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Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (MNCH) Specialist

Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental international humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working toward the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. Concern’s Innovations for maternal, newborn, & child health is an initiative that seeks to identify, support, and field test bold, innovative ways to overcome barriers to delivering proven solutions to women and children in Malawi, India and Sierra Leone. Concern Worldwide US, which manages this project, is seeking a Maternal, Newborn & Child Health Specialist for the central project management team that is planning and implementing this effort.

Job Purpose
The MNCH Specialist is the central figure in ensuring that Innovations’ activities and pilot projects are technically sound and state-of-the-art from an MNCH perspective. S/he will work closely with global team members and in-country MNCH staff to uphold health technical standards as part of action research aimed at testing innovative solutions to long-standing MNCH implementation challenges.

The MNCH Specialist will work as part of the Innovations Central Management Team and will report to the Deputy Project Director. S/he will work closely with all members of the Central Management Team, in particular, The Innovations Policy and Learning Specialist and the Innovations Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist. The MNCH Specialist will also liaise with other Concern Worldwide staff and health staff in partner agencies, as needed. This position is based in New York and will require frequent travel (30-40%) to the countries of operation. ( www.imnch.org )

RESPONSIBILITIES
MNCH Liaison Responsibilities
• Actively liaise with MNCH experts affiliated with global/multi-lateral entities such as the Partnership for MNCH, White Ribbon Alliance, Maternal Health Task Force, WHO, UNICEF, Countdown 2015, the Core Group, and others
• Strengthen technical linkages between Innovations and other units/health staff within Concern (at global level and within Initiative countries)

MNCH Technical Leadership Responsibilities
• Provide technical support to Innovations country teams on the identification and selection of innovative ideas to be pilot tested at a district level
• Participate in project design and implementation planning related to all pilot projects
• Establish MNCH technical standards for all pilot projects, feeding into the initiative’s monitoring and evaluation efforts
• Provide and/or broker quality technical assistance to Innovations country staff and implementation teams based on identified needs and capacity gaps

Management Responsibilities
• Develop Terms of Reference and/or work plans for technical consultants
• Supervise the work of other health technical staff (e.g., interns, program assistants, short-term hires), as needed

Responsibilities Related to National and Global Uptake
• Work in collaboration with other Innovations team members to represent Innovations at conferences, meetings and other technical fora
• Author and/or co-author MNCH technical publications for international dissemination and use

Other Responsibilities
• Provide other project support as requested

REQUIREMENTS
• At least 6-8 years of specialist work in the area of maternal, newborn and child health [preferably with experience in both clinical and community-based initiatives]
• At least a Masters level degree (PhD or Dr.PH preferred) in Public Health or a relevant discipline
• Knowledge of health systems strengthening
• Familiarity with at least one of the countries where the initiative is being implemented
• Experience supporting complex, multi-country initiatives
• Strong track record in fostering effective working relationships with health stakeholders at various levels
• Very strong interpersonal and communications skills
• Professional writing and facilitation skills
• Commitment to the core values and vision of Concern Worldwide
• Strong professional networks within the global MNCH community
• Strong understanding of action research related to MNCH issues in less-developed country settings

Interested candidates must send the following two documents to hr.innovations@concern.net .
• Resume
• Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role along with your current salary and salary expectations

Reference your application with the subject line: Maternal, Newborn & Child Health Specialist

Concern Worldwide US is an equal opportunities employer. No phone calls please.

About Concern
Concern Worldwide US, Inc. is an affiliate of Concern Worldwide and supports the Concern network by recruiting staff, supporting program development, creating public awareness of humanitarian issues and financially supporting programs. Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. Since its foundation in 1968, Concern Worldwide—through its work in emergencies and long-term development—has saved countless lives, relieved suffering and provided opportunities for a better standard of living for millions of people. We work primarily in the countries ranked in the bottom 40 of the United Nations Human Development Report. Concern implements emergency response programs as well as long-term development programs in the areas of livelihoods, health, HIV&AIDS, and education.

Read more about Concern Worldwide US, Inc. at http://www.concernusa.org/Public/AboutUs.aspx