M-RITE Nigeria Country Project Director

Job description:

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) is a public health management consulting and research organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world. JSI is currently seeking a Nigeria Country Project Director for the USAID-funded MOMENTUM (Moving Integrated, Quality Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services to Scale) Round 3B, known as MOMENTUM-Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE). M-RITE’s overarching goal is to sustainably strengthen routine immunization programs to 1) overcome the entrenched obstacles contributing to stagnating and declining immunization rates in USAID-supported countries, and 2) address the barriers to reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children with life-saving vaccines and other health services. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption of immunization services, M-RITE will also support countries with the maintenance, adaptation, and/or reinstatement of immunization and support countries as they roll out the COVID-19 vaccine.
In Nigeria, M-RITE is currently providing technical assistance to support routine immunization strengthening in 5 states, applying a co-creation approach to improve equitable coverage with a focus on identifying, understanding and reaching zero dose and under-immunized children and communities and the implementation support for the malaria and mpox vaccine introduction and roll-out.
The Director, located in Abuja, will lead and supervise a team to implement a USAID-funded scope of work focused on providing direct technical support to the NPHCDA/SPHCDA and national/state routine immunization and COVID-19 technical working groups and State Immunization Teams. The director will be responsible for client management (USAID Mission and MOH), and will engage with other partners and donors. S/he will lead a team of public health technical and program management experts to achieve desired results, in coordination with the global M-RITE team, and collaborate with JSI/Nigeria leadership. The Director will also be responsible for management and technical oversight of the M-RITE portfolio and funding streams, and overall risk management for the program. The Director will report to the JSI/Nigeria Country Director with a dotted line to the M-RITE Deputy Director located in the US.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the program director and technical representative with USAID, NPHCDA, FMOH and other national/international agencies, institutions, and stakeholders.
• Provide management and technical oversight for the M-RITE portfolio and funding streams, and overall risk management for the program.
• Directly supervise senior members of the team and provide leadership for the full project team.
• Encourage mentoring mechanisms within and outside the Team to promote continuity and sustainability.
• Assure compliance with JSI and USAID policies, rules and regulations, as well as in-country legal and regulatory frameworks, and assure open and transparent communication with the global team and the assigned Country Program Manager (CPM) and Senior Technical Officer (STO).
• Manage the successful performance of the project and oversee the preparation of routine and ad hoc performance reports and technical deliverables.
• Ensure accuracy and timely submission of all quarterly/annual reporting requirements.
• Ensure quality and timeliness of work and the completion of all activities within budget.
• Oversee the development of appropriate planning, monitoring, management and control systems to ensure informed decision-making and implementation of project activities.
• Oversee monitoring of project activities and ensure incorporation of lessons learned into ongoing activity tasks. Ensure performance against targets. Take corrective action where necessary.
• Communicate regularly with the central M-RITE team, sharing information in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in public health, immunization, supply chain management, management or a related social science or the equivalent in practical experience;
• At least 10 years of direct experience with EPI program and/or immunization is required; Knowledge of the principles and practice of public health. Familiarity with immunization systems support such as implementation of outreach activities, vaccine management, cold chain, waste management and disposal, and vehicle management as well as primary health care systems;
• Ability to review and analyze routine immunization data, monitor and present program progress;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a complex, multi-intervention health development program in collaboration with national health ministries and international partners;
• Personal and professional commitment to gender equality;
• Ability to travel to/among states and internationally when needed;
• Leadership and management experience in the context of USAID awards/contracts is required;
• Demonstrated project management and leadership skills with an ability to take initiative;
• Effective presentation and strong advocacy skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English is required;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with a diverse team of partners and counterparts.

Job Type: Full time