Health System Strengthening Officer

Health System Strengthening Officer sought to contribute to the successful implementation of health system strengthening activities within the RESILAC project in Borno State by supporting community health management, training community health workers, and enhancing health service delivery in targeted locations.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop a capacity development plan in collaboration with the LGA Primary Healthcare Department PHC, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency SPHCDA, and align it with the Ministry of Health's plan;
• Conduct a comprehensive health system assessment, including a capacity gap analysis of health workers across the targeted LGAs;
• Coordinate with the State and Local Government Primary health care to develop health facility improvement plan in close collaboration with the Community Health Committee;
• Support the State and LGA Primary Health Care in the development and review of the annual operational plan for the health sector;
• Facilitate training programs for individuals drawn from various health cadres, including Nurses, Midwives, Community Health Extension Officers, and Community Health Influencers;
• Monitor and report on the implementation of HSS activities, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines;
• Liaise with the SMOH and LGA primary health care for provision of essential Nutrition & Health supplies in Health facilities including data tools;
• Ensure rational use of all medical equipment and stationaries in health facilities;
• Support the organization and management of quarterly coordination meetings between key health stakeholders, line ministries, agencies, and the Ward Development Committee;
• Facilitate discussions during these meetings to address issues related to access, uptake, and barriers to providing quality health interventions;
• Provide technical support to health facilities for the development and review of facility plans to ensure gaps identified in health service delivery are addressed;
• Assist in the institutionalization of community health programs such as the CHIPS Community Health Influencers, Promoters, and Services program in selected LGAs;
• Conduct capacity assessment of health workers on primary health care service such as IMCI service delivery, reproductive health service delivery, vaccination etc. and review the training needs and/or coaching needs;
• Organize and coordinate training sessions for community health workers and matrons, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver quality health services;
• Provide ongoing mentorship and support to health workers, promoting continuous professional development;
• Organize training for Community Health Influencers and Promoters service on identification and referrals of cases from community to health facility;
• Engage with local health authorities to ensure the sustainability of training programs and the integration of new practices into routine health services;
• Ensure the implementation of health-related activities aligns with the RESILAC project's timelines and objectives;
• Monitor budget utilization for health interventions, ensuring expenditures are in line with the project's financial forecasts;
• Maintain close collaboration with LGA Health and Nutrition departments, local NGOs, and INGOs to avoid duplication of efforts and enhance the efficiency of health service delivery;
• Develop monthly monitoring and supervision plan for the LGA and share with the Programme Manager;
• Use specific supervision checklist during supervision visits and archive filled supervision checklists with summary report – every month;
• Organize and participate in joint supportive supervision visits to health facilities, conducted by the SMOH and other relevant line ministries;
• Document and report on the findings of supervision visits, including action plans to address any identified gaps;
• Engage with facility staff and LGA health officials to ensure the timely submission of reports and data on health service delivery;
• Engage with the LGA M&E department on consolidation and reporting of data into the DHIS platform;
• Regular monitor the targeted health facilities, give feedback follow and report;
• Ensure any compliance and feedbacks are addressed;
• Ensure that all training data is collected, archived, and reported accurately, including details of master trainers and trainees;
• Lead LGA-based monthly coordination meetings, supporting teams to structure coordination mechanisms effectively;
• Identify key progress, gaps, and challenges in health service delivery, providing proposed solutions and informing line management;
• Ensure sex disaggregated data management and reporting;
• Follow and take into account the gender action plan of the components.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Environmental Health, Public Heath or other relevant qualifications;
• Minimum of three 3 years' experience in primary health care program;
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of primary health care and nutrition services in Nigeria;
• Previous role of supervisory level is an asset;
• Ability to engage and build effective working relationships at multiple levels with Ministry of Health personnel, implementing partners, NGOs and INGOs;
• Demonstrated ability to develop individual and institutional capacity;
• Fluency in local languages Kanuri, Babur, Hausa and English;
• An excellent report-writing skill is required including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Hausa;
• Good communication and Interpersonal skills;
• Team management experience with similar programs;
• Ability to observe and to provide feedback on the activities;
• Ability to manage staff according to local culture and organization policies.