Program Management Advisor – West Africa

Background:

Across the world, more than a billion people are not able to see clearly or at all for reasons that can be readily addressed. Of this 1+ billion, more than 800 million people have presbyopia – age-related deterioration of near vision. Presbyopia is a refractive error that makes it hard for middle-aged and older adults to see things up close. This can immediately be solved by the provision of reading (also known as near-vision) glasses.

ACHAP and RestoringVision co-created and co-lead the Africa Clear Sight Partnership (ACSP). This is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the widespread yet often overlooked issue of presbyopia across Africa. This condition affects millions of people, yet remains underdiagnosed and untreated in many regions, leading to significant impacts on daily life and productivity. Through its extensive regional network, ACHAP is leading efforts to ensure that eye care, particularly the provision of reading glasses, reaches those who need it most. Currently, the ACSP includes ACHAP members in Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Malawi, and Eswatini, with efforts underway to expand to other countries in sub–Saharan Africa.

ACHAP seeks to recruit a qualified a Program Management Advisor to oversee ACSP program implementation in West Africa, including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The candidate will fulfil the roles and responsibilities outlined below:

Overall Goal:

To provide overall strategic oversight of Africa Clear Sight Partnership programs in the West Africa region, including leadership, technical, analytic, program design and project management services in one or more technical areas. The primary focus will be on a large scale partnership program in Nigeria. The role will be based in Abuja.

The jobholder provides senior-level programmatic and technical guidance to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects with broad experience working with national and regional stakeholders including Christian Health Association (CHA) staff, government, and NGOs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Planning, implementation, monitoring, and analysis of Project activities

• Lead project work planning and operation plans for projects

• Support country teams with project implementation and ongoing operations

• Analyze and monitor progress and advise on timely corrective actions for proper operational project delivery

• Lead in synthesizing and documenting lessons learned, progress and offer technical guidance on way forward

• Coordinate project implementation with country partners and government

• Ensure sound and timely monitoring and reporting on the activities and record monitoring

• Analyze quality of project delivery and advise on project implementation

  Budgeting and Financial management

• Oversee project budgets preparations

• Track expenses, ensure proper allocation and use of funds, review budget revisions and ensure timely payments to vendors

• Review financial reports submitted by counterparts and liaise with counterparts to ensure the transparent and accountable use of funds provided

  Procurement and recruitment

• Prepare project procurement plans

• Prepare the TORs and technical specification for goods and services to be handed over to the Contract and Procurement Unit for them to be able to timely procurement

• Support with customs clearance and effective distribution of glasses to partners across the country

  Support coordination of activities implemented and promote information sharing.

• In collaboration with operations team identify solutions for operational and financial problems

• Backing of day-to-day activities

  Ensure appropriate liaison with partners and timely reporting, focusing on the achievement of the following results

• Ensure proper reporting to donors on implementation, the achievement of outputs as well as, contribute to reporting on progress towards outcomes and impact

• Coordinate donor and partner steering committees/project boards, and prepare project updates for partners

• Contribute to information sharing and coordination within ACHAP and its members

• Make presentations to development partners, as required

  Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provision of training, and technical advice to field staff

• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities.

• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.

• Tool Development and Adaptation: Develop and adapt evidence-based tools, materials, and supervisory systems necessary for the successful implementation of programs, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of our projects

• Coordination and Supervision: Coordinate assessments, Capacity strengthening, follow-up, and supervision of project activities to ensure their smooth implementation and adherence to project standards.

• Collaboration and Representation: Participate actively in technical working groups, representing the organization and our projects in conferences, professional forums, and meetings. Maintain excellent relationships with key stakeholders, including donor agencies, Ministry of Health (MOH), CHAs, and other partners.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant areas including management, development, or health. Master’s Degree in management, public health or public administration is an added advantage.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, progressive experience in international development, preferably in post conflict or emergency settings.
• Experience in project and programme management, including project formulation and implementation in conflict and post conflict environments.
• Previous experience with bilateral donors, private philanthropies, or any other donor is desirable.
• Experience working with nonprofits and public health on complex programs across multiple states in Nigeria
• Experience managing projects with multiple partners and interfacing with government programs