Title: Technical Manager Oncho/LF (RLM project)

Salary: Local terms and conditions apply

Location: Kaduna or Abuja, Nigeria

Contract: Two-year Fixed Term Contract

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

About the role

Reaching the Last Mile (RLM) is a high profile, high value, multi-partner programme, which will make a significant contribution to the control and elimination of the Oncho LF across 13 countries. Sightsavers is the coordination partner in Nigeria and working with other partners to delivery on programme outputs.

The Technical Manager will work closely with the Global Technical Advisor for Oncho and LF to advise, guide and support the implementation of RLM adhering consistently to global, national and organisational policy, strategy, technical norms, contract terms and conditions ensuring that elimination/break in transmission timelines are not only met but exceeded where feasible.

As the Technical Manager you will ensure current WHO guidelines on Onchocerciasis elimination are followed and propose strategies for accelerating elimination of transmission. You will also provide technical support and oversee the implementation of onchocerciasis Lymphatic Filariasis activities, including MDA, pre-STOP MDA surveys, Stop MDA surveys, Post-treatment Surveillance, Post-elimination Surveillance, Dossier development, in coordination with the Sightsavers technical managers.

Further duties include:

• Being the point of contact for providing technical advice to RLM supported states country programmes on onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis
• Work closely with FMOH, Oncho LF Elimination committees to align country programmes as recommended.
• Prepare progress reports on onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis RLM activities to Director RLM/NTD, Coordinator- Technical Advisor and country team.
• Link with the global technical advisers for LF, Oncho and for Patient Care to ensure synergy between activities and planning.
• Ensure close coordination of alignment of technical advice and activities in states were RLM is not the only source of Oncho LF or MDA funding.
• Ensure Value for Money (VFM) and Leave No one Behind (LNOB) across all activities.
• Ensure timely evidence-based reports as required by the country office as coordinating partner.
• Ensure onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis activities are aligned with organization technical standards, nationally/internationally recognised standards and respective National Health Systems;
• Work closely with the Technical Advisors to exceed the onchocerciasis LF commitments of RLM.
• Work closely with technical advisors to keep up to date with and implement new developments in programme best-practise for onchocerciasis and WHO guidance;
• Escalate issues to the global Technical Advisors of Onchocerciasis and LF.

As the ideal candidate you will hold a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline and hold extensive experience and/or qualifications in onchocerciasis/LF within development sector. You will also have a successful track record of working in different context and have a background of working within a complex matrix structure without compromising the roles of key programme personnel.

Further requirements include:

• Ability to think strategically and effectively translate concepts into action plans.
• Demonstrably skilled in both written and verbal communication in English and French.
• Excellent analytical and IT skills.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity for disabled people.
• Experience of managing a team.
• Experience of managing programmes/implementation.

The Technical Manager is a highly varied and involved role and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. Please see the Job Description for full details.