Fresh Job Vacancies at ICAP Nigeria

ICAP – A global health leader situated at Columbia University, ICAP has worked since 2003 with one central goal: to improve the health of families and communities.

Working hand-in-hand with individuals at every level of the health system–from patients to health care providers to government officials – ICAP is dedicated to delivering high-performing health system strengthening initiatives that provide quality and affordable health care. The organization tackles the world’s most pressing health threats and, in collaboration with partners around the world, implements transformative solutions to meet the health needs of individuals.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Laboratory Technical Specialist 
Location: Nigeria

Position Summary

• The Laboratory Technical Specialist will be responsible for providing technical laboratory leadership, including providing technical assistance and capacity building support, to Conduct of National (Population-Based) HIV/AIDS Impact Survey (NPHIA) in Nigeria.
• The Lab Technical Specialist will assist in the standardization and implementation of a laboratory agenda, and strengthening of country laboratory networks and quality management systems.
• In addition, s/he will provide capacity building for in-country laboratory partners. Note: this position is contingent on receipt of award and donor approval.

Major Acccountabilities

• Provides support and supervision to ICAP laboratory specialists
• Guides the development and/or refinement of laboratory-related policies, strategic plans, guidelines, manuals and standard operating procedures, training materials, quality management systems, referral testing systems, data management systems and the evaluation and establishment of new technologies.
• Lead the review and approval, ensuring consistency and quality, of all laboratory-related aspects of protocols and associated questionnaires once they have been adapted to specific context.
• Provides oversight and technical assistance in strengthening laboratory systems and networking, implementing quality management systems and pursuing local and international accreditation.
• Oversee the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for each laboratory component of the HIV impact survey, including specimen collection, storage, transport, and testing.
• Assists with development and writing of publications, including manuals and journal articles.
• Represents ICAP regarding laboratory issues with appropriate US government and host country government entities.
• Oversee the development and implementation of quality control measures that will monitor specimen quality and storage conditions, including temperature and time.

Education

• Ph.D (or professional equivalent) in Laboratory Sciences or related relevant scientific field required. Work experience may substitute for PhD if appropriate.
• Master’s Degree in Public Health (in addition to PhD or equivalent) preferred.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum eight (8) years of experience in laboratory services and laboratory management.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in laboratory management, quality assurance, quality control, biosafety, document development, specimen management, and use of electronic information systems within a laboratory context.
• Experience with HIV rapid test and laboratory-based HIV testing, as well as molecular and other HIV-related tests
• Demonstrated technical expertise in developing advocacy documents, operational plans, monitoring and evaluation and communication plans, and organizing and leading consultative meetings.
• Demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance and capacity building for international, regional and local/country laboratory partners.
• Proven ability to effectively mentor and advise multi-cultural laboratory professionals and national program managers.
• Previous experience in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.).

Job Title: Project Director (PD)

Location: Nigeria

Position Summary

• The Project Director (PD) will provide strategic, programmatic, administrative and financial leadership for the CDC-funded project Conduct of National (Population-Based) HIV/AIDS Impact Survey (NAIS) in Nigeria.
• The PD will be the primary point of contact with CDC, regional and local government counterparts, and partner institutions and will foster partnerships and relationships between ICAP, CDC, and other stakeholders.
• The PD will work to ensure that program activities are completed on time, within budget, and in line with CDC requirements. Note: this position is contingent upon receipt of award and donor approval.

Major Accountabilities

• Ensure effective implementation and coordination of project activities and monitor progress toward the achievement of project goals and objectives.
• Participate actively in the development of innovative approaches to population based surveys.
• Provide high-level guidance and oversight of the HIV impact survey being conducted by ICAP sub awardees.
• Lead the design of interventions while ensuring the quality and maximum sustainability of all initiatives through effective in-service training and capacity building programs.
• Lead the annual work planning process and contribute to planning meetings with the donor.
• Manage a diverse project team of qualified staff, aligning their efforts with project goals.
• Oversee all activities, outputs, and outcomes related to project management and administration, including reporting, budget development and monitoring, financial transactions, execution of project plans, and project performance monitoring and evaluation.
• Drive use of data to track program quality, program outcomes and through targeted evaluations, assess programmatic impact on project goals, in partnership with SI Unit.
• Troubleshoot to prevent and resolve potential problems, review outputs for quality control.
• Represent the project in all matters pertaining to the execution of project-related activities including interactions with the most senior levels representatives of partner institutions.
• Cultivate strategic relationships and alliances with the other USG partners and funders.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of project activities and results to the donor.
• Ensure that all donor reports, and project write ups, including but not limited to success stories and program briefs are data driven and articulate a compelling story.
• Present progress, achievements, and lessons learned to key stakeholders, including the donor, government officials, and other implementing partners.
• Prepare briefing documents on the project at the request of the donor or ministries of health.

Requirements
Education:

• MD, PhD and/or advanced degree in Nursing, Midwifery, Community Health, Public Health, International Development or other related field.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• 10+ years’ experience in design and implementation of HIV programs/ related public health programs in the context of a developing country. Experience in sub-Saharan Africa required. Nigeria-based experience greatly preferred.
• Exhibit a high level of diplomacy while working with government partners at the national or regional levels in resource-constrained settings.
• Strong familiarity and command of USG regulations and compliance.
• Experience with household surveys and HIV programming preferred
• Proven record of superb management, leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage large, complex projects across multi-country settings.
• Experience with PEPFAR policy program planning and design. CDC programs preferred.
• Demonstrated skills in supervising staff, team building and management.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.

Job Title: PHIA Technical Director 

Location: Nigeria

Position Summary

• Reporting to the Project Director, the PHIA Technical Director will oversee the project’s central survey design and monitoring team.
• Note: this position is contingent upon receipt of award and donor approval.

Accountabilities

• Lead the design of standardized tools and operational manuals.
• Supervise a team of experts highly skilled in the design and implementation of population-based surveys.
• Provide high-level guidance and oversight of each HIV impact assessment throughout implementation.
• Lead the review and approval, ensuring consistency and quality, of all protocols and associated questionnaires once they have been adapted to specific country contexts.
• Lead regular review meetings to monitor the quality, consistence, and progress of all HIV impact assessments.
• Provide technical leadership, direction, and support to all country-based project teams implementing HIV impact assessments.
• Support activities to build local technical capacity in the design and implementation of population-based surveys.
• Develop system to refer and monitor success of referral of HIV+ survey participants to health facilities.
• Work with Lab Advisor to ensure that there is a successful system to ensure that lab results are returned to facility or participant, as indicated in the protocol.
• Lead and/or assist the Project Director, CDC staff, and local collaborators in the generation and presentation of project reports, publications and presentations.

Requirements
Education:

• Requires an advanced degree in Public Health, with a specialization in epidemiology

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of experience working on public health projects either in the headquarters of an international organization or in resource-limited settings in the field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in the design, delivery and evaluation of programs for population-based impact assessments.
• Knowledge of research design and evaluation concepts and methodologies; of statistical concepts and methods and their application to analysis of population-based surveys; of standard and appropriate research sources and texts; and of measurement, testing and evaluation procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software programs.
• Ability to analyze issues, draw valid conclusions, and make recommendations; to prepare and present comprehensive statistical and narrative reports; to conduct effective presentations; to interpret departmental policies and procedures, grants, legislation, and regulations relating to research activities; to prepare concise reports; and to supervise the work of others.
• Strong knowledge of statistical and database software, including SAS and MS Access, preferred.
• Knowledge of current social, economic, and public health issues related to STD and HIV/AIDS.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the development of measurable objectives, operational plans, and measurable indicators/targets for public health programs and projects.
• Proven ability to effectively train and build capacity of local/country partners.
• Demonstrated experience establishing, growing and maintaining effective working relationships with donors, implementing partners and other stakeholders.
• Fluent English oral and written communication skills; ability to interact professionally in English.
• Previous experience in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Job Title: Finance & Administration Director – Nigeria

Location: Nigeria

Position Summary

• The Finance and Administration Director will oversee the overall financial and administrative operations of, as well as office management duties, for the CDC–funded project Conduct of National (Population-Based) HIV/AIDS Impact Survey (NPHIA) in Nigeria.
• Under the supervision of the Project Director (PD), the Finance and Administration Director will be responsible for ensuring that financial management, personnel, administrative, and contractual operations systems are conducted according to ICAP regulations, standard operating procedures, and good business practices. Note: this position is contingent upon receipt of award and donor approval.

Major Accounttabilities

• Establish and oversee all office functions, including negotiating office lease, procuring office furniture, equipment and vehicles, and hiring/managing admin and finance staff.
• Oversee all project-specific financial planning, budgeting, and reporting.
• Prepare accurate project budgets; track expenses; oversee payroll, benefits, and reimbursements; ensure that required project financial controls and cost performance monitoring mechanisms are in place and adhered to; prevent over-expenditure of budgets; ensure proper safeguards of funds; and ensure compliance with established U.S. Government and ICAP financial and accounting procedures.
• Apply detailed financial reporting and project cost reimbursement process in accordance with established financial system.
• In collaboration with the PD, manage all local sub-awards and ensure sub-awardees’ compliance and reporting.
• Provide guidance and support for contract development and management.
• Record and document all financial transactions into an approved ICAP Field Expense Accounting System and submit timely monthly reports.
• Maintain current standing with all mandated tax and registrations, including submission of payments and required reports.
• Oversee local procurements and execute all approved payments for local vendors, contractors, and consultants for goods and services received, in accordance with the laws and regulations of CDC, as well as with ICAP and USG regulations.
• Assist in the preparation and management of project budgets and pipeline expenditures.
• Maintain inventories and controls over project office fixed assets (e.g. computer equipment).
• Manage timesheets for staff, ensuring timely submission, approval, accuracy, and filing.
• Prepare country activity travel advances and process travel claims, and work with country program staff to resolve accounting related issues.
• Maintain an effective office country filing system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Master’s Degree in Finance and Accounting, certified public accountant or equivalent

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:

• At least seven years of experience in an independent administrative position with advanced bookkeeping responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing CDC, PEPFAR, or other donor-financed projects.
• Strong familiarity and command of CDC regulations and compliance, as well as supervisory and management skills.
• Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications and Quickbooks.
• Experience developing and interpreting standard financial reports (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow) and creation of Journal entries preferred.
• English fluency required, including speaking, writing, understanding, and reading, and the ability to conduct business.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV’s and Cover letters to: icap-jobs@columbia.edu with the title, e.g “Finance & Administration Director – Nigeria” in the subject line


Deadline: 31st October, 2017