Introduction

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a leading Africa-based, African-led, international research institution headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with a regional office in Dakar, Senegal. Our researchers are contributing to the body of evidence about the critical issues in population health and wellbeing impeding Africa’s development in order to provide strong direction and recommendations to policy- and decision-makers at all levels. Our priority research areas are Human Development, Health and Well-Being, Data Science and Evaluation, and Population Dynamics and Urbanization in Africa. In addition to the research component, APHRC has other programmatic areas in Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, Policy Engagement and Communications and International programs.

APHRC is partnering with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to implement the Catalyze initiative that seeks to link research outputs to policy and decision making for geographical impact in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Kenya. In Nigeria, this initiative aims to improve health outcomes for women and children through evidence-based interventions. Throughout the project cycle, a broad range of stakeholders and partners will be involved, including federal and local government agencies, NGOs, private sector, and academic institutions.

APHRC is based in Nairobi, and to ensure effective partner engagement in Kano and Lagos states in Nigeria, we are looking to recruit two (2) National liaison officers for Kano State and Lagos State, preferably based in these states. The consultants should have experience in the Research and Development (R&D) space, Federal and National agencies such as the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Education (MoE), as well as have linkages with the private sector and government agencies. The liaison consultants will support specific aspects of implementation, monitoring and reporting of results of the initiative at the state and federal level, within the timeframe and framework of the project. They will provide relevant implementation data to ensure documentation and follow-up on results required for successful implementation.

The liaison consultants shall report directly to the Catalyze Project Manager based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Scope of Work

The consultants will be required to:

• Coordinate activities in Kano and Lagos states respectively, and follow up on the implementation of the Catalyze workplan in coordination with the project manager and ensure execution of project activities as established in the workpla
• Attend project-related meetings, prepare meeting notes and reports, and ensure that action items are followed up.
• Continuously identify and map out key stakeholders in government, development partners, civil society and research institutions.
• Support stakeholder engagement activities, including virtual, in-person and hybrid workshops and convenings to ensure the critical stakeholders are involved.
• Proactively follow up with partners to ensure delivery of agreed upon actions from stakeholder engagements.
• Provide technical support based on regional and national expertise to the design and development of project interventions.
• Facilitate and coordinate relevant engagements and communication between in-country key stakeholders and APHRC project team. These include BMGF country office, relevant government agencies, research teams and advocacy groups in Research and Development (R&D).
• Liaise with relevant government departments and agencies and ensure that all regulatory requirements are
• Closely work with research teams to ensure research proposals and development are well coordinated and completed on time and work with the APHRC project team and BMGF country office to source for funding for the research as articulated by working groups.
• Assist in the development of research proposals, including providing feedback and suggestions to ensure high-quality proposals.
• Ensure that all project-related documents are properly filed and archived.
• Coordinate policy advocacy and communication efforts in the countr
• Ensure adequate communication and dissemination of activities and results of the initiative in accordance with policies, regulations and documents provided by A

Deliverables

The project liaison consultants will be expected to deliver the following:

1. Monthly updates on the country research and policy landscape that could impact on implementation of the pr This includes media updates, political pronouncements, shifts in government and in research institutions and policy landscape for R&D.
2. Quarterly project progress reports on milestones, achievements and challenges and a plan of action for the subsequent quar APHRC will develop and provide a reporting template for the progress reports.
3. Convene at least one stakeholder engagement per quarte
4. A database with relevant stakeholders, including individuals and institutions that are critical for the delivery of the pr
5. Country information to be included in the Research Matching Platform (RMP).
6. Contribute to the development of relevant project publications.

Essential skills and experience

1. A postgraduate degree in Public Health, Social Sciences or a related field.
2. At least 5 years of experience in project management, including managing partnerships, coordinating with government agencies, and working with research
3. Must have a deep understanding of the R&D landscape, including policy landscape in Nigeria, particularly Kano and Lagos states. Existing networks with policy actors will be an added advantag
4. Demonstrable experience working with key R&D institutions, federal and national agencies such as the Ministries of Health and Educ
5. An understanding of government mechanisms and process of using research evidence to inform policies. This includes an understanding of the policymaking cycle and existing government policies for R&D and heal
6. Experience working on projects that have evidence adoption and utilization as their center-piece and linkages with the private s
7. Excellent report writing skills and ability to synthesize large amounts of da
8. Effective networking and communication skill
9. Good analytical and problem-solving skill
10. Flexibility when working around busy schedules and ability to work independently with minimal supervisio
11. Fluency in Englis

12. Duration of the assignment

    The Project Liaison Consultant will be engaged for a period of 12 months with dedication of work time for approximately 12-15 days a month, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

    Application Procedure

    Interested candidates should submit their cover letters, technical and financial proposals to [email protected]  and copy [email protected] with the email subject: “Project Liaison Consultant for Catalyze Nigeria.” The position will be open until filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications should be should be addressed to:

    The Human Resources Officer

    African Population and Health Research Center, Inc

    APHRC Campus, Manga Close, off Kirawa Road, Kitisuru

    P.O. Box 10787-GPO, Nairobi

    Website: www.aphrc.org

    APHRC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the protection of vulnerable persons