Health Adviser at Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

Position: Health Adviser 2
Reports to: Director, CIDA Program Support Unit; working under the direction of Head of Cooperation, CIDA
Responsibility: Work as part of a small team to provide effective high quality health policy and technical advice to the health sector components of the CIDA program.
Location: Abuja
Duration: Until 30th of March 2013

1. Background
CIDA’s bilateral programming objective is to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to use its own resources to achieve equitable, sustainable poverty reduction, particularly among women and other marginalized groups. To achieve this objective, the Nigeria program is currently implementing a programming strategy, with Children and Youth and Sustainable Economic Growth as priority programming sectors, and gender equality and environment as crosscutting themes. This year, CIDA’s indicative annual bilateral budget is $16.4 million, mostly with health and environment projects. Efforts are concentrated in two states: Cross River and Bauchi. CIDA’s bilateral programme in Nigeria is under the leadership of CIDA’s Cooperation Section, supported by CIDA HQ staff.
CIDA seeks the services of a Consultant Health Adviser who will assist the present Health Adviser in providing technical advice to new and on-going CIDA projects in the health sector, especially in Maternal and Child health.

2. Objective
The Health Adviser will work as part of a small team to provide effective high quality health policy and technical advice to the health sector components of the CIDA program.

3. Scope and Tasks
The duties of the Health Adviser shall include, but not be limited to the performance of the tasks set out here under:

• Possess an in-depth understanding of the Nigerian health system and advice on ways to increase the effectiveness of the health system and CIDA health program.
• Provide high-level strategic and technical advice to CIDA, Federal and CIDA Focal State governments (Bauchi and Cross River) on health sector policy and programs in Nigeria.
• Analyze key strategic documents relevant to the health sector, including national, global and regional health and development issues as they relate to Nigeria.
• Support effective engagement with partner government agencies and other development partners, including key bilateral and multilateral institutions.
• Represent CIDA at the relevant government and development partners for and support donor coordination efforts in the health sector.
• Contribute to the development and oversight of CIDA funded health initiatives in Nigeria including their program design, management, activity implementation and review processes, as well as corporate briefing and quality reporting responsibilities.
• Work with the gender adviser to ensure gender analysis and its application in integrating gender considerations into health programs, particularly in the context of Nigeria.
• Contribute to writing of programme reports
• Deliverables
• Substantive Output/s
• Sound analytical position papers when required to inform CIDA’s health input
• Information/support and guidance to visiting Canadian missions : CIDA, Canadian government, CSOs, and/or private sector of Canada;
• Analysis of GoN policies and strategies in CIDA's Health sector and cross-cutting themes;
• Analyses of program design, management, activity implementation and review processes;
• End-of-fiscal year report on the Program’s implementation of its Strategic plan
• As required, special papers on health-related issues, topics;
• Report of meetings and other fora attended and/or organized;
• Background analysis for project approval documents;
• Reporting on Activities and Accomplishments
• Quarterly work plans indicating activities and expected results and timeframe of activities;
• Monthly accomplishment reports based on approved work plans for billing purposes; and,
• End-of-year report indicating major accomplishments and lessons learned during the period of consultancy.

4. Level of Effort
The Contract shall be up until March 31, 2013 with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and availability of funds
Eligibility/Other Requirements.

• Postgraduate qualification in public health, Community health, reproductive health or related discipline
• Understanding and experience of health care delivery systems in Nigeria at all levels
• Knowledge of best practices and the international strategies to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity
• Knowledge and understanding of the current Nigeria health policies and strategies
• Knowledge of current evidence based effective care in pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period
• Excellent interpersonal, co-ordination and communication skills, and the ability to.
• Excellent analytical skills
• Significant experience in report writing
• Fluency in English (oral and written)
• Very good knowledge of current IT tools (Word, Excel)
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-cultural environment and as a member of a team
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines

5. Location
Abuja

Method of Application
Email your application and CV including 3 references to [email protected] or deliver it to
Canadian International Development Agency,
Program Support Unit, Nigeria,
2nd floor, Yakubu Gowon Centre,
493 Abogo Largema Street
Central Business District
Abuja

Application Deadline: 29th May, 2012