ACSM Advisor Abuja (1- Consultant)- Abuja – FSN 9 at JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) is a public health management consulting and research organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world. JSI is currently implementing the Routine Immunization Project. The project’s overarching goal is to strengthen routine immunization programs to 1) sustainably overcome the entrenched obstacles contributing to stagnating and declining immunization rates in the supported states, and 2) address the barriers to reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children with life-saving vaccines and other health services. 

The Project is providing technical assistance to support routine immunization strengthening in 9 states, applying a co-creation approach to improve equitable coverage with a focus on identifying, understanding, and reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children. ACSM is one of the key strategic objectives of the project, aimed at creating awareness on planned vaccination outreaches, and collaborating with community members and other partners to address vaccine hesitancy and demand barriers.

JSI Nigeria requires the services of short-term consultants to support ACSM activities under its Routine Immunization Program. The available position is:

(1)    ACSM Advisor Abuja (Consultant)

The ACSM Advisor Abuja (Consultant) will report to the Project Director and provide technical support to the field team in all key ACSM programmatic areas related to routine immunization outreaches and new vaccine introduction as may be applicable in the states. S/he will work with the JSI team at the national and state levels to provide strategic direction to the ACSM component of the Project according to the approved work plan to ensure the achievement of objectives. The ACSM Advisor Abuja (Consultant)’s role will support community-based interventions in JSI’s Routine Immunization intervention areas to promote vaccination uptake among under-five children in hard-to-reach communities.

• Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of ACSM activities across the focus states to promote improved utilization of immunization outreach services.
• Support State ACSM Consultants in identifying relevant stakeholders at the LGA and community levels to improve vaccination uptake by zero-dose and under-immunized children.
• Participate in state-level technical working groups and other similar forums to promote JSI visibility on advocacy and communication activities aimed at improving utilization of immunization outreach services.
• Provide reports of ACSM activities, learning and adaptive management, including sharing lessons learned, success stories, and community feedback.
• Maintain successful relationships between the Project and community associations, community leaders, and other key stakeholders at the national level and the focus states.
• Represent JSI in relevant meetings and technical forums at the LGA and state levels
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

• At least 5 years’ experience designing and implementing ACSM programs for routine immunization and other health interventions across multiple states, with clear theories of change, specific, measurable and timebound objectives, and performance indicators.
• Degree in public health, behavioural science, psychology, communications, or related field; Master’s degree is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting human angle stories for varied audiences
• Experience in building strong relationships with traditional and social media entities and using media relations and channels to engage public audiences.
• Experience in building and maintaining a network of stakeholders, and in working with coalitions.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills in English.
• Knowledge of one or more languages of the focus states will be an added advantage