Job Vacancies at ICAP (Columbia University)

Position Summary

• The overall program objective is to support Nigeria in rapidly expanding comprehensive Covid-19 services, mitigate Covid 19 impact on HIV/AIDS services, and reduce Covid-related morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, by the provision of technical support.
• The SI Senior TA will work closely with relevant government partners to improve and strengthen national monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and surveillance systems and support the coordination and implementation of routine M&E activities at ICAP-supported sites.

Major Accountabilities
The SI Technical Advisor will work closely with relevant government partners, and will be responsible for:

• Strengthening, Supporting, and coordinating the development and implementation of M&E and surveillance systems and reporting protocols
• Provide technical assistance at the national and subnational level involved in Covid 19 and HIV/AIDS projects to help with data collection and management
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field activities related to M&E and surveillance activities
• Provide regular support and supervision to M&E and surveillance staff at National and sub-national levels
• Monitor field budget expenditure
• Prepare relevant reports for ICAP Nigeria, donors, and relevant government agencies
• Prepare activity summaries and progress reports for funding renewal applications as needed
• Participate in data analysis and writing evaluation reports, and contribute to the development of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed medical journals
• Organize stakeholder meetings including data review, analysis, and dissemination workshops
• Present findings of evaluation projects at national and international conferences
• Document and share best practices
• Monitor and document the transitioning of ICAP support to national entities
• Efficiency and promptness
• Exhibits a positive and professional demeanor in and outside of the workplace that exemplifies and furthers the mission, vision, and values of the program and organization
• Ability to travel frequently to field sites
• Ability to carry out other/additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor

Education

• University Degree in Public Health or related discipline. MD or MBBS with post-graduate degree in Statistics or public health preferred

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum of ten years’ experience in public health program monitoring, evaluation, and operational research, preferably related to HIV/AIDS
• Experience with managing Covid 19 public health program will be an advantage
• Proven record of excellent management, leadership skills, and competency in people management
• Demonstrated experience in data collection, data analysis, and data visualization
• Extensive experience in managing monitoring and evaluation systems in the public health field in the context of a developing country, and reporting to international funders such as PEPFAR
• Familiarity with database management software and strategies for management of complex data sources
• Competency in Microsoft© Access, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in specialized statistical software like SPSS, SAS, or STATA preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, and experience in writing evaluation reports
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Ability to develop and maintain good relationships with colleagues and program partners
• Fluency in English required,
• Ability to adhere to strict professional and HIV/AIDS confidentiality regulations
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment

Travel Requirements:

• Travel within Nigeria conducting capacity building, stakeholder relationship management and Project activities.

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Position Summary

• The STA provides technical support to Country Director, advises the HQ’s Manager and Technical Lead on the COVID-19 portfolio, and provides direct technical assistance to the Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Health, national vaccination stakeholders, and other donor-supported Implementing Partners, international agencies.
• STA leads the development of annual work plans and provides guidance to the government of Nigeria regarding the Overall COVID 19 case management as well as mitigation of knock-on effects of COVID 19 on HIV and TB programs according to approved C19RM plans.
• As required, the STA also provides technical assistance to other country activities and works with technical staff on opportunities, new and existing tools, and country implementation programs related to strengthening Covid-19 management systems.

Major Accountabilities
The Training Associate Technical Advisor will:

• Provide technical assistance to the MOH, National vaccination program, and relevant partners for the design and implementation of country interventions related to COVID-19 response.
• Participate in identifying and prioritizing capacity development activities for strengthening national and regional level expertise in monitoring and supervision in collaboration with the MOH, private sector actors, and other relevant team members and partners.
•  Develop a clear strategy on the private sector engagement as a part of COVID-19 response and immunization and HIV programming in Nigeria.
• Guide and oversee the work of technical consultants both internal and external to ensure they have what they need to carry out their work and ensure deliverables are achieved in a timely and quality manner.
• Lead team with members from both within and outside of MSH to ensure project objectives are reached even if team members are not the STA’s direct reports.
• Coordinate activities with other technical team members on the project.
• Work with the Principal Technical Advisor, and technical team to develop and implement work plans and budgets that integrate COVID-19 response objectives with broader activities.
• Work with the team to provide them with the information and budgets needed to support the logistical needs for COVID-19 response activities in a timely manner.
• Write technical reports and other communications materials in English as required and edit and provided comments on reports generated by technical consultants.
• Develop and deliver presentations on technical COVID-19 related supply chain issues to high-level stakeholders.
• Represent at various technical meetings with other cooperating agencies, collaborating partners, senior government officials, and/or donor agencies
• Collaborate with the MOH, private sector, and implementing partners to assure that effective and efficient supply chain systems and immunization services are in place for COVID-19 response programs as well as appropriate tools necessary to manage COVID-19 vaccine deployment effectively and to improve pharmaceutical management information systems more broadly, including appropriate use of data for decision making.
• Support MOH in collaboration with private sector partners and immunization service providers to ensure timely deliveries and administration of vaccines to target populations in all assigned regions.
• Monitor and document the progress of activities toward achieving results of national COVID-19 vaccination goals.
• Contribute to regular monthly, quarterly, and annual reports per requirements.
• Collect, validate, and report indicator data and develop progress narratives as required by CDC and USAID.
• Any other relevant duty relating to ECHO Project as assigned.

Requirements

• A Graduate Degree in a Health-related field with specialized training in public health qualifications preferred.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• Five years of relevant experience in Nigeria’s public and private health systems with experience in HIV, Health Systems and services strengthening
• Demonstrated experience working with Nigeria’s health stakeholders at the Government, private, and community levels
• Experience with HIV, vaccines, and immunization programs in Nigeria
• Understanding and knowledge of COVID-19 response initiatives and implementing partners supported in Nigeria by bilateral agencies, such as USAID/CDC, and international agencies, such as World Health Organization, GFATM, UNICEF, and COVAX, required.
• Demonstrated competence to assess priorities, develop interventions, and manage a variety of activities in a time-sensitive environment, and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality.
• Experience in project monitoring, evaluation, learning, and research for health‐related projects.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English are essential.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel within Nigeria conducting capacity building, stakeholder relationship management and Project activities.

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Job No: 496364
Categories: Program Management / Implementation / Support
Reports To: Technical Director

Position Summary

• Working under the guidance and direction of the Country Director in Nigeria, the Senior Laboratory Advisor will oversee the laboratory component of the Covid-19 project in Nigeria.
• The overall program objective is to support Nigeria in rapidly expanding comprehensive Covid-19 services, mitigate Covid 19 impact on HIV/AIDS services, and reduce Covid-related morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.
• The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing laboratory systems, strengthening laboratory activities as well quality management support to implementing partners.
• He will also oversee and provide capacity-building support at the National and State level while directing the implementation of state-level performance management systems.

Major Accountabilities

• Provide leadership in defining the vision of the strategic direction for laboratory services.
• Oversee the laboratory component of the covid-19 project in Nigeria working closely with the in-country laboratory organizations and with the Federal and State Ministries of Health
• Provide on-going technical direction with a goal of meeting assigned program targets and optimizing Laboratory Services.
• Provide high-quality technical assistance to improve the availability, use, and quality of diagnostics and implement quality laboratory systems required to facilitate the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of HIV, Covid-19
• Support the development and/or refinement and implementation of laboratory-related policies, strategic plans, guidelines, manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, quality management systems, referral testing systems, and data management systems, to strengthen and enhance laboratory systems infrastructure.
• Provide oversight and TA in strengthening laboratory systems, viral load scale up activities and facilitate systems to ensure that laboratory samples are correctly collected, processed, and transported and that results are returned in a timely manner.
• Ensure laboratory specimen data are correctly captured, assist with routine laboratory data analysis and interpretation of laboratory results for the covid-19 project and provide feedback on ways to improve/streamline laboratory procedures and systems.
• Provide the laboratory related support required for capacity building for the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to maintain and strengthen the HIV surveillance system
• Facilitate and coordinate the implementation of quality assurance programs and QA/QC procedures for HIV/covid-19 services, including diagnosis of HIV /covid-19 and Viral Load testing.
• Support skill building of in-country laboratory personnel to manage and lead data collection and analysis, including training on serologic, immunologic and molecular tests for HIV, as well as testing for comorbidities
• Develop and participate in designing innovative strategies for delivering needs-based capacity building, mentorship, and training-of-trainers programs for laboratory staff
• Facilitate and support the use of emerging and appropriate technology for laboratory activities
• Assist the team to develop strategies to ensure timely reporting of results; Review weekly laboratory reports and prepare regular progress reports
• Develop project work plans, monitor progress towards program objectives and timelines, including regular reporting to and communication with donor and implementing partners.
• Collate, analyzeand report on outcome level data to help determine the project’s impact.
• Liaise with Federal and State Ministry of Health officials and other stakeholders in coordinating HIV/covid-19 care and treatment programming through technical working groups, review meetings and conferences in line with Covid-19 work plan.
• Document project training and technical assistance activities and contribute to the production and dissemination of technical reports, guides, manuals, success stories, and other printed resources and toolkits.
• Support the procurement of equipment and consumables by contributing to bids quantification, documentation of solicitation for bids, procurement review and analysis and verification of supplies; in line with procurement policies and best practices.
• Stay up-to-date and serve as a repository on new information and knowledge in Laboratory Services, driving the introduction and implementation of innovative strategies and operational research.
• Routinely attend and provide technical leadership in program meetings, executing resolutions within her/his purview as appropriate.
• Any other relevant duty tasks relating to Laboratory Services as assigned by the country Director

Requirements
Education:

• PhD or M.Sc in Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or its equivalent.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• At least five years’ experience in providing technical assistance in PEPFAR funded laboratory services and laboratory management with specific focus on HIV, HIV-related field, or virology
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in laboratory management, quality assurance, quality control, biosafety, document development, specimen management and use of electronic information systems within a laboratory context
• Familiarity with and experience in implementing comprehensive local and national laboratory systems and services, quality assurance and accreditation systems, including the ISO 15189 accreditation standards and SLMTA/SLIPTA accreditation process
• Experience with lab-related data management systems
• Knowledge/experience of procurement procedures and equipment/supply/stock tracking and inventory
• High level of proficiency in relevant computer applications, particularly Excel
• Excellent interpersonal, management, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills
• Fluent English oral and written communication skills; ability to interact professionally in English and oversee the development of comprehensive program reports

Travel Requirements:

• Travel to project locations in Nigeria conducting site monitoring visits, capacity building, and stakeholder relationship management activities to support laboratory services.