PATH is the leader in global health innovation. An international nonprofit organization, we save lives and improve health, especially among women and children. We accelerate innovation across five platforms—vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system and service innovations—that harness our entrepreneurial insight, scientific and public health expertise, and passion for health equity. By mobilizing partners around the world, we take innovation to scale, working alongside countries primarily in Africa and Asia to tackle their greatest health needs. Together, we deliver measurable results that disrupt the cycle of poor health.
Early childhood (defined as the period from pregnancy to the first 3 years of life) is the most critical time in a child’s life. This is the period of most rapid brain development. Any delays in physical, socio-emotional, or cognitive development that are not addressed during this time may be irreversible and have significant impacts on a child’s health, well-being, and educational and socioeconomic outcomes over the course of a lifetime. Appropriate child development is facilitated through optimal nutrition, good health, and age-appropriate care and stimulation.
Acknowledging that health is the only sector that systematically reaches young children during early years, PATH has developed and is implementing in Mozambique an innovative early childhood development (ECD) model that integrates developmental screening, caregiver counseling on child health, nutrition and parenting education, and stimulation services for children 0–3 years and their caregivers. In different projects this model is integrated into health system touch-points at both facility and community levels (Agentes Polivalentes Elementares, APEs), and into Community Based Organizations through home-based visits and group activities working at community level.
Working in collaboration with the Government of Mozambique, USAID and other key stakeholders, is currently implementing a portfolio of several ECD projects in the country. W from USAID/PEPFAR and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation (CNHF) is currently implementing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to scale up integrated interventions in health sector in all districts of Maputo province. PATH is as well member of a consortium funded by USAID/PEPFAR to implement the COVida project, on which PATH is the technical partner responsible to ensure quality of ECD services delivered at community level in 75 districts across all provinces in Mozambique. With CNHF funding PATH will start also a pilot intervention in one district of Nampula province in collaboration with other partners. Additionally, PATH has a robust advocacy agenda and is working with a range of stakeholders to incorporate ECD content into appropriate government systems and services, through changes in relevant strategies, curricula, norms, tools and IEC materials.
To support the ECD program portfolio and national advocacy agenda PATH is seeking a dynamic ECD Program and Advocacy Officer. The successful candidate will oversee, produce reports and coordinate PATH ECD program in Mozambique including PPP, COVida and CNHF projects. S/he will directly report and work under leadership and supervision from PATH Mozambique Program Manager, and will work in collaboration with PATH’s ECD Regional Advisor (technical lead) and supported by project coordinators. S/he will also spearhead advocacy activities with government and other donors, UN, and civil society stakeholders, and participate on relevant Ministry of Health technical working groups.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following (all tasks to be implemented under Mozambique Program Manager (PM) leadership and supervision)
Program
- Overall responsibility for implementation and follow up of PATH ECD projects’ portfolio (currently PPP, COVida and Nampula pilot, others may be added in the future)
- Produce quality annual and quarterly draft donor reports (USAID, CNHF, FHI, others) as per donor and PATH requirements
- Produce annual and quarterly work plans of PATH ECD projects in collaboration with Mozambique Program Manager, ECD Regional Advisor and other team members. Contribute to workplan budgeting.
- Coordinate PATH ECD projects monthly reflection and planning exercises.
- Closely monitor implementation of ECD projects’ plans in collaboration with projects coordinators and support/adjust as needed.
- Collaborate on monitoring of program expenditures in collaboration with Administrators and Program Manager in Mozambique and with headquarters.
- Ensure regular PATH active representation in relevant MOH technical working groups (Child Health, Child Nutrition, DEPROS, APEs, SWAP).
- In collaboration with M&E colleagues, lead the process of ECD projects data and indicators analysis and use for project reporting and planning
- In collaboration with M&E colleagues and ECD Regional Advisor contribute to PATH Operational Research studies design, implementation and analysis
- Participate and represent PATH as needed in meetings with donors (USAID, FHI, etc), and partners
- Participate in conferences and act as a liaison with PATH Seattle program leadership as needed
- Contribute to representation and dissemination of PATH’s work in the country, to identification of new business development opportunities and to writing of new project proposals
- Act as direct leader, supervise and provide support to a team of not less than four program staff, including responsibility for annual performance appraisal exercises and staff development activities.
Advocacy
- Act as PATH focal point for advocacy / technical work with health and ECD stakeholders at national level: Ministry of Health (MOH), WHO, UNICEF, Rede DPI and others
- Conduct active advocacy and provide technical guidance for integration of ECD contents into MOH pre-service curricula (MCH nurses, APEs, preventative medicine technicians), guidelines and training packages of key health entry points (AIDI, CCS, CCR, PRN, APEs etc.) and data tools through participation in technical working groups.
- Provide technical inputs on the design of ECD IEC materials, tools and deliverables as requested, and lead the process of validation by MOH
- Develop and cultivate strong relationships with a range of governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders working in the areas of health, nutrition and ECD
- In collaboration with program team actively identify, organize and/or participate in activities such as provincial or national forums, workshops, meetings and other events that raise visibility of PATH’s integrated ECD approach and to work towards an enabling ECD environment in the country.
- Provide inputs on communication products to disseminate program experiences and results.
- Work closely with other PATH program staff (in Mozambique and internationally) to ensure consistency of approach, messages, and overall portfolio coherency.
- Contribute to PATH maintaining strong and dynamic donor relations.
- In conjunction with other program staff, cultivate and manage close partnerships and structured linkages with MISAU, DPS, UNICEF, PEPFAR grantees, and other organizations to be identified who share PATH’s commitment to integration of ECD.
Required Skills
- Master’s Degree or equivalent in public health, medicine, nutrition, early childhood development, psychology or related field.
- At least 8 years of project management experience in areas such as maternal and child health, nutrition, HIV, and/or child development.
- Extensive experience working with or for Ministry of Health system at various levels.
- Extensive experience on working in Advocacy in Mozambique preferably on Health Sector
- Experience managing US government-funded projects; understanding of other donor systems and requirements a plus.
- Excellent track record of team building and team management skills. Specifically, ability to work within a team structure on a collaborative manner and to provide and receive leadership, orientation and supervision.
- Exceptional proven reporting and written skills in Portuguese and English languages. Demonstrable English donor reporting experience is an essential requirement for this position
- Excellent facilitation and communication skills.
- Deep technical understanding of at least one of the following areas: maternal and child health; ECD; and nutrition.
- Demonstrable strong coordination and advocacy skills with relevant government ministries and departments, donors, and other partners.
- Sound understanding of the structure of the health and social action system and the way in which health and social services are implemented at the facility and community levels.
- Ability to travel—both within and outside of Maputo Province—and at short notice. Occasional regional and international travel (up to 25% travel overall).
- Must have legal authorization to work in Mozambique
This position remains open for applications until 14th September, 2017
PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.
PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
More Information
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