IMPACT ASSOCIATE
B. Position Overview
IMPACT is seeking a highly motivated individual for the role of Associate, Immunization and RMNCAH+N, based in Abuja, Nigeria, to work on our IMPACT project. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in providing technical and operational support to the IMPACT Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and facilitate the implementation of the project according to approved annual work plans. The aim is to increase the coverage of Immunization and RMNCAH+N services across IMPACT states.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with exceptional problem-solving and communication skills. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strategic, big-picture thinking capability and the ability to solve complex problems in dynamic environments. IMPACT highly values relevant personal qualities, such as resourcefulness, humility, responsibility, tenacity, independence, energy, and a strong work ethic.
C. Overall Responsibilities:
As the Associate for Immunization plus and RMNCAH+N Programs, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the IMPACT project. Your responsibilities include:
- Reporting and Technical Support: Reporting to the National IMPACT Project Manager, you will function as a core member of the National IMPACT PIU. You will provide technical support in the strategic execution and achievement of IMPACT project goals, particularly in the Immunization and RMNCAH+N components.
- Strategic Guidance: Your role involves providing strategic guidance and support to states that are lagging behind in the implementation of innovative interventions aimed at catalysing substantial improvements in their coverage rates.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: You will work with stakeholders in the Immunization and RMNCAH+N space, including development partners and community structures, to achieve transformational impact in reducing Under-5 Mortality Rates (U5MR). This includes supporting the national IMPACT project management in evaluating program performances and ensuring program goals are met.
- Collaboration with National PIU: You will collaborate with the National Immunization and RMNCAH+N Program Implementation Unit (PIU) to ensure joint planning and implementation of Primary Health Care (PHC) strengthening interventions that cut across Immunization and RMNCAH+N service improvement.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Support the NPHCDA and the World Bank task team in monitoring and supervision of the project at the state level. Contribute to documenting lessons in implementation and ensure high-quality ongoing reporting of the project’s progress.
D. Specific Responsibilities:
The selected Associate will be required to support the IMPACT PIU across seven focus areas:
1. Program Operational Support:
- Develop and update annual work plans for the national project activities.
- Facilitate the implementation of actions within the approved annual work plan.
- Ensure that communication and guidance provided by the National Project Implementation Unit (NPIU) and the World Bank are addressed and responded to for robust project implementation.
- Coordinate with technical teams to ensure transparent and smooth completion of approved work programs.
- Prepare and update progress reports and assist states in documenting progress.
- Undertake periodic supervision visits to project sites and provide feedback on project achievements.
2. Program Implementation Support:
- Design and implement knowledge transfer plans.
- Improve detection and responsiveness in the resolution of RMNCAH+N and Immunization service gaps.
- Strengthen coordination, leadership, and accountability.
- Enhance data visibility, quality, and use for action at all levels.
- Promote community involvement in interventions to reduce maternal and child mortality.
- Prepare and share reports of activities.
3. Program Coordination Support:
- Improve collaboration with stakeholders in the Immunization and RMNCAH+N space.
- Establish mechanisms for PHC service integration.
- Participate in coordination platforms and attend relevant technical meetings.
- Drive improvements in Immunization and RMNCAH+N services in lagging LGAs.
4. Partnerships Coordination Support:
- Engage in discussions with development partners and other stakeholders.
- Maintain quality interactions with national, state, and international stakeholders.
- Support administrative activities related to coordination platforms.
- Collaborate with development partners to resolve challenges.
5. Resource Mobilization and Partnerships:
- Support resource mobilization and partner coordination efforts.
- Engage and collaborate with development partners for enhanced donor coordination and resource mapping.
6. Capacity Development:
- Support the development of technical documents and proposals.
- Provide technical mentoring support to NPHCDA staff.
- Assist in the development and review of national strategies and frameworks.
- Provide technical assistance in the identification and adaptation of guidelines, training materials, and manuals.
7. Evidence and Knowledge Development:
- Incorporate evaluation results and lessons learned into strategies and approaches.
- Support the development of a national Immunization and RMNCAH+N operational research agenda.
- Conduct routine diagnostic analysis of PHC services and develop a monitoring plan.
- Ensure alignment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to critical success factors.
E. Eligibility Requirements:
Essential Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in managing and implementing Immunization and RMNCAH+N programs and interventions.
- In-depth understanding of the Nigerian health system and related policies and programs.
- Experience in providing technical support and assistance in program coordination and implementation.
- Demonstrated capacity to coordinate organizations, navigate relationships among government and development organizations, and work on health systems strengthening.
- Demonstrated ability in managing large projects, project design, and experience in concept note/proposal development.
- Excellent analytical (qualitative and quantitative) skills and strong written and oral communication skills including development of analyses/ presentations for varied project audience/stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex projects and solve challenging problems, in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task with a strong commitment to excellence, both internally and externally, and with limited structural support.
- Exceptional diplomatic and interpersonal skills, and ability to build strong professional relationships with a range of stakeholders in a challenging, multi-cultural environment.
Desirable Qualifications and Competencies:
- Nigerian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Experience in conducting large-scale projects related to RMNCAH+N, Immunization, HRH, Monitoring and Evaluation, Capacity Building, and Management.
- Proficiency in research tools such as ODK, DHIS2, Epi Info, SPSS, Stata, etc.
- Experience working with stakeholders at both national and sub-national levels.
- Knowledge of the unique health system landscape in Nigeria.