Malaria Technical Director / Technical Advisor, Abuja, Nigeria

About FHI 360

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology; creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Malaria Technical Director/Technical Advisor

Job Summary / Responsibilities

Nigeria Malaria Action Plan for States (MAPS) is a $79.9 million USAID-funded project. MAPS is a 5-year (October 2010 – September 2015) comprehensive malaria program designed to support the Nigeria National Malaria Strategic Plan and National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP). MAPS is a flagship program of the US Government's President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), the project works at the national level and in nine Nigerian states to increase the quality, access and uptake of specific malaria control interventions, including Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN), Artemisenin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs), Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), and Intermittent Preventive Treatment for pregnant women (IPTp).

The project engages the public and private health in a formal and informal way to: a) strengthen the management capacity of the State Ministry of Health and Local Government Area health personnel to provide planning and oversight of malaria interventions; b) promote positive malaria-related behaviours through behaviour-change communication activities and community mobilization; and c) improve the ability of the focus states and NMEP to effectively monitor and evaluate malaria interventions and use data effectively for decision-making. MAPS project is jointly managed by a consortium led by FHI360, Malaria Consortium (MC) and Health Partners International (HPI).

The Position

The Malaria Technical Director/ Technical Advisor will be based in Abuja, Nigeria and will provide overall technical leadership for the MAPS programme, with a focus on public sector interventions. The Malaria Technical Advisor will have sound technical knowledge and experience in Malaria control interventions. This position is anticipated to fulfill the role of Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) and will report to the Programme Chief of Party.

Basic Function:

• Provides strategic technical leadership of the programme on public sector, working with other senior staff and the Chief of Party (CoP) to develop/periodically refine programme strategies.
• Coordinates the development of the technical aspects of the programme implementation approaches, ensuring appropriate consultations with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ensure technical training and staff development in the MAPS Program in relevant areas.
• Ensure that appropriate technical strategies, policies and SOP's are developed and implemented in accordance to USAID and Nigerian regulations.
• Support the management in development and monitoring of work plans and budgets; ensure appropriate levels of technical assistance for interventions.
• Provides technical support to relevant branches in NMEP.
• Ensure MAPS, NMEP and states link malaria control activities within a health systems strengthening approach.
• Provides technical input to programme monitoring and evaluation.
• Represent the programme in malaria technical sub-committees and other meetings as agreed with the Chief of Party (CoP)

Qualifications:

• Background in Public Health (preferably malaria or infectious diseases) experience in Nigeria including working in or with government agencies at the local, state and/or national levels.
• MSc or PhD in Public Health, development studies or related field is an added advantage.
• At least 10 years relevant experience with demonstrated management and supervisory capability in leading large and complex field-based and donor-funded public health projects involving staff of diverse, multi-cultural backgrounds.
• Proven technical skills in malaria, including malaria case management.
• Experience and understanding in working with Ministries of Health in policy and strategy formulation.
• Experience in training health workers, preferably both public and private sector (in both formal and informal manner).
• Experience and understanding of Nigerian context (desirable).
• Significant experience in project management.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package. Please visit FHI 360's Career Center at http://www.fhi360.org/careers for a list of all open positions.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, programs, or activities.