Technical Advisor – Maternal, Neonatal & Child Health

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization that was established to improve lives in sustainable ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. The organization employs a diverse team of experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. This unique mix of capabilities allows FHI 360 to address today's interrelated development challenges effectively. The organization operates in more than 70 countries worldwide, including all U.S. states and territories, and is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor for Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) will play a crucial role in the EpiC project, which aims to enhance health outcomes for mothers, newborns, and children in Mozambique, particularly in the provinces of Nampula and Zambezia. The advisor will be responsible for providing technical support and coordination to the family health department at the central level of the Ministry of Health. This includes developing and updating policies and strategies in line with international standards of care, as well as offering guidance and support to lower-level staff. The advisor will represent the EpiC MNCH+N project in key technical working group meetings, ensuring that the project aligns with the Ministry of Health's priorities and implements high-impact, lifesaving practices and interventions. Additionally, the advisor will focus on building the capacity of local government technical staff to ensure quality care in MNCH activities, thereby improving access to high-quality health services for mothers and children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor will be responsible for coordinating project representation with national government actors, particularly in health and other key sectors. They will collaborate with the Ministry of Health's Family Health/MNCH department and other technical assistance partners to develop and update policies and strategies based on international care guidelines. The advisor will participate in central-level technical working groups, supporting the Ministry of Health's efforts and ensuring that information flows effectively to the project for successful implementation of interventions. They will work closely with government counterparts to enhance their capacity for conducting clinical supervision in nutrition and MNCH, ensuring that these processes are timely and cost-effective. The advisor will also provide technical expertise and supervision in implementing and monitoring MNCH service quality interventions at both health facility and community levels. They will supervise a team of technical project staff, ensuring that MNCH activities are appropriately delegated and coordinated with provincial and district government staff. The advisor will serve as the primary contact for provincial-level MNCH technical working groups and will lead the synthesis of monitoring data to inform programmatic activities. They will contribute to the development of work plans, reports, and other documentation required by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Foreign Assistance, while collaborating with other technical advisors to ensure integrated and comprehensive activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or its equivalent in a clinical field, public health, or other relevant areas. Clinical training is preferred, particularly as an MCH nurse, obstetrician/gynecologist, pediatrician, or nurse specializing in neonatal and child health. A minimum of 8 years of experience in MNCH+N and public health programs is required, along with experience in supervisory roles leading junior and support staff. Proven experience working with the Ministry of Health (MISAU) and a solid understanding of national and provincial health systems, particularly in Zambezia and Nampula, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government staff and community stakeholders, and must possess fluency in Portuguese. Strong interpersonal and oral presentation skills in English are preferred, along with the ability to work independently and manage a high-volume workflow. Excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational and analytical skills, and the ability to work under pressure are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree or its equivalent in a clinical field, public health, or other relevant areas. Candidates with clinical training as an MCH nurse, obstetrician/gynecologist, pediatrician, or nurse specializing in neonatal and child health will be given preference. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of maternal, neonatal, and child health issues and for providing effective technical support and guidance.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) and public health programs. Experience in supervisory positions is essential, as the advisor will lead junior and support staff and conduct performance evaluations. Proven experience working with the Ministry of Health (MISAU) and knowledge of national and provincial health systems, particularly in the provinces of Zambezia and Nampula, is also required. The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government staff and community stakeholders is critical for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the Ministry of Health and among local stakeholders. Additionally, strong interpersonal and oral presentation skills in English are preferred, as the advisor may need to communicate with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Maputo, Mozambique, and involves travel requirements of approximately 10% to 25%. The job description outlines the main duties but does not restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. It is important to note that this document should not be construed as a contract of employment, and management reserves the right to review and revise it at any time. The last day for receiving applications is 1 January 202

• FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing any form of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. The organization requires all personnel to share this commitment and sign a code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks.