Reports to: Head of NTD Program – MoH, Mozambique and Country Lead ASCEND
Salary: TBD
1. Introduction
Accelerating the Sustainable Control and Elimination of NTDs (ASCEND) is a £200 million investment from the UK government’s Department for International Development (DFID), to advance the impact and sustainability of national programs tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). To be implemented between September 2019 to March 2022, ASCEND comprises of two lots - one focusing on South Asia, East and Southern Africa (lot 1) and the other on West and Central Africa (lot 2). ASCEND lot 1 is implemented by a consortium of technical partners led by Crown Agents, including Abt Associates, Oriole Global Health and the Royal Tropical Institute. Central to ASCEND 1’s approach is a close collaboration with National Governments and other implementing partners, to enhance national approaches to NTD control and elimination. ASCEND’s goal is to contribute to the global goal of reducing the burden of targeted NTDs so that they are no longer a public health problem.
In Mozambique, ASCEND will focus on four NTDS; Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis and Trachoma anchored on the following broad areas of intervention:
(i) *Treatment and prevention of disability, including mass drug administration (MDA), diagnosis and treatment, surgeries, morbidity management.*
(ii) *Increasing the integration of aspects of NTD programmes within the health systems.*
(iii) *Strengthening national health systems, integrating efforts to strengthen the relevant building blocks of the health system.*
(iv) *Data for targeting and monitoring, including impact assessment and alignment of NTDs with national and international MEL systems and processes.*
(v) *Cross-sectoral collaboration, in particular within the health and WASH/BCC sectors.*
DFID has contracted Crown Agents together with its consortium partners to act as Fund Manager for ASCEND in Mozambique. Therefore, Crown Agents will work with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to support the immediate procurement of services from Implementing Partners (IPs) that will further the above-stated objectives of ASCEND in the country.
2. Scope of work
The Program Officer Capacity Building will be working closely with the National NTD Program and ASCEND country lead and will support the program in capacity building of the NTD programme. He/She will be responsible for providing training and follow up of tools and keep the NTD program informed of the global guidelines.
The Program Officer – Capacity Building will be responsible for the following;
Support the review of NTD National Strategic Plan for the Year 2020- 2024
In the context of the restructuring of the Department support the development of the job description of NTD technicians
Participate in the development of the NTD annual work plan supported by ASCEND and other partners
Work with other NTD staff to develop detailed plans for ASCEND supported activities according to the contract.
Write quarterly and annual reports
Support NTD program to organise annual NTD Program meetings, NTD Steering Committee meetings, NTD Technical Working Group meetings.
Participate in supervising, monitoring and ensuring that the planned activities in districts and provinces are implemented as planned
Proactively identify and mitigate risks that may affect program implementation.
Participate in local and national level stakeholder meetings as directed by the NTD Program
Any other activities assigned by the line manager or ASCEND Country Lead
3. Key Requirements
Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):
§ Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or Health Sciences or its equivalent from a recognised University
§ At least 3 years’ experience implementing and leading technical activities for donor-funded health programs preferably NTDs
§ Demonstrated knowledge of protection, prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation and the field of safeguarding is an added advantage
4. Skills (Special Training or Competence)
§ Demonstrated experience implementing NTD Program/interventions in health facility and communities.
§ Ability to work as a team and independently
§ Experience in health system strengthening (strategic planning, training and supervision of NTD personnel at central, provincial and district levels.
§ Excellent verbal and written communication skills including reporting writing, activity documentation and brief paper-writing.
§ Willingness to travel and to conduct regular field visits.
§ Excellent computer skills (MS word, Excel and Power Point)
§ Working knowledge of writing and speaking English is desirable
§ Previous experience of working on a DFID supported program is an added advantage.
This vacancy is archived.