Program Associate (Guinea Bissau) At Solina Group

Introduction
Solina Health is a health systems consulting firm founded by professionals with decades of experience in health care and health system consulting with top-rated firms; as well as in the design and management of large health care programs including health insurance programs, HIV care and treatment programs, maternal and child health programs, and immunization programs. Our work seeks to chiefly benefit disadvantaged and under-served populations.

Role Summary
Solina Health is seeking to engage a Program Associate to support the EPI team in enhancing EPI management within Guinea Bissau’s Oio and Cacheu regions. The primary objectives include boosting Routine Immunization coverage and reducing zero dose alongside strengthening EPI management capacity at both regional and sanitary area levels.

Terms of Engagement
The Program Associate will be engaged for an 18-month period over which s/he will support the Solina team in implementing the program deliverables. The work will mostly be executed in close collaboration with the Guinea Bissau team. The Program Associate will receive a monthly fee/salary for their effort based on defined KPIs.

Technical Responsibilities

The Program Associate will collaborate with the in-country Guinea Bissau team to provide technical assistance to health facilities and regional stakeholders to achieve the following:

• Support EPI teams in Cacheu and Oio to establish technical working groups with ToRs
• Support the regional teams in Cacheu and Oio to develop annual EPI work plans incorporating key interventions and facilitate quarterly workplan performance reviews
• Lead the engagement and onboarding of private facilities to provide RI services to communities
• Support the efficient management of vaccine supplies to maintain optimal stock levels and mitigate vaccine stock-outs
• Engage regional stakeholders to ensure maximum participation in the implementation of proposed interventions
• Collate and analyze EPI data across key performance indicators to monitor and evaluate service delivery across facilities
• Conduct mentoring visits to prioritized facilities to assess immunization sessions conduct

Other Job Responsibilities

• Participate in routine joint problem-solving sessions with Solina team (Both in-country and Nigeria team)
• Provide routine updates and progress reports on the implementation of the program interventions

Required competencies

• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Portuguese (Communication skills in French is and Creole are an added advantage). Communication skills include active listening, negotiation, and influence, giving and receiving critical feedback, and public speaking;
• Average computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates, and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
• Results-oriented performer, experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;
• Must be resident in Guinea Bissau (Preferably Oio or Cacheu region)

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in science or social science courses (degree in Public Health, or health-related course is an added advantage)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) planning and implementation (critical requirement), Health system strengthening, Health program management, or a related