Fresh Jobs at Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi)

Background

• The Global Fund supported National Aligned HIV/AIDs Initiative, NAHI aims to reduce the incidence of new HIV infections, mortality, and morbidity due to HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (with focus on key and vulnerable populations).
• In reaching this goal it is expected in line with the UNAIDS 2020 vision that 95% of key and vulnerable populations have access to quality Laboratory services across supported sites in Anambra, Ebonyi and 13 states.
• To strengthen laboratory services, 6 laboratories in Anambra and Ebonyi are undergoing national accreditation as an added value to the Lab program.

Description / Purpose of the Consultancy

• The Laboratory consultant will support the HQ laboratory unit to improve implementation and coordination of Laboratory services in Anambra, Ebonyi, PCR Labs and OSSs.
• S/He will; support Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) across supported sites Interphase with MLSCN and supported Sites for improved performance in EQA scheme Optimize Viral load and EID uptake and support the 3 PCR Laboratories for improved VL/EID coverage
• Support Accreditation preparedness of select Laboratories in Ebonyi and Anambra states.

Objectives of the Consultancy

• The objective of this consultancy is to support and supplement the Laboratory unit HR needs for improved performance

Consultancy Overview and Role

The services of the Laboratory Consultant with the HQ team will include the following:

• Provide technical support related to the laboratory services and management component of HIV/AIDS care and treatment for general and key populations
• Support the implementation of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Support the optimization of Lab services at the PCR Labs that leads to zero back log of samples and improved VL/EID coverage                       
• Support the quality control functions/ activities, in collaboration with the SR Lab teams in Anambra and Ebonyi including quality control inspections schedules and the collection of quality control records; ensure the availability of high-quality documentation
• Support the review and monitoring of QA and QC activities of the Laboratory to determine conformance with established standards
• Support the unit to develop lessons learned from activities related to laboratory services and management for HIV/AIDS care and treatment and apply these lessons to improve performance
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Specific Deliverables

Based on the activities listed above, the Consultants are expected to produce or accomplish the following:

• Collate and review IQC and EQA results and ensure follow up actions on non-conformities at the ART, PMTCT and OSS sites.
• Liaise with MLSCN EQA unit for improved performance of all the supported sites.
• Document weekly and monthly progress of six selected labs on accreditation preparedness 
• Liaise with MLSCN Accreditation unit for sustained support to select labs.
• Liaise with SRs and select Labs ‘Hospital management to track progress on accreditation preparedness.
• Ensure routine support, monitoring and analysis of the VL coverage across SRs for improvement.
• Ensure collation and review of monthly equipment functionality report.
• Develop lessons learned from activities related to laboratory services.
• Submit monthly reports.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in laboratory setting of which 3 must be on a HIV laboratory management donor funded program
• Certification / license to practice as a medical laboratory scientist is required
• Experience in a clinical laboratory setting and working in a donor funded program is required.
• Proven experience in project development, QMS implementation planning and facilitating technical training.
• Familiarity with Nigerian public sector health system and NGOs and CBOs is highly desirable
• Experience in a GF funded project will be an added advantage

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Background

• In the Finance department there is typically a high volume of financial documents that need to be reviewed and processed on time.
• These documents can include sub-awardee financial reports & supporting documents, travel documents and procurement documents.
• Ensuring that all these documents are accurate, complete, and promptly processed is crucial for maintaining the organization’s financial processes and in ensuring financial accountability and compliance.
• A Finance Consultant is therefore needed to play this crucial role.

Description / Purpose of the Consultancy

• The selected candidate will work closely with the Finance unit and will be responsible for review of sub-awardee reports & financial documents, follow up on all sub-award compliance issues, audits and document resolutions, and providing guidance and support to Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to ensure they meet financial reporting requirements and comply with donor regulations, and ensuring they are promptly reimbursed.
• By doing so, the Finance Consultant helps the finance department minimize risks and ensure financial accountability and compliance, which is essential for effective financial management.

Objectives of the Consultancy

• This consultancy is required to assist to provide financial oversight, guidance, and support to sub-awardees, community-based organizations and state offices, provide assurance and minimize the turnaround time between reports and subsequent reimbursement of beneficiaries.
• Overall, the Finance Consultant will ensure effective and efficient management of funds in compliance with donor regulations, and that the AHNi is able to effectively monitor and report on the use of sub-award funds to the Global Fund.

Consultancy Overview and Role

The services of the Finance Consultant will include the following:

• Assist in providing support to HQ and State offices to ensure they meet financial reporting requirements and comply with donor regulations.
• Assist in providing assurance, conducting pre-award financial reviews and other due diligence, and reviewing sub-awardee budgets, work plans, and fund requests to ensure financial compliance and accountability.
• Support in developing sub-recipient monitoring plans, conducting financial and programmatic monitoring of sub-recipients, processing sub-recipient payments, and reconciling the sub-award financial tracker to ensure accurate and up-to-date financial records.
• Assisting with sub-award financial close-outs, including ensuring that all requirements of the sub-award agreement have been met, sub-award funds have been properly settled, and financial reports have been submitted.
• Effective communication and collaboration with other members of the finance department is critical for success in this role.

Specific Deliverables

Based on the activities listed above, the Consultant is expected to produce or accomplish the following:

• Prompt document collection, review and processing. This includes payment documents, sub-awardee financial reports, fund requests, and other requests.
• Conduct regular financial monitoring of sub-recipients to ensure compliance with donor regulations, identify any areas of concern, and provide guidance and support as needed.
• Prompt communication of feedback to necessary stakeholders.
• Assist to bride gap between finance, programs, and grants within AHNi.
• In addition to processing financial documents, the Finance consultant may also assist with record keeping, and other finance/operations tasks as needed.
• Submit a monthly report of the consultancy assignment to AHNI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.
• Knowledge of financial management and reporting systems, accounting principles, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications such as Microsoft Office, database management, and ERP may be required.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in financial management and reporting, including experience managing sub-awards and working with community-based organizations.
• Experience with donor regulations, policies, and procedures related to sub-awards and grants management.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to analyze financial data and identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other members of the finance department are necessary.
• Experience in capacity building and training is an advantage.

Competencies:

• Overall, the key to success in this role is a combination of deep understanding of financial management & reporting, relevant qualifications, experience, and strong organizational and communication skills.