Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) is a national non-governmental organization incorporated in Nigeria. Its vision is “A healthy and Safe Society where Everyone Thrives,” and its mission is to “Improved Quality of Life for Poor and Vulnerable Groups through Inclusive and Innovative Community-Led Programming.”

USAID/Nigeria’s Transforming Health and Resilience for Individuals Through Vibrant Empowerment (THRIVE) is a five-year intervention that contributes to achieving sustained epidemic control by improving the health and well-being of children living with HIV and reducing the risk of HIV infection among vulnerable children, adolescents, and caregivers. THRIVE is USAID/Nigeria’s mechanism for implementing PEPFAR-funded programs for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and its delivery arm for community-focused health and social welfare services

Chief of Party – USAID THRIVE OVC Project

Job Title:  Chief of Party
Project: USAID/Nigeria Transforming Health and Resilience for Individuals Through Vibrant Empowerment (THRIVE) Activity
Location: Nigeria

Position Overview:

The Chief of Party (COP) will provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and management for the USAID THRIVE Activity. This program aims to enhance the resilience of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and fast-track the identification, care, and treatment of children living with HIV (CLHIV) to achieve high coverage and epidemic control. The COP will ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based interventions, oversee resource management, and foster partnerships with stakeholders to achieve program objectives while adhering to USAID/PEPFAR priorities and national policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Program Management:

• Provide visionary leadership to ensure the successful implementation of the THRIVE Activity, aligning with USAID/PEPFAR objectives and national priorities.
• Oversee the development and implementation of strategies to address the vulnerabilities of OVC and their caregivers, focusing on health, psychosocial, and economic resilience.
• Ensure high-quality program delivery and cost-effective use of resources in compliance with donor regulations.
• Promote adaptive management, using program learnings and data-driven insights to refine strategies and interventions.

Technical Oversight and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure integration of HIV prevention and treatment services with broader OVC programming, such as education, nutrition, and child protection.
• Provide technical guidance to program teams and partners, ensuring adherence to international standards and best practices.
• Facilitate continuous quality improvement and document and disseminate program best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership:

• Build strong relationships with USAID, PEPFAR, government agencies, implementing partners, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the THRIVE Activity in national and regional forums, advocating for policies and practices that support OVC and CLHIV.
• Foster effective coordination and communication among all program partners.

Case Identification and HIV Care:

• Lead initiatives to strengthen case-finding mechanisms for identifying CLHIV, including community-based strategies and referral systems.
• Address barriers like stigma and discrimination and access challenges through advocacy and community engagement.
• Promote adherence to HIV treatment and retention in care, emphasizing family-centered approaches.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):

• Oversee the design and implementation of MEL systems to track program progress, outcomes, and key performance indicators.
• Use data analysis to identify gaps, propose corrective actions, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to USAID and stakeholders, highlighting achievements and lessons learned.

Capacity Development and Sustainability:

• Strengthen the capacity of project staff, partners, and community structures through targeted training and mentorship.
• Develop tools, guidelines, and resources to enhance program implementation and ensure the long-term sustainability of OVC and HIV care services.

Financial and Operational Management:

• Oversee financial management and ensure alignment with program budgets and donor requirements.
• Ensure operational efficiency by managing procurement, logistics, and administrative systems effectively.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and efficient resource utilization.

Resource Mobilization and Sustainability:

• Identify and pursue funding and resource mobilization opportunities to expand and sustain the project.
• Develop strategies to enhance the long-term impact and sustainability of OVC and HIV-related programming.

Gender, Inclusion, and Child Safeguarding:

• Integrate gender-responsive programming and promote inclusivity across all program interventions.
• Develop and implement strategies for safeguarding children and responding to child welfare emergencies.

Qualifications and Skills:

Minimum Recruitment Standards:

Education:

• Advanced degree in medicine, public health, social sciences, international development, or a related field. Ph. D., MB, BS, master’s degree in public health, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of senior management experience in public health programming, including at least 5 years managing USAID/PEPFAR-funded projects.
• Proven expertise in pediatric HIV care, OVC programming, and resilience-building interventions.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, multi-faceted programs in resource-constrained settings.
• Proven experience working with government entities, international organizations, and civil society organizations in Nigeria or similar settings.
• Familiarity with Nigerian public health systems, donor organizations, and community-based organizations.
• At least three years of experience managing USG cooperative agreements or contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.

Technical Expertise:

• Strong knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support, strengthening OVC frameworks and health systems.
• Familiarity with donor regulations, national policies, and global best practices.

Skills:

• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficient in MEL tools and methodologies.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, including engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Competency in the use of MS suites and data analysis software.
• Ability to synthesize and use evidence for the design of interventions.
• Good presentation skills.

Other:

• Commitment to child safeguarding and gender equity.
• Willingness to travel extensively to program sites.

Key Competencies:

• Visionary leadership and the ability to inspire diverse teams toward shared goals.
• Dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children and their families, particularly in the context of HIV.
• High ethical standards and sensitivity to cultural and social dynamics.
• Adaptability and resilience in managing complex programmatic challenges.

Reporting:

The Chief of Party will report directly to the Managing Director. S/he will liaise between AHNi and USAID and collaborate closely with technical teams, government counterparts, and stakeholders to ensure program success and sustainability.

This role is ideal for a strategic leader committed to advancing epidemic control and improving the well-being of OVC and their families through innovative and impactful programming.

Method of application: Interested and qualified candidates should forward a suitability statement (application) and resume (CV) as a single MS Word document to: AHNi-ProgMgtJobs@ahnigeria.org

Vacancy closes: Wednesday, 15^th January 2025

Only applications sent electronically (i.e., by e-mail) with the JOB TITLE and LOCATION indicated as the subject of the mail will be considered, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

AHNi is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Disclaimer:  AHNi does not charge Candidates a fee for a test or interview