Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) Specialist At Technical Advice Connect LTD/GTE (TAConnect)

The scope of work (SOW) sets forth the services to be provided by the Subaward Associate to Technical Advice Connect LTD/GTE (TAConnect), a non-profit organization registered and based in Nigeria, with the mandate to strengthen health system and quality of service delivery.

TAConnect is implementing a multi-year maternal and newborn health system strengthening project in Borno and Gombe States, with the goal of reducing maternal and newborn mortality. The program focuses on strengthening health facilities’ capacity to provide quality Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC), improving demand and access to skilled delivery, deploying digital and interoperable systems for data-driven decision-making.

Position Title: Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) Specialist

Job Cadre: Specialist
Type of Employment: Full time (2 years, renewable, subject to funding)
Organization: TAConnect, Nigeria
No. of Positions: 2
Location: Gombe & Borno, Nigeria

Job Description

The MNH Specialist will provide strategic technical leadership and hands-on support for the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of maternal and newborn health interventions. The specialist will ensure alignment with national guidelines and global best practices, working across service delivery points to improve quality, coverage, and equity of maternal and newborn health services, including Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC). He/She will also ensure adherence to TAConnects’ policies and donor regulations in the states.

The position requires a strong background in health systems strengthening, reproductive, maternal and newborn health and nutrition (RMNH+N).

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

• Conduct health facility assessments, gap analysis mapping and quality improvement initiatives across primary and secondary health facilities
• Conduct training needs assessments and lead capacity-building efforts for health workers on key MNH competencies, including EmONC.
• Facilitate training-of-trainers (ToTs), on-site coaching, and mentorship programs health care workers across supported health facilities
• Build capacity of health care workers and relevant community-based structures in support of integrated service delivery, through mentorship, training and peer to peer learning , fostering  a culture of continuous quality improvement
• Support the design and implementation of strategies to increase utilization of skilled birth attendance and EmONC services.
• Promote client-centered care practices that ensure the adoption of respectful maternity care and evidence-based practices during labor, delivery, and the postnatal period to improve patient outcomes.
• Mentor during skill building efforts for health workers quality improvement, use of data for decision making and other skills required for effectively managing the reliable delivery of quality high impact, integrated RMNH+N at PHC and community level
• Provide routine integrated supportive supervision (ISS), establishing and maintaining effective Quality Improvement Teams, and development and implementation of quality improvement plans focused on measurable improvement aims,
• Collaborate with social and behavior change (SBC) teams to identify demand-side barriers and promote community awareness of RMNH+N services, especially skilled birth attendance and early postnatal in target communities.
• Institutionalize and strengthen Quality of Care, including Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) and other clinical audits at state, LGA, facility and community levels.
• Strengthen referral systems between primary and secondary health care facilities.
• Strengthen data collection, analysis, and use related to MNH indicators at facility and district levels.
• Represent the project in technical working groups and relevant stakeholder meetings.
• Contribute to the development of reports, presentations, policy briefs, and technical documents.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health or a related field. Master’s degree is added advantage.
• At least 5 years of experience in MNH programming
• Demonstrate expertise in health systems strengthening, quality improvement, and EmONC services.
• Familiarity with national health systems, RMNH+N policy frameworks, and community health strategies.
• Strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Experience working with government at national and state levels in Nigeria or Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Experience working with donors, government partners, and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management tools, and familiarity with DHIS2 or other health information systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse teams.
• Commitment to advancing equity in health care service delivery.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, familiarity with DHIS2 or other health information systems.
• Strong verbal, listening, writing, and inter/intrapersonal skills essential for effective coordination
• Strong ability to multi-task will be highly desirable.
• Fluent in English, (written and oral communication) and any local language.

Supervision

The Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) Specialist will report directly to the State Team Lead.

Working Conditions/Duration of Assignment

There are two full-time positions, based in Gombe and Borno, Nigeria. There will also be frequent travel to field sites.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should apply by sending their updated Resume, and their Cover Letter detailing their interest in the position to [email protected]  using the Job Title “Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) Specialist, (please indicate your preferred state Gombe or Borno)” as the subject.  All applications should be sent on or before 11:59 PM Nigerian Time, 14^th October 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; therefore, early submission is advised. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.