VA seeks a part time program consultant for a 3 month term beginning on/about September 15th 2016 with possibility of renewal. The position is based in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire. VA plans to continue expansion of its Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) Program in West Africa, and is engaging a Consultant to develop a written plan for unrolling Vitamin Angels model throughout the region and support a preliminary trip exploring the opportunity of developing a network of indigenous, non-governmental (NGO) or community based organizations (CBOs) to deliver essential micronutrient products in Cote D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Mali. In general, this means VA seeks in its program in West Africa to work with local partners willing to accept responsibility for the problem of micronutrient deficiency and implement a locally sustainable micronutrient distribution system.
VA strives to advance micronutrient distribution services that are: i) evidence-based, ii) planned and designed consistent with internationally accepted best practices adapted to local needs, iii) coordinated to the extent feasible with other parallel health/nutrition activities already ongoing by governmental or NGO groups to avoid unnecessary overlap, iv) conformant with VA’s strategic plan (FY14-FY16) and VA’s guidelines for universal supplementation projects, and v) consistent with the legal requirements of the country in which micronutrient distribution is to be undertaken. This system should operate, preferably, concurrent with health/nutrition services they already offer to the public OR other non-health services that present a unique and innovative opportunity to achieve micronutrient distribution among at-risk women of reproductive age and pre-school children in need of nutrition services. Under limited circumstances, VA may help a local governmental authority to launch micronutrient distribution services, but only in conjunction with a NGO partner with local operations. Consultant will familiarize him/herself with all relevant, National/Regional Policies for VAS and deworming as well as VA policy and technical documents and agrees to seek clarification of all issues with the technical contact person assigned to Consultant. The Consultant’s key responsibilities are:
i) Arrange Meetings with the Ministry of Health Mali, Ministry of Health Burkina Faso and Cote D’Ivoire National Drug Authority. In order to evaluate the opportunity for implementing a locally sustainable NGO micronutrient distribution program in West Africa, Vitamin Angels has requested in person meetings with contacts at these government agencies.
ii) Identify and Arrange Meetings with Additional key stakeholders in vitamin A supplementation to target for meetings. To effectively evaluate Vitamin Angels’ opportunity in West Africa, the consultant will identify and arrange meetings with key stakeholders in the government office, local NGOs, NGO networks and International NGOs involved in vitamin distribution.
iii) attend key stakeholder meetings with Vitamin Angels staff to provide translation and knowledge of the local context.
iv) Conceptualize a sustainable model in which Vitamin Angels can create and expand a quality distribution network among NGOs in Cote D’Ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso, with the potential for expansion to other West African countries at a later date.
S/he applies expertise in all aspects of program design, management and implementation while working to promote, exemplify and further the mission[1], values and culture of VA.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Required and Desired)
Required:
· B.A./B.Sc degree from an accredited four year university with a degree in public health, or a related field,
· Minimum two years experience performing program administration
· Substantial field level work experience with NGOs in Cote D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Mali,
· Existing network of contacts with many different NGOs in West Africa,
· Existing network of contacts within international, bilateral, and government agencies in West Africa
· Computer literacy, including experience working with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and able to input data to an online database after training,
· Based in metropolitan area in Cote D'Ivoire, Mali or Burkina Faso with easy access to local/international transportation,
· Willing to work from home and has reliable telephone/internet connectivity in the home,
· Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally during consultancy,
· Superior written and oral communications skills,
· Superior organizational skills and attention to detail, and
· Fluent in English and French
Highly desirable:
· Master’s degree or higher in public health, community medicine or a related discipline,
· Minimum two years experience providing technical assistance to NGOs
· Fluent in local language(s)
· Field Level work experience in Niger
· Documentable network of contacts in public health and development which consultant can use to facilitate a successful consultancy.
[1] Our mission is to mobilize and deploy private sector resources to advance availability, access and use of micronutrients, especially vitamin A, among at-risk populations in need.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae to amusso@vitaminangels.org
