I. Introduction
Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) is an indigenous non-profit organization dedicated to catalyzing positive transformations in health, social, and economic domains. We strive to uplift disadvantaged and underserved communities through effective program design and implementation, capacity building, research in implementation science, knowledge generation, and stakeholder engagement across various human development sectors. Our initiatives extend beyond Nigeria, as we are actively broadening our impact across several West and Central African nations.
In partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Solina aims to improve vaccine introduction as a means to strengthening routine immunization systems, while also optimizing campaigns and learning lessons from these campaigns that can be transferred to routine immunization systems.
Our project endeavours to achieve these objectives by providing dedicated technical assistance (TA) at the national level. This support is directed through the NPHCDA’s Routine Immunization Technical Working Group (RITWG) and the New Vaccine Strategic Task Team (NVSTT). Together, we aim to strengthen the vaccine introduction and optimize non-polio campaign activities to maximize reach while also transferring useful lessons from these campaigns to routine immunization systems. Additionally, we will support the SPARK project state teams in Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara to adapt these national innovations to optimize the delivery of immunization services in the supported states.
II. Description and Objectives
The Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting Project SPARK by providing technical expertise on the efficient introduction of new vaccines and the effective implementation of non-polio supplementary immunization activities (NPSIA). This role will involve supporting the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) in strengthening national-level strategies, facilitating knowledge sharing between states and the national level, and contributing to the successful roll-out of new vaccines and campaigns.
Technical Responsibilities
Project strategy implementation/technical assistance
- Provide technical expertise and guidance to the National RI TWG and the NVSTT in the design, implementation, and monitoring of immunization activities;
- Support the development and execution of vaccine introduction plans at the national level and the domestication of these plans for the supported SPARK states;
- Support the NPHCDA in the revision of the strategies by providing inputs and recommendations based on practices and evidence from implementation across SPARK states;
- Provide technical assistance for the development of innovations for vaccine introduction and non-polio campaigns with a focus on improving coverage, effectiveness and impact;
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of interventions and provide regular progress reports to project stakeholders;
- Contribute to the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned, best practices, and success stories;
Other responsibilities
- Participate in problem-solving and learning sessions to share knowledge, best practices, challenges and progress on program implementation;
- Provide daily updates on implementation activities to the project manager;
- Engage actively with relevant stakeholders to foster good relationships with the organization;
- Support any other tasks as may be required by the central Project management team;
III. Education and Experience
- Undergraduate or Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Education, Medicine, or other related fields;
- 5+ years’ experience working in the development or consulting sector;
- Experience in routine immunization and campaign strategy design and implementation;
- Experience working with national-level stakeholders;
- Experience in leadership roles including management and/or interfacing with high-ranking officials is desirable;
- Experience working with/as part of government systems is advantageous.
IV. Competencies required
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in performance management software;
- Effective stakeholder management skills;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities;
- Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, Excel);
- Ability to manage people, resources, and processes for strategy implementation and monitoring;
- Capable of working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
