I. Introduction
Solina Health Limited is an indigenous consulting firm that works to accelerate positive health, social and
economic reforms through high-quality program design and implementation, capacity building, implementation science research and knowledge generation, as well as agenda-setting and stakeholder convening across human development sectors. Our work seeks to benefit primarily disadvantaged and under-served populations. We implement transformation programs in Africa, predominantly Nigeria and expanding to several West and Central African countries like Niger Republic.
II. Description and Objectives
Solina is seeking to engage a suitable and qualified candidate as a Consultant to support the Nigerien Ministry of Public Health over a period of 32 months to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen Routine Immunization (RI) program across the 3 focus regions of Diffa, Maradi, and Zinder.
The Consultant will collaborate with the Solina team based in Abuja, Nigeria and Niamey, Niger, and will be responsible for leading and coordinating the project’s effort in the assigned region aimed at optimizing the efficiency of routine immunization in the MoU region The Consultant must be resident in Niger and willing to relocate to any of the regions for the duration of the engagement, and speak French, English, and/or Hausa. The Consultant must be conversant with Niger’s health context, and understand government structures, particularly at the regional level.
III. Responsibilities
- Guide the regional team via mentoring and monitoring of Delegate and their deputies to execute assigned functions in compliance with set standards
- Co-monitor RI program efficiency based on key performance indicators
- Oversee the planning and day-to-day implementation, monitoring and documentation of ALL project activities at the regional levels, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
- Facilitate regular meetings and discussions to gather insights, feedback, and input from stakeholders
- regarding RI strategy and implementation
- Act as liaison between team members, partners and stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration and
- communication
- Build strong relationships with regional officials and leadership/decision-makers
- Ensure the timely collection and reporting of RI data
- Provide routine progress reports on RI supervision activities to the core team, including reports on
- challenges, on-the-spot mitigation responses, recommendations, successes and lessons learned
- Ensure adequate documentation and reporting of RI performance
- Support regional delegation to identify and resolve problems associated with RI management
- Provide feedback on the mentorship approach and identify improvement areas
- Perform other duties as assigned by the National Coordinator, Project Manager and/or Director
- Participate in routine joint problem-solving sessions with BMGF, McKing consultant and Solina to discuss the status of implementation of the MoU interventions, the challenges faced and the way forward;
- Provide routine updates on program activities to Solina at the end of each week;
- Participate actively on BMGF and Aliko Dangote Foundation visits to Niger and ensure agreed action items are followed through, particularly for the assigned region.
IV. Required competencies
a. Core requirements
- Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and thought leadership abilities;
- Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Strong knowledge of EPI program management, operational planning, budgeting, financial and performance management cycles and processes;
- Secure people manager, able to manage and promote inclusive and diverse teams within the organization;
- Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates, and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
- Results-oriented performer experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills – speaks fluent French and English;
- Commitment to reside in Niger through the period of the engagement;
b. Education and Experience
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in the field of health management, public health or a related field;
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in healthcare management, with particular focus on RI;
- Strong knowledge of the RI performance management;
- Strong knowledge of Niger health landscape, particularly at the regional levels.
VI. Equal employment opportunity statement
Solina is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, colour, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.
VII. Appendix (Program-specific documentation)
Upon engagement on any Solina program, the Consultants will co-develop or align on program-specific scope of work and deliverables with the Program Director and the clients. The following documents will then guide the development of program-specific KPIs by the Program Manager, which will be tracked in addition to the technical responsibilities captured in Section III above.
a. Program results framework and workplan
b. Stakeholder engagement framework and communication plan
