John Snow, Inc., and our nonprofit JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., are public health management consulting and research organizations dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world.
SHORT-TERM TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
DESCRIPTION
TSHIP facilitated the creation of 100 women’s groups (WG) in Bauchi and Sokoto States. Most of the 100WG were formed in 2011 and a few early in 2012 from already existing organic women groups in the various wards.
These women groups have over the years evolved and have increasingly become pressure groups demanding and promoting access to skilled health services, operate revolving fund scheme where group members save their own money and take loans to support small scale businesses, pay medical bills and support education funding for their children. Most of these women groups are involved in group savings in there is an end of cycle pay-out shared among members to fund a range of activities. The consequence of this positive development is that the role of 100WG is now much more strongly aligned to governance—to advance MNCH and increasingly advance the strategic interests of women in general—the strategic approaches underpinning this new role has not kept pace with this need. In addition, the imminent change in leadership at state and local government levels in both states offer a unique opportunity for well-prepared 100WG to tap into a phase that is likely to be receptive of new ideas and new partnerships.
RESPONSIBILITIES
To respond to a technical support request of 100 women groups to craft strategic approaches that better position the groups as influential advocates to promote better governance that serve the interests of women in entrepreneurship and access to financial services, and in development for reproductive, maternal, newborn health and family planning services in Sokoto and Bauchi States.
• Detailed work plan of activities covering the duration of the assignment.
• Report of review findings
• Complete report of unedited interviews conducted
• Final report shall include: Key Findings from Landscape Analyses-including Results, Achievements, Opportunities and Lessons Learned, Key Factors Enabling /Affecting Women’s’ Influence on Governance, Propose Strategic Framework, Key Recommendations and Proposed Key Activities
QUALIFICATIONS
• Advanced university degree in sciences, medicine or related field
• At least eight years working experience working with women groups, particularly in relation to enhancing women’s decision making roles in governance
• Experience in training and mentorship of rural women
• Professional competence and efficiency in commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results
• Proven experience in surveys and assessment, result-based planning, performance monitoring, health information system analysis and reporting
• Excellent reporting and communication skills are essential requirement.
• Working knowledge and understanding of demographic and health issues of Northern Nigeria would be an advantage
• Previous working experience in Bauchi and Sokoto States will be added advantage.
• Willingness to travel in high risk States in Northern Nigeria is required.
• Work closely with TSHIP Senior Security Advisor on travel advice and related safety concerns in Bauchi and Sokoto States.