NGO job : National Consultant at the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) 9 month contract job (Apply now)

• Contract Type: Consultant | Duration: 9 Months | Application Deadline: 19th February 2025

• About UNICEF

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) operates in over 190 countries, advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable children. In Nigeria, UNICEF focuses on critical areas such as healthcare, education, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) to combat challenges like Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

• Background

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affect 1.7 billion people globally, with Nigeria bearing a significant burden. Over 66% of Nigerians live with at least one NTD, including lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, and trachoma. These diseases thrive in areas with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, perpetuating cycles of poverty and stigma. UNICEF seeks a dedicated consultant to accelerate Nigeria’s efforts toward eliminating NTDs across 12 priority states.

• Role Overview

The National Consultant will provide technical expertise to Nigeria’s Federal and State Ministries of Health, WASH institutions, and partners to achieve the goals outlined in the WHO 2021–2030 NTD Roadmap and Nigeria’s NTD Masterplan 2023–2027. Key focus areas include improving treatment coverage, conducting epidemiological evaluations, and integrating WASH initiatives into NTD elimination strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Coordination
• Facilitate monthly state-level meetings to monitor treatment coverage (target: 80% therapeutic, 100% geographic coverage).
• Support epidemiological assessments in 40 LGAs after sustained onchocerciasis/LF treatment.

• Resource Mobilization & Advocacy

Engage traditional leaders, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders to secure funding and local ownership of NTD programs.

Guideline Implementation

• Finalize and launch the WASH/NTD Integration Guidelines in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH).
• Document WASH/NTD interventions in 36 LGAs across 12 UNICEF-supported states.

Monitoring & Reporting

Track Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) campaigns and ensure accurate data reporting for accountability.

Deliverables

• Inception Report: Detailed work plan outlining strategies, timelines, and milestones.
• Advocacy Reports: Documentation of stakeholder commitments and follow-up plans from 6+ states.
• NTD Elimination Progress Report: Achievements against MAM targets and treatment coverage.
• WASH/NTD Guidelines: Officially launched and integrated into partner work plans.

Requirements

• Education: Advanced degree in Parasitology, Public Health, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in national/subnational WASH or NTD programs

• Skills

• Proficiency in stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s healthcare and WASH institutional frameworks.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is a plus.

Travel: Willingness to work in rural/semi-urban areas.

UNICEF Values: Commitment to Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

How to Apply

Submit your Technical and Financial Proposals via the UNICEF Application Portal

Download and complete the Financial Proposal Form

Deadline: 19th February 2025 (West Central Africa Time).

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications missing financial/technical proposals will not be reviewed.

Download and complete financial proposal form below ????????????????????