Technical Advisor-Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and highly-organized Technical Advisor to provide technical expertise and support in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the project-Interrupting transmission of Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis. You will work closely and collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international partners, during the project's implementation and evaluation phases. The position will be based in Bungoma, with regular travels to the field to provide technical and implementation support to both County and National governments and other actors. This role requires a solid understanding of Kenya's health system, the NTD program in Kenya, and the epidemiology and control strategies for various NTDs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Areas Activities
Program Management

•  Oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the program.
•  Ensure the NTD control and elimination activities are designed and implemented in line with national and international guidelines
•  Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to design and implement evidencebased strategies to control and eliminate NTDs in accordance with national and international guidelines
•  Monitor and evaluate the progress of NTD interventions, analyze data, and propose adaptive measures to improve program efficiency and effectiveness.
•  Develop detailed work plans, budgets, and timelines to ensure the effective execution of the project’s activities

Technical Expertise

•  Provide technical guidance to field teams and partners working on NTD control projects.
•  Provide specialized knowledge on NTDs, including current best practices and
• Technical Advisor/Neglected Tropical Diseases emerging trends.
•  Ensure the use of evidence-based strategies in all program activities.

Advocacy & communication

•  Advocate for increased political and financial commitment to NTD program at the national and county levels.
•  Develop and implement advocacy strategies to raise awareness about NTDs among stakeholders.
•  Advocate for increased awareness and support for NTD control and elimination efforts.
•  Create and disseminate communication materials to various audiences, including policy-makers, donors, and the public.

Collaboration and networking

•  Establish and maintain partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, donors, and other stakeholders to strengthen the NTD control network.
•  Facilitate multi-sectoral collaboration to enhance the effectiveness of NTD interventions.
•  Collaborate with local communities, partners, and stakeholders to mobilize resources and build alliances.
•  Represent the organization in national and international NTD forums and conferences.
• Coordination  Foster coordination and collaboration among various organizations and partners involved in NTD control efforts, including Ministries of Health, WHO, and NGOs to ensure synergy and avoid duplication.
•  Facilitate regular coordination meetings and ensure effective communication among all stakeholders.
•  Work with various NTD stakeholders to coordinate the integration of NTD services within community outreaches.

Research and Innovation

•  Identify and implement innovative approaches and technologies to improve program outcomes.
•  Promote and support operational research to generate evidence for NTD control and elimination.
•  Monitor program indicators and outcomes to assess the impact of interventions and identify areas for improvement
•  Collaborate with academic and research institutions to advance knowledge on NTDs.
• Capacity Building  Collaborate with national and regional health authorities to enhance their capacities in NTD surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
•  Assess capacity needs and develop capacity-building plans for program staff and partners.
•  Conduct training sessions and workshops for healthcare professionals, community health promoters, and other stakeholders to enhance their knowledge and skills in NTD control.
•  Provide ongoing mentoring and technical support to County teams.

Reporting & Documentation:

•  Ensure timely and accurate reporting of program activities and achievements to donors and stakeholders.
•  Maintain comprehensive documentation of program processes, lessons learned, and best practices.
•  Prepare technical reports, publications, and presentations to share program results and impact.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

•  At least Five (5) years’ experience in implementing Public Health programs, preferably in NTDs sector.
•  Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Social Sciences, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
•  Strong knowledge of the epidemiology of NTDs and their targeted interventions, including preventive chemotherapy, WASH, and SBCC.
•  Experience in advocacy, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.
•  Agile and able to simultaneously manage and ensure quality execution of multiple tasks
•  Detail-oriented, excellent in oral and written communication, with strong analytical skills
•  Excellent in problem solving skills
•  Familiarity with WHO guidelines and strategies for NTD control and elimination

Competencies

•  Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
•  Highly adaptable
•  Honesty and high on integrity