OPTIONS CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED JOBS

Options Consultancy Services Limited is currently recruiting to fill the following position:

Position: Evidence and Advocacy Coordinator

Summary:
Evidence and Advocacy Coordinator to be based in Kaduna State to contribute and work within a dynamic five (5) year programme called MNCH2.The Maternal, New-born and Child Health Programme (MNCH2) is a country led programme which aims to reduce maternal and child mortality in Northern Nigeria and it is funded by the Department for International Development (DFID). The MNCH2 programme is being implemented in six states in northern Nigeria: Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Yobe and Zamfara States
 
Job Description:
The Evidence and Advocacy Coordinator will ensure MNCH evidence is used for improved performance of health services in the area of effectiveness, equity and efficiency. Under the guidance of the Accountability and Advocacy Advisor and State Team, they are expected to strengthen advocacy for better health services for women and children through effective use of evidence by civil society groups and leveraging on pressure points through CSO and FHC coalitions. Evidence on MNCH services will need to be strengthened and used by government and service providers for planning and decision making through the development of processes which facilitate data use, and highlights gaps in service provision.
 
Evidence and Advocacy Coordinators will be expected to identify the information needs of target audiences in their State (e.g. Non-governmental organisations, advocates, accountability structures, district health planners, national policymakers) and helping them connect with researchers and others to better inform MNH programmes, policies and planning.
 
Duties/Responsibilities:
The Evidence and Advocacy Coordinators will be expected to provide perform the following duties at State, LGA and facility levels:
Support and enable CSOs, FHCs, activists, advocacy platforms and media in effectively using data for advocacy for enhanced effectiveness, equity and efficiency in the provision of health services for women and children
Support government in using evidence for informed planning, budgeting and decision making on MNCH services
Identify the information needs of target audiences and package/tailor evidence according to formats which are most relevant and meaningful to each one
Ensure systems are strengthened so that data findings are reported back to service providers to enable them to make contributions to increased performance of health services
Ensure the implementation/strengthening/expansion and effective use of information resulting from MDAs, Community Score Cards and Facility Score Cards
Develop tactful strategies to promote the effective use of evidence into action (policy, programme, advocacy, accountability) among different stakeholders
Work with advocates and those working to strengthen accountability mechanisms to ensure they have the evidence required to be more effective
Use evidence to support the development and populating of accountability tools to track MNH progress and commitments
Package complex scientific information for a range of stakeholders in an easily understandable and appropriate format for non-scientists, and disseminate as appropriate
Develop advocacy materials (i.e. stories, campaign materials) for delivering the advocacy strategy.
Liaise with stakeholders, including State/LGA government, service providers, CSOs, FHCs, civil society coalitions, and other development programmes
Work closely with other programme staff in their State team to make sure that MNCH2 strategies and approaches are delivered in a coherent and coordinated way, in line with logframe targets.
 
Qualifications/Requirements:
An advanced degree in public health or a relevant field
Minimum of 6 years of consulting and/or management experience in international health programmes for key health development partners, including, but not limited to DFID, USAID, AusAID and the European Union
At least 3 years' experience providing expertise in the area of advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, and/or institutional strengthening
Experience working effectively with government authorities and CSOs
Demonstrated management, programme planning competency and effective communication skills
Understanding of advocacy principles and approach
Experience in mentoring and training for different cadres of staff and partners
Excellent written and spoken English
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work to deadlines
In depth understanding of the political, social, economic, and cultural context of Northern Nigeria.
Desirable:
Fluency in Hausa Language
 
Method of Application:
All potential job applicants should send their CVs with a brief cover letter to:

recruitment@mnch2.com

NB:
Applicants should please specify the position on the subject line.
For example “Evidence and Advocacy Coordinator – Kaduna”.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
There is no relocation allowance available for this position.

Application Deadline: 17th August, 2015

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