JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) is a global nonprofit dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world. Founded in 1978, JSI collaborates with government agencies, the private sector, and local nonprofit and civil society organizations to identify and implement solutions to the most pressing public health and education challenges.

In Ethiopia, JSI has been working to improve health outcomes for more than 25 years, implementing more than 60 projects and working in every region. JSI has historically managed a large portfolio of projects focusing on the quality, and equity in access to, reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services, primary health care (PHC) including community health programs, digital health, health information systems (HIS), supply chain management, public health emergency responses, and social and behavior change.

PROJECTS OVERVIEW

The Strengthening Service Delivery (SSD) Project focuses on building upon and leveraging previous and current Gates Foundation, and other, investments to improve the quality of downstream, supply-side integrated services access often by women, newborns, children, and youth. Through this award, JSI, with partners including Engender Health, Ethiopian Midwives Association, Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia, inSupply Health, ThinkPlace, and local universities and development associations, aims to strengthen infrastructure through locally-led technical assistance. Together, we’ll work to further expand structure and process improvements to enable better care offerings in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child, adolescent health, and nutrition (RMNCHN) services. Our work will also focus on improving last-mile supply delivery and commodity management disconnects.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The position requires a comprehensive diagnosis of the health system in terms of maternal, newborn, child health, immunization, and nutrition interventions and designing innovative approaches to address identified gaps and challenges. The Senior MNCH advisor is supposed to provide thoughtful technical leadership in ensuring structures and process improvements for MNCH-N services delivery across PHC facilities in implementation sites. The role involves working closely with the HRH, Family Planning (FP), gender, digital health, and supply chain advisors of the SSD, as well as collaborating with the IPHCSD and eCHIS projects’ technical team to ensure effective coordination and integration of MNCH activities. The successful candidate will also need to lead the development of annual work plans and budgets, provide technical support and guidance to project staff, partners, and stakeholders on MNCH and nutrition issues, and advocate for policy and programmatic changes to improve MNCH outcomes, among other duties.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the health system in terms of maternal, newborn, child health, immunization, and nutrition service delivery and design innovative approaches and solutions to address identified gaps.

·       Work closely with the HRH, Family Planning (FP), gender, digital health, and supply chain advisors of the SSD, and collaborate with the IPHCSD and eCHIS projects’ technical team to ensure effective coordination and integration of MNCH activities.

·       Closely work with the M, E, and research teams to conduct implementation research to generate evidence-based interventions and contribute to the knowledge base on MNCH-N.

·       Plan detailed activities for MNCH and nutrition under the project and facilitate their implementation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

·       Design training materials and deliver training to health facility staff, as well as regional and zonal technical teams, to build their capacities in MNCH and nutrition.

·       Advocate for policy and programmatic changes to improve the MNCH outcomes and contribute to the development of national policies and guidelines.

·       Ensure the integration of gender, youth and social inclusion considerations in all MNCH interventions and activities.

·       Lead the development of annual work plans and budgets for the MNCH program and ensure their alignment with the project objectives and donor requirements.

·       Provide technical support and guidance to project staff, partners, and stakeholders on MNCH and nutrition issues.

·       Regularly conduct supportive supervision to monitor progress, identify challenges, and course-correct activities as needed.

·       Collaborate with other organizations and projects/programs working on maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition issues to ensure synergy, sharing of technical resources, learning, and mutual support.

·       Represent the project in relevant technical working groups, conferences, and meetings related to MNCH and nutrition

·       Work closely with and contribute to regular child survival and newborn health technical working groups, health sector review meetings, joint supervision, and other national-level MOH-led activities relevant to MNCH programs.

·       Prepare regular reports on MNCH activities' progress and share them with relevant stakeholders.

·       Adhere to and promote JSI’s culture and values and uphold JSI’s standards related to fraud and ethics accountability and management

·       Undertake other duties as requested by the supervisor. 

Job Requirements

REQUIRED SKILS AND COMPETENCIES

·       A minimum of a master's degree in public health, and at least 10 years of experience in planning and implementing MNCH programs, including nutrition programs.

·       Coaching and capacity-building skills in key programs of maternal, newborn, and child health, immunization, and nutrition.

·       Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition interventions

·       Advanced understanding of national MNCH policies, strategies, and guidelines.

·       Experience in developing donor relationships, working with technical working groups, and working with government partners, and partner agencies.

·       Knowledge and experience of the Ethiopian health system.

·       Strong policy analysis and policy engagement experience.

·       Familiarity with the latest developments in MNCH programs and policies.

·       Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

·       Strong result orientation, with the ability to work dynamically in a changing environment.

·       Excellent writing and speaking skills in English language.

·       Ability and willingness to travel to regions throughout Ethiopia

JSI is a child-safe organization, and the safety and well-being of children is a priority of our organization. We have robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suited to work with the children served by our programs.

JSI is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, genetic information, political affiliation, or military status (special disabled veterans or veteran status) in any employment decisions. M/F/V/D.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who met the above minimum requirements should send and apply using THIS LINK. This is an opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated professional and if you meet the required skill, competencies and experience, please submit your application letter and CV in English detailing your experience and skills that are relevant to the post. Please do not attach copies of your transcripts, academic degrees or recommendation letters with the application. You will provide them upon request.

Women are highly encouraged to apply.

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline:  December 22,2023