Senior Technical Advisor, Lead Poisoning Prevention at Resolve to Save Lives

Position Purpose

• RTSL Nigeria is seeking a Senior Technical Advisor to lead a new lead poisoning prevention project. Resolve to Save Lives’ (RTSL) Cardiovascular Health unit works with partners to eliminate artificial trans-fat from the global food supply, increase global control of high blood pressure to 50%, reduce the global intake of salt by 30% and recently began work in the area of lead poisoning elimination.
• The Senior Technical Advisor (STA), Lead Poisoning Prevention, will strategically develop, manage, and advise on RTSL’s efforts to support the Government of Nigeria and state authorities in strengthening and accelerating the prevention of lead poisoning. This position requires strong operational skills, political and media awareness, drive, and the ability to work effectively in partnership with government, communities, and other stakeholders. The STA will coordinate national and state-level activities to drive rapid and measurable progress while ensuring that government leadership remains at the forefront. This role offers the incumbent the opportunity to help shape a new program and is critical to its success.
• With significant responsibility in a growing organization, the role holder will collaborate closely with both RTSL senior leadership and team members to shape the program on lead poisoning at RTSL, Nigeria. The role will report to the Principal Advisor and Manager, CVH, RTSL Nigeria with matrix reporting and technical guidance from the Global Senior Technical Advisor, Lead Poisoning Elimination. The incumbent will work closely with the RTSL Nigeria Senior Technical Advisors for Laboratory, Legal and Policy Advocacy. This is a two-year fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal / extension.

Core Duties And Responsibilities

The Senior Technical Advisor is responsible for driving the efficient implementation of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Project in Nigeria. The role holder will ensure the work stays on track and focused on practical implementation of impactful strategies to reduce lead exposure in collaboration with government.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including government officials at national and sub-national levels, academic and research institutions, industry partners, and community members.
• Ensure alignment of RTSL’s lead program activities with the National Multisector Lead Elimination Framework and the broader government lead elimination agenda.
• Manage RTSL’s engagement with relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment, international partners, and other key stakeholders, to advocate for the establishment and/or enforcement of lead regulations.
• Work with government and partners to strategically engage the media in promoting awareness of lead poisoning prevention efforts.
• Provide strategic oversight for delivery of the Lead Elimination Project workplan, priorities and related initiatives under the guidance of the Executive Director and Principal Advisor, CVH, coordinating closely with laboratory, legal and policy advocacy advisors, as well as RTSL’s Global STA, Lead Poisoning Elimination.
• Facilitate communication between project stakeholders, including government officials, industry stakeholders, and community members
• Represent RTSL at strategic meetings and convenings.
• Support operational planning and track project progress and prepare reports of project status and outcomes and synthesize findings for reporting to RTSL, government, partners and donors.
• Work closely and collaboratively with other team members, particularly with the Global STA, Lead Poisoning Elimination, laboratory, legal and policy advocacy advisors, to ensure project goals are met.
• Support the development and implementation of policies aimed at reducing lead exposure, working with government and industry officials.
• Provide technical input as needed to support the project including with contracts, procurement of equipment such as XRF machines and other project related operational requirements.
• Develop and/or support the development of toolkits, presentations, scientific articles, learning papers and other technical and communications materials regarding lead poisoning elimination in Nigeria.
• Collaborate with RTSL’s CVH team via regular meetings, reporting, and for technical support, as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in Environmental Health, Public Health, Global Health, Public Policy, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in public health, with at least 5 years working with national government and serving in roles focused on environmental health (preferably but not essentially on lead elimination), strategy, public health program management, policy development and intergovernmental, sectoral and agency coordination
• Experience working across multiple sectors, departments, agencies and institutions with high-level government officials, international organizations, and development partners
• Proven track record in program strategy, program design, and stakeholder engagement
• Experience using adaptive project management approaches
• Experience with global environmental health frameworks, including One Health approaches, and in surveillance

Skills & Abilities

• Passion for RTSL mission and a strong commitment to achieving meaningful, scalable impact
• Expertise in guiding strategic plans and managing projects that align with organizational goals with a desire for continuous improvement, which will involve regularly reviewing strategies and sharing insights to refine programs.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s health architecture and understanding of interagency dynamics on strategy execution and alignment on commitments and timelines
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with government ministries, agencies and departments, donors, the private sector, intergovernmental organizations and other stakeholders.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, communication, negotiation, and diplomacy skills, with the ability to engage at the highest levels of government and international health institutions
• Exceptional strategic thinking and decision-making skills to drive the lead project and amplify RTSL’s impact
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations
• Excellent technical report writing, presentation and interpersonal skills for engaging and influencing senior and high-level government officials and non-governmental partners, and multilateral agencies