Senior Technical Advisor, Lead Poisoning Prevention - Abuja, Nigeria

Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) is a global health organization that partners locally and globally to create and scale solutions to the world’s deadliest health threats. Millions of people die from preventable health threats. We collaborate to close the gap between proven, life-saving solutions and the people who need them. Since 2017, we’ve worked with governments and other partners in more than 60 countries to save millions of lives. We work toward a future where people live longer, healthier lives, communities flourish, and economies thrive. This is an ambitious vision, and it inspires us and our partners to make progress every day. 

Resolve to Save Lives’ (RTSL) Cardiovascular Health unit works with partners to eliminate artificial trans-fat from the global food supply, increase global control of high blood pressure to 50%, reduce the global intake of salt by 30% and recently began work in the area of lead poisoning elimination.    

Position Purpose

RTSL Nigeria is seeking a Senior Technical Advisor (STA) to lead a new initiative to prevent lead poisoning. The Senior Technical Advisor, Lead Poisoning Prevention, will strategically develop, manage, and advise on RTSL’s efforts to support the Government of Nigeria and state authorities in strengthening and accelerating the prevention of lead poisoning. This position requires a strong mix of strategic thinking, operational skills, political and media awareness, and the ability to work effectively in partnership with government, communities, and other stakeholders. The STA will coordinate national and state-level activities to drive rapid and measurable progress while ensuring that government leadership remains at the forefront. This role offers the incumbent the opportunity to help shape a new program and is critical to its success.  

This position will collaborate closely with both RTSL senior leadership and team members to shape the program on lead poisoning at RTSL, Nigeria. The role will report to the Principal Advisor and Manager, CVH, RTSL Nigeria, with matrix reporting and technical guidance from the Global Senior Technical Advisor, Lead Poisoning Elimination. The incumbent will work closely with the RTSL Nigeria Senior Technical Advisors for Laboratory, Legal, and Policy Advocacy. This position will be expected to travel within Nigeria to collaborate with government partners (estimated 30% of travel).

Length of engagement: This is a two-year fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal/extension based on funding and mutual interest.  

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Technical Advisor is responsible for driving the efficient implementation of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Project in Nigeria. The role holder will ensure the work stays on track and remains focused on the practical implementation of impactful strategies to reduce lead exposure in collaboration with the government.   

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:  

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including government officials at national and sub-national levels, academic and research institutions, industry partners, and community members.  
• Ensure alignment of RTSL’s lead program activities with the National Multisector Lead Elimination Framework and the broader government lead elimination agenda.  
• Manage RTSL’s engagement with relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment, as well as international partners and other key stakeholders, to advocate for the establishment and/or enforcement of lead regulations.  
• Work with the government and partners to strategically engage the media in promoting awareness of lead poisoning prevention efforts.  
• Provide strategic oversight for the delivery of the Lead Elimination Project work plan, priorities, and related initiatives under the guidance of the Executive Director and Principal Advisor, CVH.  
• Work closely and collaboratively with other team members, particularly the Global STA, Lead Poisoning Elimination, and the Laboratory, Legal, and Policy advocacy advisors, to ensure project goals are met. 
• Facilitate communication between project stakeholders, including government officials, industry stakeholders, and community members.  
• Represent RTSL at strategic meetings and convenings.  
• Support operational planning and track project progress and prepare reports of project status and outcomes, and synthesize findings for reporting to RTSL, government, partners, and donors.   
• Support the development and implementation of policies aimed at reducing lead exposure, working with government and industry officials.   
• Provide technical input as needed to support the project, including with contracts, procurement of equipment such as XRF machines, and other project-related operational requirements.   
• Develop and/or support the development of toolkits, presentations, scientific articles, learning papers and other technical and communications materials regarding lead poisoning elimination in Nigeria.  
• Collaborate with RTSL’s CVH team via regular meetings, reporting, and technical support, as needed.  

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree or higher in Environmental Health, Public Health, Global Health, Public Policy, or a related field

Experience

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in public health with a strong background in program management and policy development (environmental health and lead elimination experience is a plus)
• At least 5 years of experience working with national and sub-national government entities on strategy and intergovernmental, sectoral and agency coordination  
• Demonstrated experience working across multiple sectors, departments, agencies and institutions with high-level government officials, international organizations, and development partners  
• Proven track record in program strategy, program design, and stakeholder engagement  
• Experience using adaptive project management approaches  
• Familiarity with global environmental health frameworks, including One Health approaches, and in surveillance  

Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in guiding strategic plans and managing projects that align with organizational goals, with a desire for continuous improvement, which will involve regularly reviewing strategies and sharing insights to refine programs
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s health architecture and understanding of interagency dynamics on strategy execution and alignment on commitments and timelines  
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with government ministries, agencies and departments, donors, the private sector, intergovernmental organizations and other stakeholders
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, communication, negotiation, and diplomacy skills, with the ability to engage at the highest levels of government and international health institutions  
• Exceptional strategic thinking and decision-making skills to drive the lead poisoning prevention initiative and amplify RTSL’s impact  
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations  
• Excellent technical report writing, presentation and interpersonal skills for engaging and influencing senior and high-level government officials and non-governmental partners, and multilateral agencies

Other 

• Ability to travel within Nigeria (estimated 30% of travel)
• Passion for RTSL mission and a strong commitment to achieving meaningful, scalable impact

  Compensation and Benefits

Resolve to Save Lives prides itself on cultivating a supportive, connected remote team doing work that matters. We do everything possible to ensure our employees are connected and set up for success.

The salary for this role is competitive and set according to national labor rates for the international NGO sector in Nigeria. The exact offer will be determined by various factors, such as the candidate’s skills and experience relative to the requirements of the role.

In addition to a competitive salary, Resolve to Save Lives provides a generous package of benefits, including: 

• Health insurance for you and your dependents 
• Contributions toward retirement  
• Paid annual leave and sick leave, in addition to public holidays 
• Two paid, week-long organization-wide breaks at mid-year and end-of-year  
• Professional development and home office setup benefits 
• Up-to-date computer equipment 

RTSL believes its programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by individuals with diverse life experiences whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We encourage applications from and provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, organ donor status, or status as a veteran. Resolve to Save Lives complies with all applicable US EEO laws.