Position Summary
Lead exposure poses a critical yet avoidable environmental health risk in Nigeria, disproportionately impacting children under five, pregnant women, and communities exposed via environmental and consumer product routes. Recent research underscores consumer goods—including cosmetics, spices, and other widely accessible products—as significant yet overlooked contributors to this public health challenge.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (Most), led by the Honorable Minister of State for Health, spearheads the coordination of national initiatives aimed at mitigating lead exposure through strategic policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, surveillance mechanisms, and targeted public health interventions. This collaborative effort involves key regulatory bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), ensuring a cohesive and effective approach to addressing this critical public health challenge.
Substantial advancements have been achieved in mitigating lead exposure throughout Nigeria, evidenced by the establishment of a national lead poisoning policy and inter-agency coordination frameworks, alongside Well-supported initiatives such as laboratory capacity evaluations and legal landscape analyses. At this juncture, there exists an urgent necessity to capitalize on these accomplishments by expediting the execution and reinforcing the enforcement of current regulations, while simultaneously advancing national policy frameworks and augmenting government resource allocation—with particular emphasis on exposures linked to consumer products.
Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) is seeking a consultant to be stationed within the Office of the Honorable Minister of State for Health, tasked with facilitating the execution, inter-ministerial collaboration, policy development, and strategic leverage of the Minister’s influence to advance initiatives addressing lead exposure reduction and emergency response in Nigeria.
The primary duties and responsibilities include executing core tasks and activities integral to the role, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. These encompass a range of functional responsibilities designed to support key processes, maintain efficiency, and contribute to overall productivity. Additionally, the position requires adherence to established protocols, meticulous attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving to address challenges that may arise. Collaborative engagement with cross-functional teams may also be necessary to achieve shared goals and deliver consistent results.
The Consultant will collaborate closely with the Office of the Honorable Minister of State for Health, the Senior Technical Advisor, Lead Poisoning Nigeria, the Principal Advisor, Cardiovascular Health Nigeria, the Executive Director of RTSL Nigeria, and relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDS), including the Inter-Agency Working Group (AWG) on Lead Elimination.
Engaging and coordinating with stakeholders is a critical responsibility, requiring effective communication and collaboration to ensure alignment and project success. This role involves managing relationships with key individuals and groups, addressing their concerns, and facilitating productive interactions to support organizational objectives. Proficiency in stakeholder analysis, negotiation, and conflict resolution is essential, as is the ability to adapt strategies to meet varying needs and expectations. Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach are necessary to build trust, foster engagement, and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Enhance coordination among stakeholders engaged in reducing lead exposure by further developing the existing stakeholder mapping framework.
Monitor interactions and engagements involving governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, such as members of the Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Elimination.
Assess areas where collaboration may be lacking and facilitate the synchronization of stakeholder activities to align with key implementation objectives.
Formulate strategic guidance to address human resource development and institutional capacity-building requirements.
Our role involves providing support in regulatory implementation and enforcement, ensuring adherence to applicable standards and guidelines through meticulous oversight and guidance.
Develop the established regulatory framework to facilitate the enforcement of existing regulations pertaining to lead content in consumer products, such as cosmetics, spices, and other merchandise.
Conduct a thorough analysis to pinpoint critical obstacles that impede the successful implementation of policies and regulations within pertinent agencies and sectors.
Formulate practical strategies to enhance enforcement systems and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
Facilitate the harmonization and collaboration of regulatory initiatives among various ministries and agencies to ensure cohesive policy implementation and compliance.
Monitor the implementation progress of current regulations and pinpoint potential avenues for expediting their execution.
We are seeking to enhance our organizational capabilities through targeted capacity strengthening initiatives. This role requires a commitment to developing and implementing strategies that build internal competencies, improve operational efficiency, and foster sustainable growth. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify skill gaps, design tailored training programs, and measure impact through data-driven assessments. Proficiency in change management, adult learning principles, and performance evaluation is essential, along with experience in designing scalable solutions for diverse teams.
Conduct an assessment of critical capacity deficiencies that may impede the successful execution and enforcement of interventions related to lead.
Evaluate the technical and laboratory capabilities for biomonitoring, consumer product testing, environmental analysis, and ambient testing to ensure robust and reliable operations.
Develop and implement tailored strategies aimed at enhancing systems—encompassing workforce capabilities, infrastructure, and professional development initiatives.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to spearhead high-level policy development and drive the acceleration of government initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in public policy, extensive experience in government relations, and a proven track record of implementing impactful programs. Responsibilities include crafting strategic policy recommendations, collaborating with key stakeholders, and ensuring the timely execution of legislative and programmatic objectives. The role demands exceptional analytical skills, the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, and a commitment to advancing innovative solutions for societal challenges.
Assist the Inter-Agency Working Group (AWG) in driving the advancement of the National Lead Policy and its Implementation Plan, placing critical focus on practical execution.
The Office of the Honorable Minister of State for Health will utilize its convening authority to foster structured, high-level inter-ministerial discussions among essential ministries, agencies, and external stakeholders.
Collaborate in the planning and facilitation of strategic engagements, roundtables, and policy dialogues to drive forward implementation and enforcement efforts.
Examine government systems to pinpoint key opportunities that will expedite the implementation of programs aimed at reducing lead exposure.
Assist in crafting policy briefs, talking points, and strategic documents to facilitate informed high-level decision-making and advocacy efforts.
Collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing the allocation and financing of government resources to bolster implementation and enforcement activities.
The position involves providing coordination and advisory assistance to ensure seamless operations and informed decision-making. Responsibilities include managing schedules, facilitating communication between teams, and offering strategic guidance to support project objectives. The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to analyze complex information, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication abilities to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Deliver expert technical guidance to the Office of the Minister of State for Health concerning lead exposure, focusing on practical implementation and enforcement strategies.
Prepare concise briefs, reports, and analytical summaries regarding project progress to equip the Minister and RTSL program team with the necessary insights for informed decision-making.
Support coordination and foster collaboration among relevant government ministries, departments, agencies (MDS), and partner organizations engaged in lead elimination initiatives.
Collaborate effectively with the State Technical Advisor (STA), Lead Poisoning Nigeria, and the Principal Advisor, Cardiovascular Health Nigeria to maintain alignment with national health priorities.
Facilitate the organization, documentation, and subsequent follow-up activities for AWG meetings, as well as regional and global convening.
Facilitate meaningful participation in policy deliberations, compose comprehensive technical briefs, and develop strategic documentation to support organizational objectives.
Perform additional duties as directed by RTSL’s technical leadership team in partnership with government stakeholders.
The project requires the fulfillment of specified contractual obligations, ensuring all deliverables are completed accurately and delivered within the agreed-upon timeframe. Each deliverable must meet the established quality standards and align with the project scope, as outlined in the contract agreement. The contractor is responsible for verifying that all outputs adhere to the stipulated requirements before submission. Timely communication with stakeholders regarding progress, potential delays, or any necessary adjustments is essential to maintain transparency and accountability. Additionally, the contractor must document all deliverables comprehensively to support verification and future reference.
To provide a concise update on stakeholder coordination progress and actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing alignment and execution, which will be presented to the Ministry.
Professionals are tasked with tracking and documenting advancements as well as identifying deficiencies in the execution and oversight of current lead-related regulations, with a specific emphasis on consumer products, for dissemination to pertinent stakeholders.
Assess and present identified bottlenecks, government procedures, and critical initiatives to stakeholders to expedite regulatory enforcement efforts.
Documentation and outputs resulting from senior-level policy dialogues and stakeholder engagements managed by the Minister of State’s office.
Assist senior government officials by crafting policy briefs, preparing talking points, and developing advocacy materials to enhance informed decision-making at the highest levels.
Formulate and suggest strategic approaches to enhance government resource allocation and investment for the implementation of lead poisoning intervention programs.
Provide technical expertise and well-documented contributions to the development of the National Lead Policy and its corresponding Implementation Plan, focusing on practical application through the AWG.
Provide regular technical briefings to the Office of the Minister of State for Health to ensure timely and accurate information dissemination.
Periodic reports, including a quarterly consultancy report featuring strategic recommendations, are prepared for sustained implementation, enforcement, and national scale-up, and are shared with RTSL.
The position involves overseeing and administering contracts to ensure compliance with terms, conditions, and organizational policies. Key responsibilities include negotiating, drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts with vendors, clients, and internal stakeholders. The role requires a strong understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills. Additionally, the individual will monitor contract performance, track deadlines, and resolve disputes to mitigate risks and optimize value. Proficiency in contract management software and attention to detail are essential for success in this role.
The Independent Contractor is responsible for submitting all deliverables directly to the Principal Advisor and Manager of CVH, Nigeria, who will oversee the management of this contract and track progress toward the agreed-upon deliverables.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is required. Three or more years of professional experience in software development, systems engineering, or a comparable technical discipline is necessary. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential. Experience with cloud platforms, such as AWS or Azure, and containerization technologies like Docker is highly desirable. Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate effectively within a team are critical. Knowledge of DevOps practices, Agile methodologies, and CI/CD pipelines is a plus.
Candidates must possess advanced degrees in fields such as Public Health, Environmental Health, Toxicology, Environmental Science, Food Safety, Public Policy, or closely related disciplines.
A decade or more of hands-on professional experience in environmental health is essential, with a proven track record in areas such as lead exposure prevention, regulatory frameworks, or public health initiatives.
Demonstrated success in facilitating policy execution, collaborating with governmental entities, and engaging key stakeholders at senior levels.
Proven track record in orchestrating policy dialogues and collaborating with high-level government officials.
Proficiency in collaborating with governmental bodies and navigating public sector frameworks, with a focus on Ministries, Departments, and regulatory agencies, is required.
Demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of public sector operations, regulatory frameworks, and policy development initiatives.
Proven expertise in analytical thinking, effective communication, and the creation of detailed technical reports is essential.
Proven capacity to function efficiently within complex policy frameworks and politically charged settings.
Required to travel domestically within Nigeria when necessary.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
