Technical Assistant

Job Description: RMNCAH+N and Immunization Technical Assistant

Position Title: 1. Federal RMNCAH+N (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health + Nutrition) and

2 .Immunization Technical Assistant

Location: Abuja

Reports To: Program Manager

Employment Type: [Contractual]

Introduction :

The Federal Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is a parastatal of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health with the corporate goals to; control preventable diseases and eradicate polio, improve access to basic health services, improve quality of care, develop a high-performing health workforce, strengthen the primary care institutions, partnerships, and community engagement.

Background to the BHCPF/IMPACT Project

The federal health policy identifies the delivery of primary health care (PHC) as the core strategy for improving the health of Nigerians, underscoring its importance as the platform for accelerating Nigeria’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, despite substantial efforts and investments over the years, Nigeria is not on track to achieve the SDGs. Maternal mortality is high at 512/100,000 live births, with limited access to skilled birth attendants at delivery (35% in rural areas). Similarly, infant and under-five mortality remain high at 62 and 102 per 1,000 live births respectively, with out-of-pocket payments at 70% of health expenditure. The poor performance is reflective of a weak PHC system weighed down by a shortage of critical human resources, widespread dilapidation of PHC infrastructure, sub-optimal financing, lack of performance-based management, and challenges with logistics for medicines and commodities, resulting in low community demand for services. Addressing these challenges requires a shift from program-based PHC interventions, to a more sustainable and holistic approach that addresses foundational issues particularly PHC human resources, and infrastructure.

B. Objective of the Technical support:

The core objective of this assignment is to provide technical and operational support to the BHCPF/IMPACT PIU and facilitate the implementation of the project according to the approved annual work plans with the aim of increasing the coverage of Immunization and Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent services plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) across IMPACT states.

C. Overall Responsibilities:

The selected candidates will be required to:

Report to the federal IMPACT Project Manager of the federal IMPACT PIU and the BHCPF federal Program Manager, providing technical support in the strategic execution and achievement of IMPACT project goals and objectives and shall work with the IMPACT Immunization and RMNCAH+N Case Manager under the supervision of the IMPACT Project Manager as well as the BHCPF Program Manager to ensure implementation of the Immunization and RMNCAH+N components of the IMPACT project.

We require two Technical Assistants (TAs), one dedicated to immunization and the other to RMNCAH+N, and work in alignment with the principles of result-based management, ensuring that payments are prorated based on demonstrable enhancements as shown in the tracking of implementation workplans and in the Program Assessment and Performance Management and Action LQAS conducted by the BHCPF/IMPACT PIU

Provide additional strategic guidance and support to states that are lagging in the implementation of innovative interventions aimed at catalyzing substantial improvements in their coverage rates.

Provide technical support to facilitate the integration of development partner activities on RMNCAH+N and Immunization, leveraging community structures across IMPACT states to achieve transformational impact in reducing U5MR. This includes supporting the federal BHCPF/IMPACT project management on a robust mechanism for evaluating Immunization and RMNCAH+N program performances to ensure program goals are met and closely interface with the NEMCHIC.

Collaborate/work with the federal Immunization and RMNCAH+N Program Implementation Unit (PIU) to ensure joint planning and implementation of PHC strengthening interventions that cut across Immunization and RMNCAH+N service improvement.

Support the NPHCDA and the World Bank task team in monitoring and supervision of the project at the state level, contribute to documenting lessons in implementation, and ensure high-quality ongoing reporting of the project’s progress.

Strengthen the mechanism for real-time information flow and collaboration between NMEP and NPHCDA with the view of mitigating implementation risk

Responsibilities of the RMNCAH+N and Immunization Technical Assistants

The RMNCAH+N and Immunization Technical Assistants will be fully independent while discharging his/her contractual obligations, and their responsibilities are:

Specific Objective of the Position

The federal RMNCAH+N and Immunization Technical Assistant will provide strategic technical and operational support to strengthen the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of RMNCAH+N and immunization programs at the federal level. The role involves working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure high-quality, evidence-based interventions to improve maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health, nutrition, and immunization outcomes.

Specific Key Responsibilities

Technical Support

1. Provide technical assistance for planning, implementation, and monitoring of RMNCAH+N and immunization strategies at the federal level.
2. Support the development and dissemination of guidelines, protocols, and tools related to RMNCAH+N and immunization.
3. Facilitate the integration of RMNCAH+N and immunization services into broader health system strengthening initiatives.
4. Analyze program data and provide technical recommendations to improve program performance and outcomes.
5. Promote evidence-based approaches to improve coverage, quality, and equity of RMNCAH+N and immunization services.

Capacity Building

1. Build the capacity of government staff and other stakeholders through training, mentoring, and knowledge sharing on RMNCAH+N and immunization best practices.
2. Support the coordination of workshops, training sessions, and review meetings at federal and sub-federal levels.

Program Coordination

1. Work closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to support the implementation of federal RMNCAH+N and immunization workplans.
2. Serve as a liaison between the Federal and sub levels to ensure alignment of priorities and efficient implementation of interventions.
3. Support inter-agency coordination efforts, fostering collaboration between government, donors, NGOs, and other partners.

Support the NPIU in developing and updating annual work plans for project activities.

Facilitate the implementation of actions within approved annual work plans.

Coordinate with technical teams, SPIU, NPHCDA, and World Bank for transparent and smooth project completion.

Ensure timely response to all communications and guidance from the NPIU and World Bank.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Support the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks for RMNCAH+N and immunization programs.

1. Assist in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of program data to guide decision-making.
2. Prepare high-quality technical reports, policy briefs, and presentations on program progress, challenges, and successes.

Advocacy and Resource Mobilization

Advocate for increased investment and commitment to RMNCAH+N and immunization programs

1. Support resource mobilization efforts by contributing to funding proposals, donor engagement, and partnership-building activities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, or a related field. A master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Health Management is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in RMNCAH+N and/or immunization programming, preferably in an NGO or public health setting.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical support for health programs.
• Strong knowledge of RMNCAH+N and immunization guidelines, policies, and frameworks.
• Experience with health system strengthening, data analysis, and M&E.
• Proven ability to work with government institutions, donors, and other stakeholders in the health sector.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SPSS, or similar software).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with the political, cultural, and health sector context of [country/region].