makers at the local government and state levels to make better use of data.
• Experience working with private sector actors involved in health services delivery
• Fluency in English.

Competency:

• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Proven capabilities in leadership
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal and organization skills
• Ability to read, write, analyze, and interpret, technical and non-technical material in the English language
• Ability to effectively present information and respond appropriately to questions from senior managers in the field and HQ, counterparts, senior government leaders and other related regional players.