Job Roles at The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)

Introduction

• The Global Fund GC6 Grant spanned from 1st April 2021 through 31st December 2023 with NACA being the Principal Recipient and NCDC in collaboration with FMOH-MLSD as Sub Recipient for the Laboratory Systems Strengthening component.
• As part of the efforts to strengthen referral of biological specimens in the country, there was support for the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in two (2) states (Abia and Taraba).
• Following the end of the grant in December 2023 and as approved by the Global Fund, the implementation of the Laboratory systems component is to remain with NACA as the PR and FMOH-MLSD as the SR for Laboratory Systems on the ongoing C19RM grant from January 2024 through December 2025.
• In the Laboratory Systems component of the grant, there is continued funding to support the implementation of pilot integrated specimen referral using the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in the 2 states.
• This initiative is aimed at optimizing the transportation of biological specimens, improving result retrieval efficiency, and strengthening laboratory logistics in Nigeria’s public health system.
• Given the critical role of effective specimen referral in disease diagnosis and surveillance, it is imperative that this pilot is implemented with strong technical and operational oversight.
• To ensure the successful execution of this initiative, the engagement of qualified consultants is necessary to provide specialized expertise in laboratory systems, program coordination, monitoring and evaluation, as well as financial reconciliation.
• These consultants in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in the two states will play a crucial role in ensuring that specimen transportation is properly monitored, data is accurately reported, key stakeholders are effectively engaged, and financial reconciliation processes are conducted in compliance with donor requirements.
• Given the strategic importance of this pilot program and the need to commence implementation without delays, NACA is seeking to engage eight (8) consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States.

Role Summary

• The Reconciliation Officer will support the timely collation and review of all supporting documents for specimen movement by dispatch riders and subsequent retirement for post service payment to NIPOST by the Project.

Job Description

• Reconciling payments requests from the specimen transport organization to ensure the supporting documentation reflects the correct service provided
• Payment schedule/request reconciliations
• Collate supporting documentation (waybill, sample/results manifest etc.) for timely retirement
• Supporting the month-end postpaid and retirement process
• Support the generation of month end reports
• Scan the retirement document (waybill, sample/results manifest etc.) to the Program Optimizer at NACA HQ for retirement and payment processing.
• Follow up and track payments that are due to ensure timely retirement.
• Interface with the dispatch riders for collation and filing of retirement document to facilitate month end reports and post payment for services.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Degree in Basic Science or Financial Management, Accounting, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in the NGO sector.

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Introduction

• The Global Fund GC6 Grant spanned from 1st April 2021 through 31st December 2023 with NACA being the Principal Recipient and NCDC in collaboration with FMOH-MLSD as Sub Recipient for the Laboratory Systems Strengthening component.
• As part of the efforts to strengthen referral of biological specimens in the country, there was support for the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in two (2) states (Abia and Taraba).
• Following the end of the grant in December 2023 and as approved by the Global Fund, the implementation of the Laboratory systems component is to remain with NACA as the PR and FMOH-MLSD as the SR for Laboratory Systems on the ongoing C19RM grant from January 2024 through December 2025.
• In the Laboratory Systems component of the grant, there is continued funding to support the implementation of pilot integrated specimen referral using the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in the 2 states. This initiative is aimed at optimizing the transportation of biological specimens, improving result retrieval efficiency, and strengthening laboratory logistics in Nigeria’s public health system. Given the critical role of effective specimen referral in disease diagnosis and surveillance, it is imperative that this pilot is implemented with strong technical and operational oversight.
• To ensure the successful execution of this initiative, the engagement of qualified consultants is necessary to provide specialized expertise in laboratory systems, program coordination, monitoring and evaluation, as well as financial reconciliation. These consultants in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in the two states will play a crucial role in ensuring that specimen transportation is properly monitored, data is accurately reported, key stakeholders are effectively engaged, and financial reconciliation processes are conducted in compliance with donor requirements.
• Given the strategic importance of this pilot program and the need to commence implementation without delays, NACA is seeking to engage eight (8) consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States.

Role Summary

• The Program Optimizer will support the timely implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in Abia and Taraba states and track performance indicators.

Job Description

• Support the Managing of the Programme delivery of the pilot, implementing the agreed Programme plan and transition modality plan
• Analyze and escalate new programme risks
• Supports the Technical Specialist to communicate programme status to national stakeholders including the NLTWG
• Supports the continued partnership development through the identification, targeting and cultivation of relationships with appropriate national stakeholders
• Manage existing national stakeholders and partner relations, with regular and scheduled feedback, to ensure continued success of the pilot and beyond
• To support the tracking of implementation and absorption rates (programme budget).
• To ensure there is a strong link between programme activities, deliverables and budgets.
• To work with the Finance Officer to ensure the timely production of monthly financial reports for specimen referral and other Lab Systems interventions

Job Qualifications

• First Degree or equivalent in basic science, public health, monitoring and evaluation, epidemiology, surveillance, project management, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications in project management are an advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in project management.

go to method of application »

Introduction

• The Global Fund GC6 Grant spanned from 1st April 2021 through 31st December 2023 with NACA being the Principal Recipient and NCDC in collaboration with FMOH-MLSD as Sub Recipient for the Laboratory Systems Strengthening component.
• As part of the efforts to strengthen referral of biological specimens in the country, there was support for the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in two (2) states (Abia and Taraba).
• Following the end of the grant in December 2023 and as approved by the Global Fund, the implementation of the Laboratory systems component is to remain with NACA as the PR and FMOH-MLSD as the SR for Laboratory Systems on the ongoing C19RM grant from January 2024 through December 2025.
• In the Laboratory Systems component of the grant, there is continued funding to support the implementation of pilot integrated specimen referral using the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in the 2 states.
• This initiative is aimed at optimizing the transportation of biological specimens, improving result retrieval efficiency, and strengthening laboratory logistics in Nigeria’s public health system. Given the critical role of effective specimen referral in disease diagnosis and surveillance, it is imperative that this pilot is implemented with strong technical and operational oversight.
• To ensure the successful execution of this initiative, the engagement of qualified consultants is necessary to provide specialized expertise in laboratory systems, program coordination, monitoring and evaluation, as well as financial reconciliation.
• These consultants in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in the two states will play a crucial role in ensuring that specimen transportation is properly monitored, data is accurately reported, key stakeholders are effectively engaged, and financial reconciliation processes are conducted in compliance with donor requirements.
• Given the strategic importance of this pilot program and the need to commence implementation without delays, NACA is seeking to engage eight (8) consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States.

Role Summary

• Supports the Team to provide operational and technical support for all pilot integrated specimen referral activities in Abia and Taraba states monitoring and evaluation activities.

Job Description

• Supports the implementation of the M&E plan to track the effectiveness and efficiency of the pilot integrated sample transfer network.
• Provide periodic reports on performance indices to the FMOH/MLSD, NACA and National technical working group including other information that may be requested
• Provide technical support in conducting the mid line and end line assessments and evaluation for the pilot at the proposed timelines.
• Track the performance of the specimen referral organization to ensure optimal quality of service is provided based on agreed standard.
• Track equipment functionality and capacity throughout the entire network.
• Participate in capacity building of health facility staff and NIPOST on sample data collection and management.
• Document, and supervise procedures for data cleaning, quality checks, analysis, and archiving of pilot data.
• Support the initiative for the interoperability of the NIPOST data tracking system and the eN-LIS.
• Lead and supervise the data management activities including data collection, processing and analysis to facilitate prompt reporting.
• Lead the periodic conduct of data quality audit in coordination with national stakeholders.
• Support design, implementation and documentation for MIS and related projects /activities.
• Provide technical support on MIS platforms to facilitates user access to supply chain data for analysis and information.
• Support training and capacity development activities for MIS application users.
• Supervise a team of MIS Associates, interns, and consultants to ensure timely achievement of project deliverables.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, Information Management, or Economics.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience managing and using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is an advantage.
• Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS, STATA, or GraphPad Prism.
• 6Minimum of 4 years of experience in the NGO sector in the M&E field.

go to method of application »

Introduction

• The Global Fund GC6 Grant spanned from 1st April 2021 through 31st December 2023 with NACA being the Principal Recipient and NCDC in collaboration with FMOH-MLSD as Sub Recipient for the Laboratory Systems Strengthening component.
• As part of the efforts to strengthen referral of biological specimens in the country, there was support for the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in two (2) states (Abia and Taraba).
• Following the end of the grant in December 2023 and as approved by the Global Fund, the implementation of the Laboratory systems component is to remain with NACA as the PR and FMOH-MLSD as the SR for Laboratory Systems on the ongoing C19RM grant from January 2024 through December 2025.
• In the Laboratory Systems component of the grant, there is continued funding to support the implementation of pilot integrated specimen referral using the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in the 2 states.
• This initiative is aimed at optimizing the transportation of biological specimens, improving result retrieval efficiency, and strengthening laboratory logistics in Nigeria’s public health system.
• Given the critical role of effective specimen referral in disease diagnosis and surveillance, it is imperative that this pilot is implemented with strong technical and operational oversight.
• To ensure the successful execution of this initiative, the engagement of qualified consultants is necessary to provide specialized expertise in laboratory systems, program coordination, monitoring and evaluation, as well as financial reconciliation. These consultants in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in the two states, will play a crucial role in ensuring that specimen transportation is properly monitored, data is accurately reported, key stakeholders are effectively engaged, and financial reconciliation processes are conducted in compliance with donor requirements.
• Given the strategic importance of this pilot program and the need to commence implementation without delays, NACA is seeking to engage eight (8) consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States.

Role Summary

• Coordinate the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral and results delivery network across Abia and Taraba states.

Job Description

• Ensure samples are collected from all designated health facilities (spokes)/ hub sites and transported to the Regional PCR or reference laboratory
• Ensure SOPs, Laboratory manuals, guidelines and forms are available and are appropriately utilized at health facilities, sample processing and storage hub, referral and testing laboratories
• Periodically carry out spot checks on NIPOST facilities and cooling devices used by dispatch riders to ensure compliance with standard requirement
• Ensures diligent record keeping by the sample transport organization for samples movements and result retrieval back to the requesting service delivery points
• Carry out bi-weekly samples and results audits to ensure all samples are tested and results/reports generated are delivered to the requesting facility/hubs/Implementing Partners
• Monthly, review submitted data from sample transport organization with those of PCR/reference laboratory sites as justification for payment.
• Collaborate with STS in the other pilot state for effective management of the pilot
• Collate Abia / Taraba states specimen referral reports, review and provide weekly and monthly summary of samples transfer and result returns
• Maintain partner relationships and coordination among stakeholders in the two pilot states
• The State Technical Specialist will work closely with all implementing partners operating in the region

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Public Health or a related field; certification in laboratory or logistics and supply chain management is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in designing and implementing laboratory transport systems.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in laboratory system evaluations, particularly specimen transportation systems.
• Experience working with the Global Fund and other donor agencies.
• Expertise in designing and strengthening integrated specimen referral systems.
• Strong knowledge of disease control programs and public health laboratory issues.
• Additional skills in cost analysis and GIS are preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.