State Technical Assistant (STA) at The Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF)

Project Summary

• The project is focused on scaling up the gains from two studies - the E-MOTIVE trial and the Smiles for Mothers project - where the evidence demonstrated a significant reduction in maternal mortality due to post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) through the introduction of some health commodities which are together referred to as the comprehensive PPH bundle.
• The intervention states for this project are selected in alignment with the Government of Nigeria priorities for the targeted reduction of maternal mortality under the MAMII project.
• Leveraging these initiatives, this project aims to accelerate uninterrupted supply, consistent availability and women’s financial access to this bundle of commodities across the intervention states.

Job Summary

• The State Technical Assistant will provide critical technical support for the successful implementation of the PPH Bundle Scale Up Project.
• The individual will work closely with health care providers, local health authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen financial access to the PPH bundle commodities for pregnant mothers to ensure the delivery of quality care at secondary and primary health care facilities in Niger state LGAs and minimize adverse maternal health outcomes.
• These will be achieved through the strengthening of the state Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) program and improved coverage for PPH care for women through the State Health Insurance Scheme and Federal Government's vulnerable program.

Responsibilities
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building:

• Conduct regular assessments of secondary and primary health facilities to identify gaps in PPH care delivery with specific focus on preventing PPH commodity stockouts.
• Strengthen knowledge and practice of standard inventory/stock management practices among relevant HCWs at facilities through routine mentoring.
• Strengthen financial transparency and accountability of the facility DRF program to ensure uninterrupted supply and availability of PPH bundle commodities.
• Timely identification, interrogation, immediate gap correction and escalation of stockout of any of the PPH bundle commodities to relevant health authorities for immediate action.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Support in the development and piloting of monitoring and evaluation tools to track the effectiveness of facilities financial management (DRF), inventory management and maternal health insurance programs.
• Routinely monitor and report the frequency/rate of use of PPH commodities in the management of SSHIS and vulnerable program enrollee deliveries.
• Routine monitoring and reporting of facility’s adherence to standard inventory practices.
• Collect, analyze and report health facility data on maternal financial access to PPH bundle commodities, DRF program, inventory management and other ancillary data monthly for programmatic decision-making.
• Develop and submit weekly reports on the progress of mentoring, gaps identification, mitigation and escalation, and stakeholder engagements.
• Support the reporting of results to donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:

• Routinely engage with central and local DRF committees, state and LGA RMNCAH coordinators and health facilities management to continually advocate for more intentional oversight of facilities DRF program implementation especially for MNCH commodities.
• Share facility-level data and observed system gaps periodically with these key stakeholders for prompt decision-making and action.
• Engage key stakeholders at the State SHIA and share facility-level data on maternal financial access to the PPH bundle and other MNCH commodities with them periodically for necessary action.
• Collaborate with technical teams of other partner organizations to align and share best practices that promote the uptake of and financial access to the PPH bundle commodities.
• Engage with community leaders and other stakeholders to promote awareness and adoption of innovative financing mechanisms for PPH care.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Document best practices, lessons learned, and case studies from the project’s activities.
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports, including data on financial access, PPH care implementation, and outcomes in the targeted states.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, and presentations for government stakeholders, donors, and other partners.

Requirements
Education:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in public health, Health Economics, Health Financing, or a related field. A master’s degree is an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in health financing, maternal health programs, or technical assistance in the development sector.
• Experience in implementing or supporting health system strengthening initiatives, particularly in maternal and reproductive health.
• Proven experience in working with secondary and primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria specifically Kano and Niger states.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong advocacy and stakeholder management skills to sustain beneficial relationships with government and private sector partners at all levels.
• Familiarity working with the Nigerian health system especially at the state and local government level.
• Understanding of the Nigerian maternal health ecosystem challenges including issues with financial access to healthcare services.
• Experience in innovative financing models such as results-based financing or health insurance schemes is an advantage.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills and ability to manage and interpret data to inform decision-making.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively engage with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English and Hausa is required. Proficiency in other local languages is an advantage.
• This role involves lots of travelling (+60%) and select candidate should be prepared for frequent travels/movement and facility visits.