Chad: Routine Immunization Country Consultant

Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) is an indigenous nonprofit institution 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 Nigeria and are currently expanding to several West and Central African countries.

II.Description and Objectives

SCIDaR is seeking to engage suitable and qualified candidates as Consultants to support the Chadian Ministry of Public Health over a period of six (6) months to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen Routine Immunization (RI) program in 3 regions.

The Consultants will support the SCIDaR team based in Abuja, Nigeria, support and train the core Program Delivery Unit (UGP) and provincial level staff in relevant EPI thematic areas, and help kick start the priority MoU implementation startup activities. The priorities will include developing actionable work plans, establishing effective financial management, procurement, performance management, and accountability systems.

The consultants must be resident in Chad over the next six months and speak both French and English. The consultants must be conversant with Chad’s health context, understand government structures, and be willing to reside in one of the provinces of Lac, Kanem, and Hadjer-Lamis.

III.Technical EPI responsibilities

a.Governance and management

1. The consultants will support the UGP and one of three beneficiary provinces (Lac, Kanem and Hadjer-Lamis) to:

i. Develop integrated costed annual RI work plans to guide the execution of MoU interventions to strengthen EPI;

ii. Outline specific process and outcome deliverables and performance indicators for each MoU intervention;

iii. Establish and institutionalize standing working group meetings to track progress against major deliverables and enhance inter-partner collaboration and engagement;

b. Logistics and procurement

1. The consultant will support the UGP and MOPH to:

i. Cost-effectively and transparently procure key logistics inputs, including vehicles, boats, motorcycles, using established procurement routines of the MOPH;

ii. Oversee the procurement of cold chain equipment through UNICEF;

c. Financial management

1. The consultant will support the UGP, finance directorate of the MOPH, and three beneficiary provinces to:

i. Develop, document and train relevant officers and health workers on funds disbursement, retirement and validation processes at the provincial, district and health facilities levels;

ii. Finalize negotiations with identified telecommunications companies to open accounts for health facilities in the three provinces and commence e-disbursement;

iii. Adapt financial management tools for the MOU funds based on existing Government policies and procedures;

iv. Commence requisitioning of funds to the UGP and disbursements to each province (likely monthly to begin with and then moving to quarterly as the provinces become able to utilize, and account for the funds appropriately), and prepare reconciliation reports;

d. Supportive supervision

1. The consultant will support the UGP, and three beneficiary provinces to:

i. Fine-tune supportive supervision protocols and commence implementation of effective supportive supervision to improve service delivery quality;

e. Program data management

1. The consultant will support the UGP, and three beneficiary provinces to:

i. Develop and track appropriate program indicators to aid decision-making and accountability;

ii. Design and institute relevant program dashboards to enhance visibility, track pre-defined KPIs and support prompt decision-making;

f.Other job responsibilities

1. Participate in routine joint problem-solving sessions with BMGF, McKing consultant and SCIDaR to discuss the status of implementation of the MoU interventions, the challenges faced and way forward;

2. Provide routine updates on program activities to SCIDaR at the end of each week;

3. Engage actively with UGP, MOPH, EPI leadership teams of the three beneficiary provinces and relevant focal persons of RI partner organizations to foster a good relationship with SCIDaR;

4. Participate actively on BMGF and Aliko Dangote Foundation visits to Chad and ensure agreed action items are followed through;

IV.Required competencies

a.Core requirements

1. Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and thought leadership abilities;

2. Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, PowerPoint;

3. Strong knowledge of EPI program management, operational planning, budgeting, financial and performance management cycles and processes;

4. Secure people manager, able to manage and promote inclusive and diverse teams within the organization;

5. Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates, and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;

6. Results oriented performer, experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;

7. Strong verbal and written communications skills – speaks fluent French and English;

8. Commitment to reside in Chad through the period of the engagement;

b.Education and Experience

1. Academic training: Minimum of Masters’ degree in International Development, Policy and Strategy Development, Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Management or similarly relevant field;

2. Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience implementing development programs, with a good understanding of the operations of the Government, and other development organizations in Chad;

3. Consulting expertise: in strategy, health systems strengthening is a plus;

V.Equal employment opportunity statement

SCIDaR is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

VI.Appendix (Program-specific documentation)

Upon engagement on any SCIDaR 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 for 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. Program budget

c. Stakeholder engagement framework and communication plan.

Application instructions

a. An up-to-date CV and cover letter should be submitted to careers@solinagroup.com;

b. The CV / cover letter must include email addresses and phone numbers of three (3) professional referees who can speak to the candidate’s work ethics and capabilities;

c. The email should be formatted as such: Application: Role to which applied_first name last name_date of submission. Example: Application: RI Country Consultant_John Doe_June 12, 2019

d. Candidates are encouraged to only apply for positions for which they meet the eligibility criteria specified above.

Application deadline: Applications must be received by Monday, July 22, 2019