Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is one of the largest aid organizations in the Nordic region. We respond to disasters and emergencies by providing water and critical assistance to those affected. Through our international network and partner organizations in the ACT Alliance, we reach millions of people each year, helping to make a positive difference around the world. Our mission is to eradicate injustice, and we work passionately on advocacy, long-term development in local communities, and emergency assistance.
As the number of people impacted by disasters continues to rise, we are committed to delivering more emergency relief and ensuring access to clean water. We believe that people in need must be helped, and we will not stop fighting for a just world.
NCA has been operational in northeastern Nigeria, providing humanitarian relief with a strong presence in Monguno, Maiduguri, Pulka, and Dikwa.
We are now seeking the right candidate to join our team as a Maternal & Newborn Health Senior officer to help us further our mission and contribute to ongoing efforts in the region. (See details below).
TITLE: Maternal & Newborn Health Senior officer
REPORTING TO: GBV/ASRH Program Manager
DUTY STATION: Maiduguri (with possible travels to other field locations).
TIME FRAME:
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The maternal and newborn health senior officer is responsible for leading and overseeing reproductive health programs and initiatives, specifically focusing on the SBBC project aimed at enhancing maternal and newborn health outcomes in Borno State, Nigeria. This role involves coordinating with local and international partners, providing technical support, and ensuring the effective implementation of reproductive health programs. The maternal and newborn health senior officer plays a crucial role in upholding reproductive health policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and working closely with staff to maintain a positive work environment and achieve program objectives.
JOB ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
✓ Program Coordination and Support: Lead and coordinate reproductive health programs and initiatives with local and international partners, focusing on improving maternal and newborn health outcomes through the SBBC project. Technical assistance to health teams implementing SBBC and other related strategies led by NCA to improve maternal and newborn health.
✓ Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: Provide advanced technical support and training to partners and staff on reproductive health issues and best practices, utilizing innovative clinical tools and instructional models.
✓ Monitoring and Evaluation: Oversee and manage program data and outcomes to ensure continuous improvement and accountability, employing digital methodologies for informed decision-making. Conducting mentoring and supportive supervision to health teams implementing SBBC and other related strategies led by NCA to improve maternal and newborn health.
MAIN TASKS
✓ Program Leadership: Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of the SBBC project, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and goals. This includes managing the use of virtual clinical tools, training, and continuous quality improvements.
✓ Technical Expertise: Provide expert technical support to partners and staff, including capacity building and training on reproductive health prevention and response using instructional models like NeoNatalie Live, MamaBirthie, and MamaNatalie. Representing NCA in national platforms aimed at improving maternal and newborn health, prepare and submit project reports according to NCA guidelines, and availability to travel both locally and internationally.
✓ Budget Management: Managing program budget, follow up on budget vs actuals, collaborate with NCA finance team and make sure the project budget utilization is in line with the budget plan.
✓ Data Management: Oversee the regular update and maintenance of program data, ensuring accuracy and readiness for audits. Utilize data feedback loops and in-situ training to enhance sustainability.
✓ Compliance: Ensure compliance with legal requirements and organizational policies, and update relevant documentation as needed.
✓ Monitoring and Evaluation: Track and analyze program outcomes to identify areas for improvement and recommend solutions. Use digital methodologies such as LIFT Assessments and LIFT Scenarios to drive quality improvement.
OTHER DUTIES / FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED TO THE POSITION
✓ Collaboration: Facilitate coordination and collaboration across departments and with local and international partners to strengthen program delivery.
✓ Documentation: Ensure correct and timely documentation of program data for archiving in the organization’s system.
✓ Security Compliance: Comply with security requirements and program routines, regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Essential Criteria:
✓ Commitment to Human Rights and Gender Equality: Strong dedication to human rights, gender equality.
✓ Adherence to NCA Values: Commitment to NCA’s core values and principles, including timely reporting and enforcement of the NCA Code of Conduct and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) standards.
✓ Independent Work: Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while being proactive and results oriented.
✓ Gender Sensitivity and Flexibility: Resilient, flexible, and able to work in gender-sensitive contexts, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of all genders are respected.
✓ Cultural Competence: Ability to work and communicate effectively in culturally diverse settings, with experience engaging with community members, leaders, and local organizations.
✓ Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in the local language and the ability to deliver presentations, training, and workshops effectively.
✓ Computer Literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other relevant software. Qualifications:
✓ Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Reproductive Health, Nursing, or a related field.
✓ Certification/Membership: Professional certifications or membership in relevant professional bodies is highly desirable.
✓ Experience: A minimum of 6 years of experience in reproductive health programs, ideally within a humanitarian or development context.
✓ Technical Skills: Proven expertise in reproductive health, maternal and newborn care, capacity building, and program management. Additional training in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) or other safe motherhood initiatives is an advantage.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications to Recruitment-Ng@nca.no no later than 4:00 PM on 18th January 2025. Applications should include an up-to-date CV and a cover letter, combined into a single PDF file. Please ensure the job title is clearly stated in the email subject line.
We encourage early applications, as submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.
NCA’S Commitments
NCA is committed to following the following policies, standards and commitments and all staff are equally expected to conform to their requirements:
• Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP)
• Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in
Disaster Relief
• ACT Alliance Code of Conduct
• SPHERE Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Relief
• NCA Nigeria Security Plan
• NCA Nigeria Staff Handbook
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse:
Actively promote PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards within Norwegian Church Aid and amongst beneficiaries served by Norwegian Church Aid.
Compliance & Ethics:
Promotes and encourages a culture of compliance and ethics within Norwegian Church Aid.
As applicable to the position, maintains a clear understanding of Norwegian Church Aid’ and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards. Conducts work with the highest level of integrity. Communicates these values to staff and to partners and requires them to adhere to these values.