Regional Senior Malaria Technical Advisor at Management Sciences For Health - MSH

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The RSMTA is a senior level position with two major roles on the project:

• To deputize for the SMTA in provision of technical support and strategic direction to the PMI-S project’s program staff in the 4 states (including the State Malaria Technical Leads (SMTL), the Malaria Case Management/MIP (MC/MIP) Officers, the iCCM technical advisors, and the Private Sector advisors).
• In consultation with the State Coordinator and the SMTL, s/he will provide high level TA to SMEP, SMOH and SPHCDA on malaria case management; surveillance, monitoring and evaluation; and strengthening capacity of SMEP and health systems.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• As a member of the project’s task order management team, participate in the development of PMI-S Project’s approach to implementation of priority technical strategies including but not limited to (i) the Behavioral Economics Prototypes to influence provider behaviors to adhere to national malaria diagnostic and treatment guidelines, (ii) the malaria diagnostic quality assurance system and SOPs (QA/QC), (iii) the data quality assurance systems including data validation and data triangulation, (iv) and integrated support supervision and mentoring systems towards quality malaria case management.
• In collaboration with the SMTA/DCOP, build capacity of the SMTL and state technical staff in the roll out of the PMI-S technical strategic approaches at state, LGA and health facility levels.
• Take responsibility for developing the technical components of Task Order annual and quarterly work plans and reports. S/he will coordinate development of state-specific plans and reports, and then compile them into a single task order work plans and reports
• At state level, guide the project’s State Coordinator, the SMTL and the M&E/HSS officer to have a common vision of PMI-S project work; and equip them with knowledge and skills on effective approaches to building capacity of the SMEP, SMOH and the SPHCDA to provide quality malaria services.
• Collaborate and coordinate with PMI/Nigeria partners - the GHSC-PSM, BA-N and WRAIR; and other partners supporting malaria and health services in the region including WHO, UNICEF, GF, and others to leverage resources for sustainable implementation and funding of malaria services.  S/he will compile, manage and be a member of the regional malaria training team.
• Be a technical resource and facilitator of state coordination forums like the mTWG, ATM, HDCC and others to steer the states towards sustainability. S/he will link with the M&E/HSS and GHCS-PSM to prepare monthly analysis of HMIS, LMIS and laboratory data, and deep-dives into LGAs and Health Facilities for presentation and discussion at these forums to inform decisions.
• Contribute to the development and monitoring of the state malaria annual work plans (AOP)
• Work with the Private Sector advisors to engage the private health sector in planning and implementation of malaria services including diagnostic QA/QC, and quality of case management and reporting into the DHIS 2 by the private health facilities.
• In coordination with the Regional Senior Communications Officer and technical staff, contribute to documentation of the project’s technical highlights, abstracts and success stories
• Contribute to the visibility of PMI and USAID investments through innovative presentation of project approaches and results at state, federal and international levels.

Requirements

• A first degree in a medicine or health-related field, and a master's degree in health, management or related field is required.
• A minimum of 7 years’ progressive experience managing and implementing public health programs in Nigeria; three years of which at a senior level and two years on a malaria program is required.
• Experience working in at least 2 of the states of the respective task orders and knowledge of the local cultures is necessary.
• NGO experience is an advantage.
• Experience working on donor-funded projects, and understanding of US Government policies and procedures is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated success achieving results in multiple malaria disciplines (e.g., LLIN distribution, malaria prevention, malaria in pregnancy, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and severe malaria).
• Strong communication skill to fulfill the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Track record of strong commitment to sharing knowledge, documenting experiences, supporting creative initiatives, and sharing credit.
• Advanced professional proficiency in writing and reading English is required.