National Consultant for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

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Position Title: National Consultant for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
Location: Nigeria
Country: Nigeria
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children and ensure their well-being. The organization focuses on providing humanitarian assistance and development support to the most disadvantaged children globally. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest country offices, working in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with various stakeholders including the government, civil society, and families.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) will play a crucial role in implementing activities aimed at consolidating the gains made in NTD elimination efforts in Nigeria. The consultant will provide technical support to field-level coordination with partners to achieve optimal treatment coverage for NTDs. This includes planning and facilitating monthly meetings at state and zonal levels to review implementation activities, track progress, and provide recommendations for improvement. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting epidemiological and entomological evaluations in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) where treatment coverage has been maintained for specific NTDs. The role requires a deep understanding of NTD issues in Nigeria and its linkages with Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to mobilize resources and ensure effective implementation of guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an Inception Report detailing the approach to the assignment and timelines for completion in consultation with the supervisor and WASH section staff.
• Facilitate local ownership and resource mobilization by collaborating with policy and decision-makers, traditional rulers, and private sector individuals to generate resources for NTD elimination.
• Provide technical coordination for implementing WASH/NTD guidelines in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in NTD elimination.
• Coordinate planning meetings with NGOs and make technical presentations to influence decision-making.
• Support planning and field coordination for epidemiological and entomological evaluations and assessments in selected states as per recommendations from the National Onchocerciasis Elimination Committee (NOEC).
• Produce a detailed work plan and deliverables for the consultancy, ensuring all outputs are submitted to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Document the implementation of WASH/NTD guidelines across various LGAs and ensure compliance with national strategies for NTD elimination.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in Parasitology, Public Health, or a related field is required. A minimum of 5 years of experience in WASH/NTD implementation at national and subnational levels is essential. The candidate should have experience in facilitation, research, and consultations, along with a solid understanding of national and state-level policies and frameworks for NTDs. Knowledge of stakeholders in the health and WASH sectors in Nigeria is crucial, as is the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and a willingness to travel to rural areas.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Parasitology, Public Health, or any other relevant specialist field related to Health and WASH. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of NTDs and their relationship with WASH initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in WASH and NTD implementation at both national and subnational levels. Candidates should have a proven track record of facilitating projects, conducting research, and engaging in consultations with various stakeholders. Experience in developing countries and familiarity with emergency situations will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to involve travel to various states in Nigeria, particularly those affected by NTDs. The selected candidate will not be considered a staff member under UN regulations and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. The consultant is responsible for their tax liabilities and must ensure that all necessary visas and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract. Selected candidates must also confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine prior to commencing the assignment, unless they are working remotely.