Jobs at Malaria Consortium

Department: Technical Length of contract: 5 years
Role type: National   Grade: 10
Travel involved: In-country travel
Reporting to: Project Director Direct reports: None 

Country and Project Background
Malaria is highly endemic in Nigeria and it remains one of the leading causes of childhood and maternal morbidity and mortality in the country. Nigeria is deeply committed to making progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and it recognizes the fact that, without firm efforts to control malaria, achievement of the targets related to child mortality, maternal mortality, and reducing the burden of communicable disease will not be possible.

Malaria therefore constitutes a significant development challenge for Nigeria. Interventions for reducing malaria burden in the country are documented in the national malaria strategic plan with Government taking the lead in its implementation with the support of all the RBM partners.

The DFID funded and Malaria Consortium led malaria programme, SUNMAP, provided technical assistance and other support to the Nigeria National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) covering the period 2008 to 2016.

The anticipated follow on project, SUNMAP2 has been designed to strengthen the management and technical capacity of NMEP, State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) and their stakeholders to drive the implementation of the National Malaria Strategic Plan, 2014 to 2020 and achieve its ambitious targets. This will include short term technical assistance and technical assistance embedded in NMEP in key areas of programme management, evidence generation and use, and capacity building across all project outputs and ultimately reducing Nigeria’s malaria burden and strengthening the Government of Nigeria’s health systems capacity to ensure long term programme and impact sustainability.
 
Job Purpose

• The Senior Market Systems Development Specialist will lead in developing programme strategy on market systems development.
• S/he will be responsible for applying a market systems approach in facilitating development of functional and sustainable systems for the delivery of malaria commodities and services, which a sizable proportion of the population can access at affordable prices and agreed quality standards. 

Scope of Work:

• The Senior Market Systems Development Specialist operates with a national scope as a member of the SUNMAP2 core team and will report to the Project Director.
• He/she will be responsible for supporting NMEP and market partners to identify the constraints to developing high quality malaria services and antimalaria commodities in the retail market as well as develop and support action plans to address these. 

Key Accountabilities
Technical Contributions (80%):

• Lead the SUNMAP2 market systems engagement team to design, manage and monitor market led malaria control interventions
• Support programme team and market players  in adapting these strategies in addition to identifying, developing, implementing, monitoring and design interventions to address systemic constraints in the market
• Identify partners the programme (NMEP) can work with to facilitate systemic change to the market
• Take the lead in developing programme PPP strategy; in addition to providing support to market players to pilot and roll-out successful innovations in the market;
• Lead in monitoring and identifying constraints to the growth of malaria product markets using making markets work for the poor (M4P) approach.
• Support partners in disseminating the outcome of these interventions to adopt and implement good practices
• Develop and maintain strong network with the private and the public sector stakeholders in the malaria control market systems in Nigeria
• Represent the programme on the commercial sector WG of NMEP coordination platform
• Ensure that the commercial sector engagement strategy is harmonized with the overall SUNMAP2 project mandate involving public health systems for malaria control

Project Management (20%):

• Contribute to MEAL activities related to market systems
• Be responsible to ensure achievement of targets as per project log-frame
• Be responsible to mentor the SUNMAP2 private sector field / implementation team
• Liaise with the technical advisors for intervention design, management and monitoring
• Ensure that the technical advisory team and the project management team have regular update of progress against achievements
• Harness, document and disseminate results and learning to the internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications and Experience        
Essential: 

• Postgraduate degree in Economics, Health Economics or related field
• At least 8 years’ experience in working for projects applying market systems approach (M4P) in Nigeria
• Proven experience in ability to identify and engage private and public sector on innovative market driven solutions for scalable and sustainable results
• Experience in managing partnerships with government and private agencies 
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of market systems development projects
• Knowledge about health care or health related market systems / context
• Proven skills in managing partnerships and agreements, including contract development, market and business (partnership) development and monitoring
• Proven negotiation skills 
• Experience and understanding of working with commercial sector manufacturers and distributors of health or similar commodities
• Significant experience in project management 
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Proven experience in business and market development

Desirable: 

• Experience providing technical support to project teams remotely and physically, while meeting high standards
• Experience planning, facilitating and managing stakeholder engagement and consultation workshops
• Experience using most significant change (MSC) technique in program evaluations
• Knowledge of international development, particularly DFID- funded projects

Core Competencies
Delivering Results:
LEVEL C - Supports others to achieve results:

• Displays a positive and enthusiastic approach and is not deterred by setbacks, finding alternative ways to reach goals or targets.
• Supports others to plan and deliver results
• Supports others to manage and cope with setbacks

Analysis and use of information:
LEVEL C -  Works confidently with complex data to support work:

• Interprets complex written information
• Works confidently with data before making decisions: for example, interpreting trends, issues and risks
• Acquainted with the validity, relevance and limitations of different sources of evidence

Interpersonal and communications:
LEVEL C -   Adapts communications effectively:

• Tailors communication (content, style and medium) to diverse audiences
• Communicates equally effectively at all organisational levels
• Understands others’ underlying needs, concerns and motivations and communicates effectively in sensitive situations
• Resolves intra-team and inter-team conflicts effectively

Collaboration and partnering:
LEVEL C -  Builds strong networks internally and participates actively in external networks and think tanks:

• Builds strong networks internally
• Participates actively in external networks and/or think tanks. 
• Engages with relevant experts to gather and evaluate evidence
• Shares and implements good practice with internal and external peers

Leading and motivating people:
LEVEL C - Effectively leads and motivates others or direct reports:

• Gives regular, timely and appropriate feedback,
• Acknowledges good performance and deals with issues concerning poor performance
• Carries out staff assessment and development activities conscientiously and effectively
• Develops the skills and competences of others through the development and application of skills
• Coaches and supports team members when they have difficulties

Flexibility/ adaptability:
LEVEL C -  Supports others to cope with pressure:

• Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems and supports others to do the same
• Adapts team approach, goals, and methods to achieve solutions and results in dynamic situations
• Sets realistic deadlines and goals for self or team

Living the values:
LEVEL C - Supports others to live Malaria Consortium’s values:

• Demonstrates personal integrity by using role position responsibly and fairly
• Cultivates an open culture within the wider team, promoting accountability, responsibility and respect for individual differences

Strategic planning and thinking and sector awareness:
LEVEL C - Keeps up to date with the internal and external environment:

• Takes into account economic, political and other business factors when drawing up medium and long-term plans, covering both public and private sectors, 
•  Looks beyond the immediate operations to prospects for new business, 
•  Engages with appropriate internal and external sources to establish major influences on future plans

Salary
Competitive.

go to method of application »

Department: Management
Length of contract: 2 years
Role Type: National
Grade: 11
Travel involved: In-country, and possible for international
Child safeguarding level:  TBC
Reporting to: West & Central Africa Programmes Director
Direct reports: Senior Programme Manager Senior LLIN campaign Manager Senior Technical Specialist

Job Purpose

• The Project Director will provide overall programme oversight to the project. He/she will be the focal point for engagement with GF and representation at National level. He/she will lead the Global Fund
• Senior Management Team (SMT). The post holder will be responsible for the development and monitoring of a sustainability plan working closely with other members of the SMT. 

Scope of Work:

• The Programme Director will lead a project team that includes experienced technical and programme management specialists and oversee the provision of short term technical assistance from GF grant to NMEP and SMEPs and other key stakeholders.
• He/She will work to keep GF grant on course to achieve its targets and fully compliance with GF, PR and MC policies, guideline and code of conduct.

Key Working Relationships:

• Serve as contact for all GF funded activities managed by MC. 
• Line management by the West & Central Africa Programmes Director.
• Country Technical Coordinator for coordination of short-term technical assistance.

Key Accountabilities
Strategic planning, management and governance (20%):

• Ensure regular communications are maintained between the different teams particularly between zonal/state teams and with the Abuja office.
• Be responsible for the project risk register. Work with the team members of the SMT in the identification, tracking, prevention and management of key programme risks especially those related to performance and fiduciary management.
• Be liaison between the project, NMEP, the PR - CRS and the donor - GF.

Programme (Routine, LLIN Campaign and SMC distribution) management (50%):

• Develop and implement work plans, ensuring that campaign and routine programming work plans are integrated into an overall consolidated programme work plan.
• Work closely with the Country Technical Coordinator to see that work plans are aligned with best technical approaches.
• Perform strategic oversight on the overall delivery of the LLINs campaign in Yobe State. 
• Perform oversight with the project team to ensure successful implementation the 2019 and 2020 mass drug administration (MDA) for SMC in Katsina and Yobe states.
• Ensure monitoring systems are in place and that project reviews/audits are carried out periodically in conjunction with the project team, key stakeholders and PR.
• Travel to the field as necessary to provide support and oversight to the zonal and state teams.
• Ensure all relevant authorities and stakeholders are included in the planning and implementation of the project as appropriate.
• Work with the Country Technical Coordinator to; o Adapt MC technical quality standard for the project and ensure its compliance  o See that project lessons and experiences are documented.
• Work with the SMT to see that programme improvement is data-driven.  

Logistics, Finance and Administration (10%):

• Ensure the project is efficiently and accurately managed within allowable line item flexibility and there is full accountability of resources.
• Ensure familiarity and compliance of staff and stakeholders with/to Malaria Consortium and GF compliance issues.
• Work with team members to prepare projected project expenditures.
• Work with the finance team (both at the country office and GF project based) to monitor expenditure and budget compliance on a regular basis, report any concerns to the WCAPD and develop plans to mitigate any under or over expenditure.
• Closely monitor project budget spending and burn rates.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure timely financial reporting and assistance at audits for the project. 

Human Resource Management (10%):

• Work with the HR manager to ensure the project is roles are filled with quality staff and their performance continuously improve throughout the project implementation period.
• Line manage members of the staff using performance-based management approaches.

Representation (10%):

• Represent MC in all GF activities.
• Other representations as might be delegated by MC management team.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential:

• Master's Degree in Public Health, International Development or related discipline.
• Senior management level experience on large sized health projects in Africa.
• At least 15 years working experience in international projects. 
• At least 5 years of those spent in projects in developing countries lasting more than 2 years and managing teams of 10 or more including local and international staff.
• Experience managing at least one project for an external government client for at least 2 years.
• Experience working with performance-based contracts.
• Experience in project and financial management with a proven track record of timely submission of high quality project deliverables.

Desirable:

• Experience managing donor grants or contracts such as DFID, GFATM or USAID/PMI.
• Experience working on malaria, maternal and child health programmes, including community health delivery.
• Familiar with the Nigeria health system.

Work-based Skills
Essential:

• Strategic thinking.
• Ability to manage and inspire high performing teams.
• Excellent programme management skills, with proven ability to implement high quality projects on time and within budget.
• Strong negotiation skills, particularly in engaging government health officials at all levels.
• Good influencing and persuasion skills and ability to remain compliant with organisational and donor policies.
• Ability to manage and prioritize high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Excellent English language skills, both spoken and written.
• Capable of establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions and cultures.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• A team player, with a friendly attitude.
• Proactive and takes initiative as required.
• Results-oriented work ethic.

Desirable:

• Good capacity building skills especially mentoring and coaching.
• Conversant with the basic epidemiology of malaria in Nigeria.
• Data-driven decision making mentality.
• Excellent advocacy skills, and comfortable being a strong advocate for malaria control.

Core Competencies
Delivering Results
LEVEL D - Inspires wider teams to achieve outstanding results and to manage risks

• Proactively improves effectiveness and performance of other senior staff to increase ability to meet objectives, acquiring new skills when appropriate
• Encourages mitigating risks amongst the teams/groups they work with/ manage
• Ensures the quality of all internal/external work of own and others

Analysis and use of information
LEVEL D - Analyses the external environment confidently:

• Generates a range of policy options and appraises them based on the internal and external evidence
• Develops ways of applying new knowledge and ensures lesson-learning with self and wider team
• Analyses the significance of external events and situations for Malaria Consortium

Interpersonal and Communications
LEVEL D - Communicates complex technical and/or sensitive/high risk information effectively:

• Communicates complex operational, technical and strategic issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences
• Uses varied communication to promote dialogue and shared understanding and consensus across a variety of audiences
• Influences internal and external audiences on specific issues
• Scans the internal and external environment for key information and messages to support communications strategies.

Collaboration and Partnering:
LEVEL C - Builds strong networks internally and participates actively in external networks and think tanks

• Builds strong networks internally
• Participates actively in external networks and/or think tanks
• Engages with relevant experts to gather and evaluate evidence
• Shares and implements good practice with internal and external peers

Leading and Motivating People:
LEVEL C - Effectively leads and motivates others or direct reports:

• Gives regular, timely and appropriate feedback
• Acknowledges good performance and deals with issues concerning poor performance
• Carries out staff assessment and development activities conscientiously and effectively
• Develop the skills and competence of others through the development and application of skills
• Coaches and supports team members when they have difficulties

Flexibility/ Adaptability
LEVEL D - Clarifies priorities and ensures learning from experience:

• Clarifies priorities when leading change
• Sees and shows others the benefits of strategic change
• Helps colleagues/ team members to practise stress management through prioritisation of workloads and modelling of appropriate self-management and care
• Makes time to learn from experience and feedback, and apply the lessons to a new situation

Living the values
LEVEL C - Supports others to live Malaria Consortium’s values

• Demonstrates personal integrity by using position responsibly and fairly
• Cultivates an open culture within the wider team, promoting accountability, responsibility and respect for individual differences

Strategic planning and thinking and sector awareness:
LEVEL C - Keeps up to date with the internal and external environment:

• Takes into account economic, political and other business factors when drawing up medium and long-term plans, covering both public and private sectors
• Looks beyond the immediate operations to prospects for new business
• Engages with appropriate internal and external sources to establish major influences on future plans

Salary
Competitive.