State Program Officer (Kebbi State) at John Snow Inc - JSI

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE) project is part of a suite of innovative awards funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to holistically improve family planning and maternal and child health in partner countries around the world. The project applies best practices and explores innovations to increase equitable immunization coverage in USAID-supported countries around the globe. It works to build countries’ capacity to identify and overcome barriers to reaching zero-dose and under immunized children and older populations with life-saving vaccines and other integrated health services. M-RITE works at multiple levels and in alignment with global strategies such as the Immunization Agenda 2030 and Gavi 5.0.

The project also contributes to ongoing global efforts to mitigate the impact low routine immunization coverage and support states to prepare for and introduce vaccines new vaccines against vaccine preventable disease once they are available. In Nigeria M-RITE works to strengthen routine immunization (RI) services and supports COVID-19 vaccine rollout at the state level and in 5 focus states.

SUMMARY:

The primary role of the State Program Officer will be to support the SPHCDA and SMEP in Kebbi, Nigeria and provide strategic leadership in order to ensure effective planning and implementation of malaria vaccine introduction. 

The State Program Officer (SPO) will work under the supervision of the M-RITE Nigeria Senior Immunization Technical Advisor (SITA) and will collaborate closely with the SPHCDA/SMEP/LGHA and partner organizations.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The SPO will be responsible for providing technical assistance to the SPHCDA/SMEP/LGHA, including other local partners.

• Serve as a strategic, high-level technical Officer to the SPHCDA/SMEP/LGHA, and technical sub-committees and working groups responsible for malaria vaccine introduction into routine immunization and as an entry point to identifying, enumerating and vaccinating Zero Dose and Under Immunized Children.
• Work in collaboration with the SPHCDA/SMEP and technical partners to complete evaluations of malaria vaccine introduction and routine immunization activities at state level in Kebbi state.
• Work with SPHCDA/SMEP/LGHA to develop strategies to reduce zero dose and under immunized in the states and work with LGAs and PHCs to continue to identify, reach, monitor, measure and advocate for support from key community stakeholders, including Community based Organizations (CBOs).
• Work in collaboration with the SPHCDA/SMEP/LGHA technical working groups and sub-committees to define and implement malaria vaccines, and to align state-level support to national strategies including Zero Dose Reduction Operational Plans, HSS, and other community.
• Provide technical assistance to analysis of program performance.  Collaborate with partners to collect and analyze data, monitor performance, and support SPHCDA/SMEP/LGHA with strategic leadership for planning and implementing corrective actions.
• Provide linkages between M-RITE and local partners (CBOs/NGOs, etc.) to mobilize them and provide support and technical assistance to program activities. Work with these organizations to ensure technical support at all levels. 
• Support the development and submission of progress reports to M-RITE and partners, including regular reporting of updates
• Remain in regular contact (by email, phone, etc.) with the M-RITE Nigeria leadership team and the M-RITE global level team through regular check-in meetings
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s or other advanced degree with 5+ years of experience, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) projects with a focus on introducing, implementing, and evaluating vaccination and PHC services. 
• Working experience with JSI is strongly desirable
• A strong knowledge of immunization programming and Health Systems Strengthening in USAID funded project highly desirable.
• Leading and managing USAID funded MCH program in cluster of LGAs is strongly desirable
• Experience with health system strengthening and pro-equity approaches in Nigeria with a preference for technical expertise in immunization/vaccine preventable diseases and PHC at state or zonal level is desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership with proven track record to work across multiple partners (e.g., State and or LGA government, donors, and other partners such as JSI, WHO, AFENET) to build and sustain collaborative relationships.
• Fluency in English or local language an added advantage

Note

• JSI has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, exploitation or violence. We take every measure to prevent such incidents and to ensure compliance to our donors. We will expect all our employees/Consultants/Interns/Volunteers to commit to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm and abide by our safeguarding policy.
• JSI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.