Pathfinder Overview
Pathfinder International is driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose. Since 1957, we have partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems in developing countries to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Together, we expand access to contraception, promote healthy pregnancies, save women’s lives, and stop the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent. Our work ensures millions of women, men, and young people are able to choose their own paths forward.
Pathfinder International - Nigeria is seeking a Technical Advisor, Child Health/Routine Immunization and Nutrition for our project – Use of Geospatial data and tools for RMNCHN microplanning and decision support. The project is a four-year grant funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and it aims to enhance RMNCH+N outcomes along the continuum of care by identifying service delivery and operational gaps that affect access to quality health care and support the development of realistic, context-specific plans to address them using GIS maps and tools. The project is implemented by a consortium of partners, with Pathfinder as the lead and supported by GRID3, Natview Foundation and Data Science Nigeria. The project will be implemented in 10 BMGF priority states – Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Sokoto and Yobe.
Summary of the Role
The Technical Advisor, Child Health/Routine Immunization and Nutrition will provide technical leadership and advice to project staff and partners, and Pathfinder cross functional teams in the areas of child health, routine immunization, and nutrition. The Job holder will be responsible for providing technical inputs on RMNCH+N related issues both at the federal and state levels and will assist operational planning/ implementation and provide technical leadership to the project state teams on Child Health/Routine Immunization and Nutrition issues, including at health facilities supported by the project.
The position will be full-time, reporting to the Country Director, and be based in Abuja with travel to other supported states as required.
Key Responsibilities
Provide technical leadership for all activities related to Child Health, RIs and Nutrition in project states
Lead and contribute to the development of project work plans, activity implementation plans, regular activity and progress reports, and other relevant project-related documentation
Provide technical leadership on system strengthening, and advise the country lead and project states on the strategic approach in relation to Child Health, RIs and Nutrition programs
Provide technical assistance, strategic direction and support for the implementation of program activities in Child Health, RIs and Nutrition in project states
Support the technical reviews and abstract and article development during implementation and ensure that the design delivers high-quality integrated health programs for children and women, building on global best practices
Ensure that gender and disability considerations are reflected in the program design and implementation
Promote a Health Systems Strengthening approach as the overarching framework, that supports working in collaboration and partnership with governments at national, and subnational bodies, and local partners while working towards sustainability
Provide technical guidance to the program state teams to ensure that thematic program components are technically sound, while the methodologies are consistent with national and global best practices
Promote an integrated programming approach for cost-effectiveness and in a way that increases the overall impact of Child Health, RI, and Nutrition programs at the state and local government and community levels
Undertake field visits to project states, work with the state teams to understand, operational challenges, and continuously identify low-hanging opportunities for learning and improvement
Ensure project activities are technically sound, evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the project states
Ensure integration across technical areas and with cross-cutting approaches such as gender, equity and rights-based approaches to health
Work with the Project Manager and other key officers to provide technical support, contribute to work planning, and project reporting and provide oversight of implementation activities
Provide oversight to technical team members, consultants, and consortium partners on Child Health, RIs, and Nutrition at national and project states
Actively participate and provide TA to all the TWGs meeting
Demonstrated experience in working on high-level engagement with the government workers
Practical experience in working with the government during the development of national-level strategic documents and guidelines for Child Health, RIs, and Nutrition
Extensive knowledge of child and infant health, RIs, and nutrition including global best practices
Excellent and demonstrated public relations, and interpersonal communication skills
Required Education and Work Experience
Master’s degree in Public Health or relevant/related field, Clinical background in medicine or nursing is preferred
At least 7 years of experience in public health
Expertise in supporting Child Health, Nutrition, and RI programs in multiple technical capacities and in resource limited settings
Demonstrated capacity in developing and implementing effective collaborations with partners, local government entities, other NGOs, and community leaders
Knowledge and proven experience in strategy development, staff oversight, program administration, contractual compliance, and financial management of large health programs
Prior experience working with and a strong understanding of Nigeria’s public health system and functional dynamics
Demonstrated leadership, management, coordination, teamwork, and planning skills, with proven ability to network effectively with and collaborate with a range of key stakeholders, including national, subnational and local officials, public, private and civil society partners, and communities
Strong training, mentoring, coaching and interpersonal communication skills
Computer literacy in the following: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
Fluency and strong communication skills in English is required
Willingness to travel when required
Experience in microplanning for RI or polio eradication is desired
Preferred Competence and Work Experience:
Strong organizational skills, exceptional sense of responsiveness and ability to follow-through
Passion for Child Health Child Health, RIs, and Nutrition: Commitment to reproductive health services, gender, maternal, and child health services including immunization.
Ability to work productively and effectively with virtual teams spread around the world.
Project Planning and Management: Advanced skills in project planning, Influencing and Customer Service Skills: Proven ability to influence using diplomacy skills with key stakeholders. In-depth demonstrated customer service skills.
Organization, Planning and Multi-tasking: Advanced organizational and planning skills, project planning and management skills. Proven ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and multi-task with minimal supervision. Proven ability to coordinate activities.
Self-Management and Teamwork: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detailed-oriented and consistently accurate, ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-paced environment, and ability to quickly learn new systems, processes and procedures and adapt local practices to global standards.
Communication: Excellent oral and report writing and presentation skills. Demonstrated capability to write high-quality scientific/management documents
Excellent collaboration and good interpersonal communication skills in a team environment
Demonstrated capability to manage multiple priorities and projects while working as part of a team
Good problem-solving skills
Matrix Management: Ability to thrive. Influence and lead in a matrixed organization
Confidentiality: Proven ability to maintain confidentiality on work-related issues
Interpersonal skills enabling sensitive conversations with employees, partners, on a range of topics
Other Information:
Technology to be Used:
Uses cellular and office phone, laptop, or desktop computer.
Travel Requirements:
Less than 30%
Application procedure / How to apply:
Interested applicants are requested to include the contact details for at least 3 references in their resume.
Please submit your application via this website no later than December 30th, 2022
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Pathfinder International provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Safeguarding and Protection
Pathfinder is committed to the safeguarding and protection of the people we serve and our staff. We have zero tolerance for any type of behavior that inflicts harm on children, young people, adults, our staff, and partners including sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, and exploitation. We do everything possible to ensure that we recruit only those who are suitable to work with for us and expect that everyone we hire will abide by our safeguarding and related policies and will report any suspected or known violations. This job is subject to a range of vetting checks as legally permitted in the country where they are being hired. By applying, the job applicant acknowledges they understand our intent to verify suitability to work with us.