Job Opportunities at JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI)

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) is a public health management consulting and research organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world.

We are recruiting to fill the positions below:

Job Title: Country Project Director

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Background

• We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the USAID-funded MOMENTUM (Moving Integrated, Quality Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services to Scale) Round 3B, known as MOMENTUM-Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE).
• M-RITE’s overarching goal is to sustainably strengthen routine immunization programs to: 1) overcome the entrenched obstacles contributing to stagnating and declining immunization rates in USAID-supported countries, and 2) address the barriers to reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children with life-saving vaccines and other health services. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption of immunization services, M-RITE will also support countries with the maintenance, adaptation, and/or reinstatement of immunization and support countries as they roll out the COVID-19 vaccine.
• In Nigeria, M-RITE will bring its expertise to strengthen national COVID-19 vaccination efforts through participation in national-level COVID-19 technical working groups and work in 5 states to support the national SCALES 3.0 strategy.
• M-RITE will support microplanning and work to build demand and acceptance for the vaccine in partnership with states to mitigate the risk of misinformation and hesitancy among health workers and other priority populations, support the design and implementation of communications and community engagement strategies to promote uptake of the vaccine and help develop and review monitoring tools.
• In addition, M-RITE will provide technical assistance to support routine immunization strengthening in 5 states, applying a co-creation approach to improve equitable coverage with a focus on identifying, understanding, and reaching zero dose and under-immunized children and communities.

Summary of Position Description

• The Country Project Director (CPD), located in Abuja, will lead and supervise a team to implement a USAID-funded scope of work focused on providing direct technical support to the NPHCDA/SPHCDA and national/state routine immunization and COVID-19 technical working groups and State Immunization Teams.
• The CPD will be responsible for client management (USAID Mission and MOH) and will engage with other partners and donors.
• S/he will lead a team of public health technical and program management experts to achieve desired results, in coordination with the global M-RITE team, and collaborate with JSI/Nigeria leadership.
• The CPD will also be responsible for the management and technical oversight of the M-RITE portfolio and funding streams, and overall risk management for the program.
• The CPD will report to the M-RITE Deputy Director.

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Duties

• Serve as the program director and technical representative with USAID, MOH, and other national/international agencies,  institutions, and stakeholders.
• Provide management and technical oversight for the M-RITE portfolio and funding streams, and overall risk management for the program.
• Directly supervise senior members of the team and provide leadership for the full project team.
• Encourage mentoring mechanisms within and outside the Team to promote continuity and sustainability.
• Assure compliance with JSI and USAID policies, rules, and regulations, as well as in-country legal and regulatory frameworks, and assure open and transparent communication with the global team and the assigned Country Program Manager (CPM) and Senior Technical Officer (STO).
• Manage the successful performance of the project and oversee the preparation of routine and ad hoc performance reports and technical deliverables.
• Ensure accuracy and timely submission of all quarterly/annual reporting requirements.
• Ensure quality and timeliness of work and the completion of all activities within budget.
• Oversee the development of appropriate planning, monitoring, management, and control systems to ensure informed decision-making and implementation of project activities.
• Oversee monitoring of project activities and ensure incorporation of lessons learned into ongoing activity tasks. Ensure performance against targets. Take corrective action where necessary.
• Communicate regularly with the central M-RITE team, sharing information in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor from time to time.

Qualification Requirements  

• Advanced Degree in Public Health, Immunization, Supply Chain Management, the management or related social science or  the equivalent in practical experience;
• At least 10 years of direct experience with the EPI program and/or immunization is required; Knowledge of the principles and practice of public health. Familiarity with immunization systems support such as  the implementation of outreach activities,  vaccine management, cold chain, waste management and disposal, and vehicle management as well as primary health care systems;
• Ability to review and analyze routine immunization data, monitor and present program progress;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a complex, multi-intervention health development program in collaboration with national  health ministries and international partners;
• Personal and professional commitment to gender equality;
• Ability to travel to/among states and internationally when needed;
• Leadership and management experience in the context of USAID awards/contracts is required;
• Demonstrated project management and leadership skills with an ability to take initiative;
• Effective presentation and strong advocacy skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English is required;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with a diverse team of partners and counterparts.

Job Title: Program Officer

Location: Nigeria

Background

• We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the USAID-funded MOMENTUM (Moving Integrated, Quality Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services to Scale) Round 3B, known as MOMENTUM-Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE).
• M-RITE’s overarching goal is to sustainably strengthen routine immunization programs to: 1) overcome the entrenched obstacles contributing to stagnating and declining immunization rates in USAID-supported countries, and 2) address the barriers to reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children with life-saving vaccines and other health services. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption of immunization services, M-RITE will also support countries with the maintenance, adaptation, and/or reinstatement of immunization and support countries as they roll out the COVID-19 vaccine.
• In Nigeria, M-RITE will bring its expertise to strengthen national COVID-19 vaccination efforts through participation in national-level COVID-19 technical working groups and work in 5 states to support the national SCALES 3.0 strategy.
• M-RITE will support microplanning and work to build demand and acceptance for the vaccine in partnership with states to mitigate the risk of misinformation and hesitancy among health workers and other priority populations, support the design and implementation of communications and community engagement strategies to promote uptake of the vaccine and help develop and review monitoring tools.
• In addition, M-RITE will provide technical assistance to support routine immunization strengthening in 5 states, applying a co-creation approach to improve equitable coverage with a focus on identifying, understanding, and reaching zero dose and under-immunized children and communities.

Summary of Position Description

• The Program Officer will support the M-RITE technical team in the coordination and implementation of M-RITE activities at the national and sub-national levels.
• This individual will work closely with the Country Director and the technical team to support the planning and coordination of M-RITE program activities to strengthen the immunization system and support COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria.
• The Program Officer will monitor the M-RITE workplan and collaborate with finance managers and the monitoring evaluation and learning team to support knowledge management and sharing of program successes and lessons.
• The successful candidate will need strong communication, collaboration, and partnership-building skills.

Responsibilities

• The PO will be a key member of the M-RITE Nigeria team, working with technical, finance, and administrative staff to support M-RITE Nigeria and will work under the supervision of the M-RITE Country Director.

Specific Tasks include:
Program management:

• Coordinate processes to support the development, monitoring, and documentation of the M-RITE Nigeria workplan activities, priorities, approaches, and learning.
• Facilitate the development of project workplans and budgets, and support the day-to-day. implementation of workplan activities
• Support the MEL Advisor in project performance monitoring and reporting.
• Collaborate with the global team on strategic planning and work planning for consistency relating to M-RITE program priorities, strategic approaches, and learning. This includes harmonizing core and fieldwork plans, Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plans, performance monitoring plans (PMP), and budgets.
• Work with technical teams to revise key planning and management documents to track the progress of implementation and country activities.
• Manage the planning and rollout of special technical events, such as conferences, webinars, and workshops.

Communications:

• Assist in the development and production of program deliverables, such as annual reports, quarterly reports, USAID Mission reports, and other deliverables.
• Work with M-RITE staff in writing, editing, and fact-checking of communications materials, including success stories, technical briefs, tools, and other reports.
• Assist in documenting and disseminating country results, either via newsletters, success stories, quarterly reports, or other reporting mechanisms.
• Assist in organizing official visits, meetings, and conferences.
• Compile background material and drafts for seminars and conferences.
• Liaise with M-RITE global level team to develop and promote activities and achievements via social media and website.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline; an Advanced Degree in Medicine, Public Health, or Nutrition preferred.
• At least three years of experience in public health or a related field; experience with immunization-related activities required.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage various activities in a team setting with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Computer literacy is required (Excel, MS Word, and Windows); familiarity with accounting and database software is highly preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Experience working in a team setting.

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Competencies:

• In-depth understanding of the immunization program and environment in Nigeria.
• Excellent communicator, able to synthesize and convey complex information.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with team members, donors, and other cooperating agencies.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Develop and encourage new and innovative solutions.
• Ability to identify and differentiate between important and urgent tasks, and quickly prioritize in a fast-paced, fluid, start-up environment.
• Demonstrates the highest levels of integrity and encourages openness and transparency.
• Demonstrated organizational skills in a fast-paced environment with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Comfortable independently managing multiple long and short-term tasks simultaneously.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and confident to request clarity when necessary.
• Team-oriented, supportive work style with a willingness to work outside of the role when necessary. A good listener respects others’ points of view, engages and motivates others.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information.
• Sense of humor.

Job Title: Senior Immunization Advisor

Location: Nigeria

Background

• We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the USAID-funded MOMENTUM (Moving Integrated, Quality Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services to Scale) Round 3B, known as MOMENTUM-Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE).
• M-RITE’s overarching goal is to sustainably strengthen routine immunization programs to: 1) overcome the entrenched obstacles contributing to stagnating and declining immunization rates in USAID-supported countries, and 2) address the barriers to reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children with life-saving vaccines and other health services. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption of immunization services, M-RITE will also support countries with the maintenance, adaptation, and/or reinstatement of immunization and support countries as they roll out the COVID-19 vaccine.
• In Nigeria, M-RITE will bring its expertise to strengthen national COVID-19 vaccination efforts through participation in national-level COVID-19 technical working groups and work in 5 states to support the national SCALES 3.0 strategy.
• M-RITE will support microplanning and work to build demand and acceptance for the vaccine in partnership with states to mitigate the risk of misinformation and hesitancy among health workers and other priority populations, support the design and implementation of communications and community engagement strategies to promote uptake of the vaccine and help develop and review monitoring tools.
• In addition, M-RITE will provide technical assistance to support routine immunization strengthening in 5 states, applying a co-creation approach to improve equitable coverage with a focus on identifying, understanding, and reaching zero dose and under-immunized children and communities.

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Summary of Position Description

• The primary role of the Senior Immunization Technical Advisor will be to support the NPHCDA team in Nigeria and provide strategic leadership to ensure effective planning and implementation of NPHCDA priority activities.
• The Advisor will work under the supervision of the M-RITE Nigeria Country Director and will collaborate closely with the NPHCDA and SPHCDA staff and colleagues from partner organizations.
• The Senior Immunization Advisor will work in collaboration with the M-RITE team lead in Nigeria to support all aspects of the startup phase for COVID-19 vaccination technical assistance and the scoping and startup phases for the Routine Immunization technical assistance.
• S/he will oversee the work of M-RITE state-level technical teams to achieve program objectives.

Responsibilities

• The Senior immunization Advisor will be responsible for providing technical assistance to the NPHCD, including other local partners.
• Serve as a strategic, high-level technical advisor to the NPHCDA, and technical sub-committees and working groups responsible for COVID-19 vaccination and routine immunization.
• Work in collaboration with the NPHCDA and technical partners to complete evaluations of immunization activities at the national level and in the 5 selected states.
• Work in collaboration with the NPHCDA technical working groups and sub-committees to define and implement COVID-19 vaccines, and to align state-level support to national strategies including SCALES 3.0.
• Provide technical assistance to the analysis of program performance.  Collaborate with partners to collect and analyze data, monitor performance, and support NPHCDA with strategic leadership for planning and implementing corrective actions.
• Provide linkages between M-RITE and local partners (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 reports to M-RITE and partners, including regular reporting and final report.
• Remain in regular contact (by email, phone, Slack, etc.) with the M-RITE Nigeria leadership team and the M-RITE global level team.
• Under the guidance of the M-RITE Nigeria CountryDirector, oversee the state-level support and supervise the M-RITE state immunization advisors to perform the project activities at the state level.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Degree in Public Health, Nursing, or related field with more than ten (10) years of experience in public health program management.
• Strong knowledge of immunization programming, vaccinology, and maternal and child health.
• At least five years of practical experience in a senior management position and demonstrated capacity to provide strategic leadership to government and partner counterparts and at least 10 years working in public health and primary health care.
• Practical experience in immunization programs, in both urban and rural settings.
• Knowledge of the Ministry of Health structure in Nigeria plus.
• Experience working with international immunization partners, such as USAID, WHO, and UNICEF.
• Fluency in English.

Job Title: Senior Social Behavorial Change Advisor

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Background

• We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the USAID-funded MOMENTUM (Moving Integrated, Quality Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services to Scale) Round 3B, known as MOMENTUM-Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE).
• M-RITE’s overarching goal is to sustainably strengthen routine immunization programs to: 1) overcome the entrenched obstacles contributing to stagnating and declining immunization rates in USAID-supported countries, and 2) address the barriers to reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children with life-saving vaccines and other health services. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption of immunization services, M-RITE will also support countries with the maintenance, adaptation, and/or reinstatement of immunization and support countries as they roll out the COVID-19 vaccine.
• In Nigeria, M-RITE will bring its expertise to strengthen national COVID-19 vaccination efforts through participation in national-level COVID-19 technical working groups and work in 5 states to support the national SCALES 3.0 strategy.
• M-RITE will support microplanning and work to build demand and acceptance for the vaccine in partnership with states to mitigate the risk of misinformation and hesitancy among health workers and other priority populations, support the design and implementation of communications and community engagement strategies to promote uptake of the vaccine and help develop and review monitoring tools.
• In addition, M-RITE will provide technical assistance to support routine immunization strengthening in 5 states, applying a co-creation approach to improve equitable coverage with a focus on identifying, understanding, and reaching zero dose and under-immunized children and communities.

Summary of Position Description

• We are currently seeking a Senior Social and Behavior Change(SBC) Advisor for the MOMENTUM-Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE) project to be based in Abuja, Nigeria.
• The SBC Advisor will provide technical leadership and guidance in SBCC, provide technical support to NPHCDAto strengthen and carry out SBC activities that address persistent challenges, increase uptake of healthy behaviors and allow populations access and utilize Primary Health Care (PHC) services, with a specific emphasis on immunization services (routine, COVID-19, and new vaccines as appropriate).

Specific Tasks Include
Strategic program planning and implementation:

• Lead M-RITE strategic planning for technical assistance to NPHCDA and SPHCHA on SBC for demand creation and community engagement
• Contribute to the M-RITE technical assistance for planning of integrated immunization services from an SBC perspective
• Develop a detailed SBC implementation plan, which outlines key actors, behaviors, interventions, messages, and media required to overcome obstacles to immunization and thereby contribute to increased uptake and completion of immunization schedules.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other partners to design and adapt SBC interventions, activities, and materials for the different priority populations including for COVID-19 vaccination
• Coordinate and monitor implementation of M-RITE SBC workplan activities
• In support of M-RITE’s initial scoping activities for routine immunization and COVID-19 vaccination, complete SBC landscape analysis of what is known about drivers of immunization behaviors (e.g., structural, socio-cultural including gender, and individual-level behavioral drivers) in project states.
• Participate in the design and implementation of the M-RITE co-creation process, methodology, tool development, and analysis to ensure SBC aspects are addressed.
• Participate in the development and/or updating of community engagement strategies both at the national level and in the assigned states

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Technical leadership (capacity building/ partnership/ monitoring):

• Ensure that high-quality technical work is performed and supervises the M-RITE state-level immunization advisors.
• Provide technical support to National level SBC technical working groups for routine immunization and COVID-19, and support state-level M-RITE staff to advise on SBC issues to address barriers to immunization and COVID-19 vaccination.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement at National and State Levels to design interventions to address persistent challenges to reach under-served communities and increase utilization of integrated PHC services, with an emphasis on immunization.
• Ensure linkage between M-RITE and NPHCDA at the central level as well as with project SBC officers at the subnational level.
• Define appropriate metrics to monitor the quality and effectiveness of SBCC strategy implementation.
• Determine behavioral priorities and pathways to change (individual and social).
• Participate in annual workplan development and project review meetings, leading the discussions on SBCC plans, progress, and potential.
• Work with NGOs, government, and other projects and organizations to build capacity in SBC and mentor facilitators, CBOs, CHWs, health facility staff, and others.
• Develop or update training materials to include COVID-19 vaccination and support the use of innovative and digital technologies for SBC.
• Contribute to project evaluation activities and project reports as requested.
• Perform other, related activities as requested by M-RITE and JSI.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or equivalent experience in one of the following or related fields: Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Marketing, Communication, or International Public Health with a specialization in behavioral science.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in the design and implementation of evidence-based behavior and social change strategies, campaigns, and programs in Nigeria, including formative research.
• Demonstrated capacity for strategic and tactical programming and use of creative, innovative program approaches and actions.
• Familiarity with behavior change theories.
• Experience in capacity development for SBCC.
• Knowledge of internationally recognized participatory materials development processes and experience developing health SBCC materials.
• Proficiency in MS Office and internet applications required.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% time.
• Excellent oral communication, writing, and documentation skills.
• English fluency in reading, writing and speaking.
• Ability to work in a dynamic team with colleagues of different backgrounds, to develop new ideas and perspectives in a team environment.

Job Title: Senior Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Advisor

Location: Abuja

Background

• We are currently seeking a Nigeria Country Project Director for the USAID-funded MOMENTUM (Moving Integrated, Quality Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services to Scale) Round 3B, known as MOMENTUM-Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE).
• M-RITE’s overarching goal is to sustainably strengthen routine immunization programs to 1) overcome the entrenched obstacles contributing to stagnating and declining immunization rates in USAID-supported countries, and 2) address the barriers to reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children with life-saving vaccines and other health services.
• In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption of immunization services, M-RITE will also support countries with the maintenance, adaptation, and/or reinstatement of immunization and support countries as they roll out the COVID-19 vaccine.
• In Nigeria, M-RITE will bring its expertise to strengthen national COVID-19 vaccination efforts through participation in national-level COVID-19 technical working groups and work in 5 states to support the national SCALES 3.0 strategy.
• M-RITE will support microplanning and work to build demand and acceptance for the vaccine in partnership with states to mitigate the risk of misinformation and hesitancy among health workers and other priority populations, support the design and implementation of communications and community engagement strategies to promote uptake of the vaccine and help develop and review monitoring tools.
• In addition, M-RITE will provide technical assistance to support routine immunization strengthening in 5 states, applying a co-creation approach to improve equitable coverage with a focus on identifying, understanding, and reaching zero dose and under-immunized children and communities.

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Summary of Position Description

• The Senior MEL Advisor will work with  M-RITE core and field-support teams to bring together monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, and translation of learning in Abuja.
• S/he will be a detailed oriented, self-starter who will create strong working relationships with in-country and central level colleagues.
• S/he will have knowledge of routine immunization, experience with developing and managing M&E plans and data collection, cleaning, compiling, and visualizing quantitative and qualitative data, and the strategic use of data for program improvement and adaptation.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the MEL Director to execute the Activity MEL Plan for all technical components of the MCHN Activity;
• Assist in developing key MEL tools, including data collection forms, databases, manuals, data feedback presentations, and other tools as appropriate;
• Assist in the monitoring of timely and consistent data collection and reporting from all project activities, facilities, partners, and grantees;
• Support project partners to develop, capture, consolidate and report on key indicators and ensure high quality and timely reporting of monitoring data;
• Supervise data entry and maintain project data systems to ensure correct and timely reporting and tracking of project achievement toward targets in accordance with MCHN Activity and USAID requirements;
• Provide technical support, training, and supervision to partners, including MOH, local district government health offices, and other collaborators in M&E and related areas;
• Prepare suitable external and internal reports and communication materials for management and project staff to facilitate monitoring and activity planning;
• Assist with data cleaning and analyze weekly, monthly, and quarterly data
• Support training of M&E personnel in quality assurance methods;
• Support internal and external Data Quality Audit (DQA )exercises;
• Conduct supportive supervisory visits to the various states to join State Leads and other Partners as they work at sub-national levels   to ensure compliance, observe, monitor, and provide guidance on data for management decision-making;
• Assist in project research activities, including contributing to research proposal writing, applying for IRB approval, training of research assistants, data collection and entry, and quality control;
• Support development and the implementation of the project learning plan;
• Provide direct supervision, management, and training to M&E managers; and
• Support report composition for all project deliverables and ad hoc requests.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or Higher in Public Health, Informatics or Statistics preferred;
• 4 – 7 years experience in M&E for international donor-funded projects, preferably including experience with USAID-funded projects;
• Knowledge and experience with MCHN programming and activities required;y
• Experience managing, supervising, and mentoring others;
• Strong experience with data management in Nigeria including data entry and cleaning, data analysis, and report writing;
• Demonstrated ability to meet strict deadlines;
• Knowledge of evaluation research methods (qualitative and quantitative), including data processing;
• Computer proficiency including use of MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience with advanced statistical packages (e.g., Stata), or data collection and reporting platforms (e.g., DHIS2) a plus;
• Excellent interpersonal, supervisory, and mentoring skills;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral;
• Must have demonstrated organizational skills;
• Written and spoken English required;
• Ability to undertake extensive local travel; and
• GIS mapping skills are a plus.