Malaria and Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Expert - Drug Revolving Fund Activity Evaluation at Navanti

Team: USAID/Nigeria MEL Support Activity

Project: USAID /Nigeria Health Population and Nutrition (HPN) Office

Location : Federal Capital Territory – Abuja, Nigeria

Reporting to: Assessment and Evaluation Advisor

Employment Type: Independent Contractor / Short-Term Technical Assistance (STTA)

Period of Performance: July 2024 – November 2024

Position Description

Navanti is seeking a subject matter (Malaria and MNCH) expert to support the team lead in developing context-specific tools for engaging various stakeholders, providing context to the evaluation, and supporting the development of the report. The subject matter expert will work with the team leader to conduct interviews, analyze the data, and develop the evaluation report responsible for the overall coordination and management of the evaluation team’s effort and for ensuring a rigorous and high-quality evaluation in the locations stated above. Under the guidance of the MEL Support Activity, the subject matter expert is expected to work closely with the USAID/Nigeria-HPN team.

The team will use a combination of literature review, secondary analysis of population-based surveys, and quantitative/qualitative data collection through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to gather insights to answer the study questions, with a special focus on data from the four states listed above. The team is also expected to propose based evaluation methodology/approach as required.

Locations:

• Zamfara, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Sokoto States

Responsibilities

The subject matter expert will be responsible for identifying key stakeholders and developing and reviewing data collection tools based on the objective of the evaluation. S/he will be responsible for providing direct technical assistance to the team leader on key strategies to engage targeted stakeholders in conducting the evaluation. The subject matter expert will:
 

• Participate in the evaluation kick-off session with USAID/Nigeria.
• Support in conducting an initial desk study: gather relevant secondary materials to identify key actors and stakeholders. A summary of these findings will help to better understand the context, identify key stakeholders to be interviewed, and guide the finalization of the design for the evaluation including the questions to be explored further during the qualitative evaluation.
• Provides substantive technical input into the development of data collection tools, including survey and interview tools, and methodology for covering target states
• Support the data collection process, including conducting several KIIs and FGDs with stakeholders including women, health care providers, etc
• Support in the presentation of preliminary findings on data collected from stakeholders' engagement and desk review
• Coordinates closely with other evaluation team members to ensure quality evaluation
• Support the team lead in writing the draft evaluation report with support from the team members, taking into consideration feedback from the Out-brief presentation.
• Respond to USAID comments on the draft report, incorporate USAID/Nigeria staff comments into the final version of the report, and finalize the report.
• Present the evaluation results to diverse audiences according to USAID standard reporting
• Work collaboratively with team members throughout design, implementation, analysis, and report writing to complement each other's areas of expertise.

Qualifications

The candidate is expected to have the following qualifications :

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field: Medical Sciences, Public / Global health.
• A minimum of seven or more years of substantive and progressive professional experience. Experience with pharmaceutical supply chain/commodities and logistics management related to malaria related and MNCH services will be an advantage.
• Experience evaluating/supporting start-up/improvement management of drug revolving funds is critical.
• Familiarity with health system dynamics, including financing mechanisms, procurement, supply chain management, service delivery structures, and regulatory frameworks related to pharmaceutical and drug revolving fund schemes
• Sensitivity to cultural nuances, local customs, and social dynamics in Nigeria to ensure effective engagement with stakeholders and accurate interpretation of findings within the local context.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise evaluation reports, presentations, and briefs tailored to different audiences
• Demonstrated experience with supply chain capacity building and policy reform, with preference to those with considerable working experience in Nigeria or other sub-Saharan countries.
• Significant experience in working with primary health care facilities and members of Ministries of Health and State Primary Health Care Development Agencies to improve malaria and RMNCAH+N outcomes.
• Experience in preparing persuasive technical reports and making verbal presentations, explaining issues clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating across projects stakeholder groups and donor projects; and
• Experience working in the health sector with international donor organizations, particularly USAID.

The consultant should adhere to ethical guidelines, obtain informed consent, and protect the confidentiality and anonymity of participants.