District Coordinator, Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH)

The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries, while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. For more information, please visit: http://www.clintonhealthaccess.org

Although some progress has been made, Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Rates remain unacceptably high in Lesotho. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has decreased from 936 per 100,000 live births in 2006 (LPHC, 2006) to 618 per 100,000 in 2016 (LPHC, 2016) however, despite these gains, Lesotho is still far behind meeting its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 targets, with a lifetime risk of maternal death estimated at 1:32. Like the MMR, Lesotho’s Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) is also unacceptably high. According to UNICEF, the NMR was 38.5 per 1,000 live births in 2016, representing only a small reduction since the 1990s when the NMR was 40 per 1,000 live births .

Recognizing the need for an innovative and high impact response to reduce the high maternal and child mortality rates, CHAI – Lesotho in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other implementing partners, plans to roll out Maternal and Newborn Health program (M-MAMA) that will focus on expanding access to emergency transportation and strengthening referrals by establishing an innovative public-private Maternal and Newborn Emergency Transportation system (EmTS); and leveraging on other existing maternal and newborn interventions to accelerate reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality in Lesotho. A timely referral network is essential to ensure that women and newborns can access facility services and receive skilled care especially when complications arise. Improved, affordable and scalable transportation to health facilities will allow women to reach facilities in time for delivery, or to be quickly sent to higher levels for comprehensive emergency obstetric care when experiencing complications.The Program is implemented in a phased manner conducting activities at national, district, health facility and community levels. CHAI is leading the M-MAMA partnership in supporting district level implementation.

CHAI-Lesotho is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual with experience in supporting health project implementation and stakeholder engagement experience as a District Coordinator, Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH). The District Coordinator will report to the Program Manager, Maternal and Newborn Health and work with other program team members, including government and implementing partners. H/she will support the setup and launch, implementation and transitioning to government ownership of the M-Mama program in Lesotho, at the sub-national levels. The specific role of District Coordinator will be to strengthen capacity of the health system at district, health facility and community level and enable sustainable delivery of M-MAMA Program interventions services. The District Coordinator, Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) is the primary focal person responsible for planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of M-MAMA project activities in the respective catchment districts and as guided by the program goals, objectives and implementation frameworks. The District Coordinator, Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) will provide technical assistance to District Health Management Teams, Health Facilities and Communities to implement and monitor M-MAMA program activities in the district. He/she will also be responsible for establishing and strengthening good coordination with government leadership structures including the entire District Health Teams, District Administration and other Local Government structures including area Chiefs, Councilors and Village Health Workers. The Coordinator will support catchment districts, dispatch centres and health facilities to effectively manage community transporters. The District Coordinator, Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) will organize, provide oversight, and facilitate events including logistical and technical support to the planned program interventions in the district ensuring compliance with CHAI Lesotho financial and operational guidelines and procedures. This position will be based in Leribe.

Overall Program implementation and technical support for quality project implementation
• Oversee the implementation of M-MAMA Program and other related MNH activities in catchment districts including activity planning and budgeting, coordination, execution and reporting in line with the overall M-MAMA program workplan.
• Establish and sustain effective engagement with District Health Teams, Administration, and other Health Implementing partners to inform the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of maternal and newborn emergency referral and transportation system (M-MAMA EmTS) at district, health facility and community levels
o Coordinate and ensure successful M-MAMA program introduction and orientation of all key stakeholders in catchments on program goal, objectives, and implementation arrangements.
o Coordinate and garner technical input into key program implementation tools and protocols from district level stakeholders. This will include referral pathways, program baseline and monitoring data collection, development of payment system for community drivers and overall IT component of the program.
o Work with District Health Management Teams (DHMTs) to coordinate M-MAMA EmTS engagements, trainings and awareness activities at district, health facility and community levels,
o Working with the District Administrator, coordinate activities and engage key stakeholders to recruit, orient and manage community emergency transport and transporters.
• Support in the set up and management of M-MAMA Dispatch centre and troubleshooting any issues that may arise
• Work with DHMT MNH focal persons to conduct routine program/MNH performance reviews and provide program progress updates and reports as required. This will include supporting Districts and health facilities to use data for decision making.
• Actively represent CHAI in relevant district level meetings and workshops while providing technical input and support to districts.
• Develop strong working relationships with key stakeholders in catchment districts and ensure coordination of resources and efforts for sustainable implementation of EmTS services. For example, resources for training of health care workers on Basic and Emergency Obstetric and Newborn care, basic MNH supplies and equipment.
• Support the program to document best practices (in form of case studies, success stories, video clips in addition to the routine and ad hoc reports).
• Support routine and donor reporting processes.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in working in Public Health
• At least three years’ work experience gained through supporting implementation of health programs and with proven ability to coordinate activities of different stakeholders at district and or sub-district level. Prior experience in/understanding of referral networks and health emergency transportation/transfer projects is an added advantage.
• Experience in working communities with good knowledge of the public health system and structures. Understanding of key Maternal and Newborn Health Issues, interventions and challenges in Lesotho is an added advantage,
• Strong experience in coordinating with districts, health facilities and mobilising communities while working with partners and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with different program partners and stakeholders to achieve collective program targets and goals
• Ability to navigate district processes of operations and work varied sectors to achieve consensus on M-MAMA program implementation.
• Ability to identify and manage program risks, proactively addressing or reporting issues before they affect program performance and stakeholder relationships
• Ability to make linkages between interventions/programs

Education requirements
• Must have a University Degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development studies and other related studies.
• Master’s Degree in Public Health is an added advantage.