Background
Malaria remains a major cause of illness and death in the African Region. In Nigeria, it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality accounting for about 30% of childhood deaths and 11% of maternal deaths. It is estimated by WHO that about 53 million cases occur annually. Nigeria accounts for 53% of malaria cases in West Africa and about 25% of the global malaria burden. It is also estimated that 81,640 deaths occur in Nigeria annually (about 9 deaths per hour). This is about 45% of total malaria deaths in West Africa and 19% of global malaria death. Additionally, at least one billion USD is lost each year as a direct result of malaria infections making malaria a leading cause of poverty, low productivity, and reduced school attendance.
The donor Partners including the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria are supporting Governments’ efforts toward a malaria free Nigeria. The National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) is one of the two Principal Recipients (PRs) of Global Fund (GF) malaria grant. NMEP is looking for qualified individual to fill the position indicated below at the Gombe State Malaria Elimination Programme office.
Position: SPECIALIST IN SBC AND ADVOCACY
Location: GOMBE STATE
Scope of work
The Specialist will:
Provide technical support for ACSM (Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilisation) activities that will target key malaria behaviors, like the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN), uptake of IPTp, proper diagnosis before treatment and complete treatment with ACT (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy).
- Provide support to generate, analyze and share data on outcomes and impact of social and behavior change activities as part of the evidence base for improved uptake of malaria intervention and prevention services.
- Support NMEP ACSM branch to assess the SBC situation and based on the findings support the design of suitable strategies and mechanisms for monitoring quality of malaria SBCC (Social and behaviour change communication) activities based on developed/reviewed guidelines.
Responsibilities Program Quality:
- Provide technical support in the design and implementation of effective ACSM strategies that meet the needs of different target groups in the intervention states;
- Support the stratification of SBC activities based on an Epi analysis and conduct a situation analysis of ACSM activities in Nigeria including availability, quality or impact of the activities in the GF supported states and offer appropriate recommendations based on the findings.
- Assist in the development and implementation of a communication package for OTSS with a special emphasis on checking on test positivity issue & on-site capacity strengthening.
- Provide technical support for social media and mass media programming;
- Implement strategies to engage, influence and mobilize different target audiences, including political, religious and community leaders in the fight against malaria in Nigeria;
- Provide support in the review, roll out and dissemination of SBC materials for malaria prevention at all levels;
- Provide linkages and support coordination of meetings, trainings and field visits, etc.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability:
- Provide support towards ensuring progress towards achieving the relevant key ACSM performance indicator(s);
- Provide support in the implementation of Post-Campaign Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) interventions;
- Support the documentation of best practices, proffer mitigation measures for identified key challenges, and ensure that lessons learned are well documented and incorporated into relevant guidelines and plans for improved ACSM implementation process;
- Provide M&E (Monitoring & Evaluation) support to social media and mass media activities;
- Work with the ACSM branch of NMEP to develop and use standard tools for monitoring the ACSM component of grant implementation; and
- Any other assistance as may be required.
Key Deliverables:
- Monthly Report based on the implementation of SBC activities carried out or supported.
- Generating and providing evidence on efficacy of SBC interventions.
- Detailed end-of-year/contract report to GF in-country team with copy to ACSM Working Subcommittee and NC/NMEP.
Required qualifications and experience
- The person must have prior work experience in supporting Nigeria or any developing country on ACSMrelated technical assistance in Global Fund grants;
- A master’s degree in public health; health promotion or relevant field;
- A Ph.D or research fellow in a relevant field will be an advantage;
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in SBC programme implementation. Experience in malaria is an added advantage;
- Good Interpersonal Communication (IPC) skills; and
- Familiarity with current National Malaria Strategic Plan and best practices for Social and Behavior Change.
Desirable:
- Professional proficiency in English (oral and written communication skills); strong demonstrated writing skills required (reports, evaluations);
- Ability to work well both within a team and independently;
- Ability to interface with ACSM staff in a professional manner;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and to prioritize competing demands;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; • Strong creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills; and
- Familiarity with Global Fund Grant.
Location
The location is Gombe State.
Duration of Contract: One year, renewable with satisfactory performance and/or continuation of grant.
PSEAH Clause
NMEP has a zero tolerance to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and harassment (PSEAH), and is committed to preventing PSEAH in all its forms. All staff are expected to adhere to PSEAH policy and to conduct themselves with integrity, respect and professionalism at all times.
Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Submission of Application/Closing Date
A copy of the Application Letter with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) should be addressed to the National Coordinator as stated below and submitted to: [email protected] with the code:
ü NMEP/PM-GF/ACSMS-R-Gombe/24/42 written as the subject of the email:
The National Coordinator
National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)
Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH)
No. 23 Olusola Olushade Crescent
Along Navy Quarters, Jahi District, Abuja.
In addition, you are required to submit your application through the google form as well:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Note: Period of application is Thursday 20th June to Wednesday 3rd July 2024 (10 working days). The closing date for receiving applications is Wednesday 3rd July 2024. Any application received after the stipulated ten working (10) days will not be accepted. Interested candidates may obtain further details by visiting the NMEP website: nmcp.gov.ng. Please note that only qualified candidates will be contacted.
HR Manager
For NMEP
