| PROGRAMME OVERVIEW |
| The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) site aims to determine and track the causes of under-five mortality and stillbirths through epidemiologic surveillance, including reporting within 24 hours, clinical sampling, and use of advanced laboratory testing and diagnostics across a network of international sites. The area selected for CHAMPS in Sierra Leone is in Bombali district.The Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) procedure used by CHAMPS was developed to reduce the uncertainty regarding causes of death. The data collected from the CHAMPS Sierra Leone site will be added to those from the other eight (8) countries and will help reduce child deaths in LMICs by providing detailed evidence on the cause of death to influence policy of donors and stakeholders. Beginning from the 2025/26 financial year, The Africa Research Collaborative (The ARC), a local NGO in Sierra Leone, has been tasked to support the direct implementation of the CHAMPS programme in Sierra Leone, with initial support from Deloitte, Ghana. As a dedicated group of African researchers, the ARC aims to generate robust local evidence that informs national policies, health guidelines, and service delivery practices. We work collaboratively with governments and health partners to ensure that our research findings lead to culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions. With a long-term, infinite mindset, we manage resources wisely to create an enduring platform that empowers individuals and communities to thrive. The ARC is seeking dedicated employees who are humble, hungry and (people-)smart, and who are deadly committed to our collective mission. More information about the CHAMPS project can be found at https://CHAMPShealth.org/ and more about the ARC at www.theARChealth.org This position is based in Freetown (Seconded to MOH [70%], with 30% time at CHAMPS) Our positions could be placed in any of our offices in Makeni, Bo or Freetown. |
| FUNCTION OF DEPARTMENT | The Data to Action (D2A) process is a central component of the CHAMPS program. It emphasizes the rapid translation of high-quality data on child deaths into concrete actions that strengthen health policies, programs, and interventions. By transforming surveillance findings into practical, evidence-based solutions, this approach drives meaningful change at local, national, and global levels, with the stated goal of reducing preventable child deaths. In Sierra Leone, the Data to Action initiative is a key part of CHAMPS’ efforts to improve the quality of care in hospitals and communities, enhance child health outcomes, and reduce child mortality. It also involves strong advocacy and active engagement with stakeholders and government leaders to influence policies and approaches that can save children’s lives. The proposed role will be seconded to the Child Health Program at the Ministry of Health, to provide direct support to the Program Manager, while ensuring ongoing engagement with the RMNCAH Directorate, as well as the Office of the CMO. |
| MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB | - Act as the primary liaison between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and CHAMPS, ensuring clear and effective communication.
- Support for Child Mortality Surveillance and Death Reviews:
- Support hospitals and district health teams to conduct routine child death reviews in line with national guidelines.
- Monitor and follow up on timely submission of child death review reports to the Child Health Program.
- Provide technical support and mentorship to improve the quality of mortality reviews and reporting.
- Support analysis and dissemination of key findings from child death reviews to inform program improvements.
- Ensure that CHAMPS D2A activities with MoH are implemented on time and in accordance with approved policies and guidelines.
- Advocate for the scaling up of CHAMPS Data-to-Action approaches to enhance evidence-based decision-making.
- Respond to concerns and action points (from meetings) in a timely and confidential manner.
- Ensure CHAMPS findings are channeled through the appropriate platforms, including newsletters, bulletins, websites, social media platforms, publications and program reports
- Support the Child Health Program to draft policy briefs from CHAMPS findings, and help guide them through MOH approval channels
- Ensure internal coordination of D2A activities within the MOH leadership at all levels, including with RMNACH and across sister directorates and ministries
- Coordinate with standing TWG partners to improve collaboration with CHAMPS in the health and development space.
- Maintain communication links with the relevant departments and agencies at MOH on child health.
- Convey directions or requests of CHAMPS to the MoH for corresponding action.
- Provide advice to CHAMPS leadership on the status, capabilities, actions and requirements of the child health program at MOH
- Provide operational information and insights from RMNCAH to CHAMPS as required to upgrade the levels of coordination and mutual support.
- Convey RMNCAH tasking directives, guidelines and priorities to CHAMPS leadership for possible support and collaborations.
- Support the Child Health Program to organize TWG meetings and other dissemination meetings
- Work with the MoH to institutionalize Data-to-Action practices and translational research, ensuring data-driven decision-making becomes integral to health system strengthening.
- Strengthen relationships between the MoH, health facilities, District Health Management Teams (DHMTs), and representative organizations to secure acceptance and commitment to Data-to-Action efforts.
- Support the MOH Child Health Program in delivering its mandate
- Build and maintain relationships with national MOH and key partners/stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned to him/her by the Program Manager, Child Health Program, MOH.
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| REQUIREMENTS | - Experience in training, supervising, and mentoring clinical staff
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with government, non-governmental partners, clinicians, and CHAMPS site staff
- Experience in managing program activities and budgets
- Punctual, efficient, and consistently exhibits a positive, professional demeanor that supports the organization’s mission inside and outside the workplace.
- Demonstrated ability to uphold clinical practices and utilize medical expertise to support programs and initiatives aimed at reducing child mortality rates in Sierra Leone
- Strong team collaboration skills
- Proven judgment, analytic skills, political acumen, and tact in decision-making
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively both with internal and external audiences
- Skilled in prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and consistently meeting them
- Prior experience in an international organization will be a plus
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel required
- Demonstrable strong oral and written communication skills
- Self-starter with the capacity to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to thrive in a multicultural environment
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| GENERAL | - Aware of and adhere to organization quality standards and procedures in accordance with The ARC commitment to working to the highest quality standards and striving for continual improvement
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| SAFEGUARDING | - Be aware of and compliant with all the standards following Safeguarding procedures and policies.
- Promote The ARC’s speak up culture in order to protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
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| FINANCIAL AUTHORITY | - As stipulated in the Policy and Authorities SOP
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| REQUIRED EDUCATION AND SKILLS | A medical degree (MD or MBBS) is a requirement for this role, with a minimum of two (2) years of clinical practice in Sierra Leone or a developing country setting.- A nursing or midwifery qualification or bachelor’s degree in community health or a related field, along with a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a Health Officer or in a similar role, would be considered.
- A solid understanding of project management practices is essential.
- Advanced computer and IT skills are required.
- A master’s degree or a PhD in a health-related or program management field will be an advantage.
Abilities - High levels of flexibility required.
- Ability to work under constant pressure.
- Respect for project deadlines.
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| REPORTING | Data-to-Action Manager (CHAMPS) and Program Manager, Child Health Program (MOH) |
