Surveillance Systems Strengthening Lead at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Summary:

CRS is seeking a Surveillance Systems Strengthening Lead (SSS Lead) for an anticipated CDC-funded global childhood immunization project.  The project will reach zero- and under-immunized children with immunization services in Northern Nigeria in fragile and conflict settings. Project interventions will focus on: (a) Supporting immunization uptake for polio eradication, measles and rubella reduction and elimination, hepatitis B and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination; (b) strengthening surveillance systems to improve preparedness and response to outbreaks of VPDs; (c) establishing global laboratory networks for polio and measles/rubella; (d) planning and implementing supplemental immunization campaigns, and (e) strengthening of immunization delivery systems and capacities. The SSS Lead will serve as a program manager for surveillance – supporting the technical implementation of project interventions across targeted states (consequential geographies). Under the supervision of the DCoP, the SSS Lead’s management skills and knowledge will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming in the above areas and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and implement all surveillance system strengthening activities throughout relevant project cycles - project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out - to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices. Ensure the project team and partner staff use the appropriate systems and tools.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the recruitment process of project staff, and complete performance management for direct reports.
• Champion learning with project staff and partner teams. Analyze and evaluate project performance data following MEAL policy. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles. 
• Act as a key resource person in project design and proposal development in respective programming area, gap-filling and taking on growth responsibilities, as needed.
• Coordinate the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs of partner organizations and capacity strengthening and required interventions to support quality project implementation. 
• Help identify, assess, and strengthen partnerships relevant to immunization, applying appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools, and approaches.
• Ensure CRS’ commitment to safeguarding is upheld within the programming areas. 
• Coordinate and monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs. Through planning and oversight ensure efficient use of project resources

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong critical thinking and creative critical thinking skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to draft reports.
• Initiative-taking, purposeful, and service-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

• Project management experience in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health or other related health projects is highly desirable.
• Experience working in Northern Nigeria or similar contexts a plus.
• Experience engaging in coordination meetings with donors, UN, and other international NGOs.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations.
• Experience contributing to the development of technical proposals.
• MEAL skills and experience preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management system

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public health, International development, or related field required. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) projects required, preferably with an international NGO.