MSH is implementing a UNICEF-funded activity to improve quality of care (QoC) for the maternal and newborn services high impact value added (HIVA) interventions across Afghanistan for an initial period of 2 years. The objectives of the activity include 1) Institutionalize the implementation of Quality Improvement (QI) cycles for HIVA interventions at a minimum targeted 50 BPHS & EPHS health facilities; 2)  Strengthen core competencies of health workers including referral-level professionals on HIVA interventions across a minimum targeted 50 BPHS and EPHS facilities; 3) Enhance decentralized training capacity through establishment of mini skills labs across a minimum of ten provincial hospitals for HIVA interventions; and 4) Strengthen the monitoring and evaluation system of service providers to gauge the progress and results of the QoC project for HIVA implementation support.

Main responsibilities of the position:

The Neonatal Specialist is primarily responsible for providing technical support to project staff and NGO health workers at central and provincial levels. The role involves designing and implementing HIVA maternal and newborn interventions focusing on the period around childbirth and the early neonatal stage, with special attention to the care of small and sick newborns.

More specifically:

Technical Assistance:

• Design and implement technical support activities related to neonatal care to assist health stakeholders.
• Develop a detailed annual work plan in coordination with UNICEF and the Project Manager to address priority neonatal health conditions at tertiary and secondary-level care, including NICU care with high-impact HIVA interventions.
• Provide technical assistance in neonatology to project mentors and NGO health workers through in-class, on-site, and virtual forms.
• Provide technical expertise and best global practices on key neonatal-related health issues, including updated guidelines and necessary information.
• Ensure the technical quality of all interventions provided by the project, especially neonatal components, according to national policies and protocols.
• Foster a culture of data demand, transparency, access, and use with all health system actors working in neonatal care.
• Stay updated on key developments in neonatal care and health in Afghanistan and abroad to inform technical support activities.
• Support clinical mentors at the provincial level to implement project activities and ensure quality services at health centers up to the provincial hospital level.
• Support the implementation of the Quality Improvement program using the revised HQIP tool.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Participate in the preparation and timely production of monthly, quarterly, and annual project reports with other staff and the M&E team.
• Monitor the progress of neonatal-related activities using project indicators.
• Generate regular reports and updates to the Project Manager.
• Produce and submit timely monthly and quarterly reports.

Capacity Building:

• Adapt existing neonatal training programs and materials, including standard newborn kits such as hospital and clinic modules.
• Build the capacity of provincial clinical mentors and counterparts to effectively plan, manage, oversee, and monitor essential neonatal interventions, including advocacy for funding.
• Participate in improving preventive measures around neonatal care and the effective integration of neonatal interventions.
• Assist technical staff and others on the team with matters related to neonatal care and related research and evaluation efforts.
• Build the capacity of team members.

External Representation:

• Represent the project and company in the neonatal technical area in Afghanistan and with the professional community.
• Participate in technical working groups as required in the region.

Other Responsibilities:

• Fulfill any other tasks requested by the supervisor related to the general scope of work of the position.

Required Education:

• Medical doctor with specialty in neonatology or Diploma in child health, or other relevant discipline.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 7 (seven) years of relevant work experience in supporting health sector projects and activities in low-resource settings. STrongly prefer 9 (nine) years of experience with at least seven (7) years management and clinical experience, preferably in Afghanistan
• Experience and knowledge of US Government funded programs, regulations and requirements.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong ability to lead by example, with integrity, purpose, and commitment to the attainment of MSH’s goals and commitment to technical excellence.
• Skilled at creating a climate where high technical performance at all levels of the team is recognized and valued.
• Skilled at delegating appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority on relevant practice area matters.
• Proven skills in working and collaborating with donors, host country institutions, and international organizations.
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills. 
• Demonstrated familiarity with USAID.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrated management experience.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and active listening skills.
• Solid understanding of USG regulations and administrative procedures in the implementation of donor assisted projects required
• Familiarity with other donors and their requirements
• Fluency in English and local languages of Afghanistan

Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with professional colleagues from multiple units and within various socio-cultural contexts.
• Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and solve problems using innovative, evidence-based solutions.
• Understands how to collect, synthesize, interpret and present data.

Physical Demands

• Ability to regularly visit the field to monitor and guide activities (approximately 40%).

Interested candidates should apply through the below link and submit an application form for positions they are suitably qualified for.

https://msh.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Afghanistan-Kabul/Neonatal-Specialist_R4628?locationCountry=db69b722446c11de98360015c5e6daf6

Please click the employment opportunities tab and select Afghanistan from the list of countries. A list of positions will appear, please select those you wish to apply for. Candidates who do not apply through the above-mentioned link will not be considered for the shortlist. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap.