Reports to: ERNE Programme Unit Coordinator
Liaises with: ERNE Programme Coordination Unit staff, Nutrition Advisers in ERNE countries of operation and Nutrition and Health teams in the Strategy, Advocacy, and Learning Directorate. The role involves coordination with the relevant ECHO Technical staff.
Manages: No direct reports
Job location: This is a headquarters based position. The location of the role is negotiable for the correct candidate
Pay Band: Pay Band 5: (€45,563 - €53,603)
Contract: Three Year fixed term contract
Job Purpose:
The Global CMAM Surge Adviser is a member of the ERNE Programme Coordination Unit established in Concern Worldwide in Dublin, Ireland. The function of the unit is to ensure the effective implementation of the programme; in conjunction with technical support structures established countries of operation; and any other country programmes potentially included in the programme. The purpose of the Global CMAM Surge Adviser is to provide technical support to the set-up and continued implementation of the CMAM Surge approach in relevant ERNE countries of operation for Concern and partners; and to lead the further development and scale-up of the approach and practical tools based on learning and inputs from a range of stakeholders. The role will also require engagement with ECHO technical counterparts in conjunction with the Concern Worldwide Senior Nutrition Adviser and other senior staff as necessary; as well as ensuring learning from the pilot is articulated and disseminated. The ERNE Programme Coordination Unit comprises technical functions to support ERNE programme innovations.
In 2012, Concern Worldwide developed and piloted the Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Surge approach. The approach compliments routine CMAM services by using health systems strengthening (HSS) principles to ensure that health systems are able to better respond to and anticipate increases in demand for acute malnutrition treatment services.
Since the initial pilot in 2012, the CMAM Surge approach has been introduced in 13 countries across the globe with support from a wide range of NGO and donor partners. Scale-up has been especially rapid and widespread in francophone west and central Africa, leading to the establishment of a West Africa CMAM Surge Task Force in 2018. At global level, a Global CMAM Surge Technical Working Group (TWG) has been launched to help further consolidate learning across regions, guide the generation of evidence and best practice, and support the refinement of the approach. A key focus of this group, as lead by the Global CMAM Surge Adviser, will be to adapt the current approach to integrate more analysis and response actions to ensure the broader continuity of essential child health services, beyond treatment of acute malnutrition. There have been now been a range of experiences using the CMAM Surge in different contexts, including some initial pilots in the ‘Health Surge’ approach, that need to be further consolidated and built upon.
The role of the Global CMAM Surge Advisor will be to:
Provide technical assistance to Concern country programme staff, government and NGO partners, and donors in countries currently implementing or planning to implement CMAM Surge, ensuring the quality and consistent application of the approach. There will be a particular focus on the countries where the ERNE project is being implemented, however technical support will extend to priority CMAM Surge programming in other countries and led by other stakeholders.
Identify areas for CMAM Surge innovation and contextualisation, including development and refinement of the approach to integrate a broader ‘Health Surge’ approach to the most relevant child illnesses/ conditions in each context in addition to acute malnutrition. This will be done in close consultation with the Concern HQ-based Nutrition and Health Unit Advisers, country programme staff, the Global Technical Working Group, and Regional Task Forces. In particular, ECHO Nutrition Technical Assistants will be included in this process through the established governance and management structures established for this programme.
Document learning and lead the development and revision of CMAM Surge and Health Surge tools and guidance, in close consultation with those listed above.
Ensure strong collaboration and build relationships with key stakeholders via the CMAM Surge Global Technical Working Group and by linking with other relevant technical mechanisms and partners in close coordination with the Senior Nutrition Adviser and Maternal & Child Health/Health Systems Support Unit in Concern HQ.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide strategic and day-to-day technical assistance to Concern and partner staff at country level to plan, implement, monitor and, where necessary, adjust CMAM Surge activities. The initial focus will be on Concern programmes in Niger, Ethiopia, Sudan, and DRC, but will expand to include other Concern and partner programmes. This will be via on-the-ground visits and intensive remote support.
Develop and lead training and mentoring on CMAM Surge for different audiences in English and French.
Support the development of a CMAM Surge monitoring and evaluation framework and related tools and establish strong M&E systems at country level to measure progress and identify where activities and outcomes are off track require focused support in collaboration with technical advisers, the ERNE M&E Advisor and the PALU Unit in Concern.
Regularly compile and synthesise CMAM surge programme data for sharing internally and externally.
Coordinate and support CMAM Surge learning exchanges at country, regional and global level, including virtual and face-to-face learning events. Support Concern and partner staff to synthesise and present key lessons learned and technical developments.
Lead the Global CMAM Surge Technical Working Group, in consultation with Concern’s Senior Nutrition Adviser and other HQ-based Health and Nutrition Advisers.
Engage regularly in Regional CMAM Surge Task Forces and facilitate linkages between the task force, the Global Technical Working Group and country programmes.
Serve as a resource person for CMAM Surge within Concern; and for the wider humanitarian community.
Liaise with the Maternal & Child Health/Health Systems Support Unit in SAL, for mutual learning and advancement of Health System Strengthening in Concern, including on the governance, HMIS and financing building blocks essential for sustainability.
Represent Concern Worldwide where relevant in CMAM Surge fora and support Concern staff to present key lessons learned and technical developments externally.
Any other tasks as directed to ensure effective delivery of the programme.
Skills and Experience Required:
Essential:
Minimum Master’s degree in either nutrition, public health, or health systems strengthening
At least three years’ experience in a relevant overseas position.
Experience in the development and implementation of CMAM Surge or related health systems strengthening approaches in low resource settings
Proven record of experience in capacity building of staff of various levels (NGO and donor partners; national, district, and health facility staff).
Good communications skills, able to build strong relationships with the various actors at global, regional, and country levels
Experience in playing a key role in working groups, task forces or coordination at national and/or regional level
Professional level proficiency in spoken and written French and English
Ability to work independently, good self-management and working towards tight deadlines.
Being pro-active.
Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time
Desirable:
Previous experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Experience in working collaboratively with diverse actors such as research organizations, NGO head office and country teams, government representatives
Experience in evaluating cost-effectiveness of health systems strengthening interventions
Experience with project management and donor compliance (e.g. reporting, contract and procurement basics)
This vacancy is archived.