Newborn Technical Officer

Jhpiego is an international, non-profit health organization affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University. Jhpiego develops innovations to enhance the capacity of health care workers, strengthening health systems and improve delivery of care towards improving the health and well-being. Jhpiego has been collaborating with the Government of Malawi and various partners in implementing a wide-range of interventions in maternal, newborn and child health, family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention and care and treatment, since 1999. 

Jhpiego, is seeking a highly qualified Newborn Technical Officer to provide technical expertise and leadership in the design, implementation and oversight of advanced newborn, including small and sick newborn (SSNB) health activities, as part of comprehensive maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition (MNCH-N) program in Malawi. In close collaboration with partners, the small and sick newborn program activities will focus heavily on increasing coverage and quality of a family-centered package of care for hospitalized small and sick newborns in level 2 or secondary care facilities.

The Newborn Technical Officer will be based in one  of the  Jhpiego 's operating districts  in , Malawi, reporting directly to the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Nutrition (MNCH-N)  Technical Advisor

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical assistance for the design and implementation of context-appropriate SSNB interventions, primarily focusing on hospitalized SSNB populations in secondary (level 2) facilities.   
• Support implementation of essential elements of small and sick newborn care at level 2 facilities working in close collaboration with partners and districts. 
• Support the implementation and strengthening of KMC across multiple levels of the system in supported sites.
• Guide introduction, procurement and optimization of essential SSNB equipment (e.g., bubble CPAP systems, oxygen sources/concentrators, phototherapy, radiant warmers/incubators, etc.) and ensure usability, safety, and maintenance systems are in place. 
• Strengthen stabilization at birth, neonatal resuscitation and immediate post-resuscitation care in maternity/newborn corners and newborn units, ensuring seamless linkage with intrapartum services and referral pathways. 
• Foster cross-program integration with maternal health, intrapartum/newborn care, child health, nutrition (including breastfeeding and feeding of small infants), and infection prevention and control. 

Capacity-strengthening and Quality Improvement 

• Oversee the development and/or revision and rollout of competency-based SSNB trainings, mentorship and clinical coaching for nurses, midwives, medical officers, pediatricians, and biomedical technicians. 
• Collaborate with MEL and Quality Improvement teams at global, regional and country levels to improve and monitor quality of small and sick newborn health services, using routine health information data as feasible. 
• Represent Jhpiego in strategic engagement with Ministries of Health, professional associations, UN agencies, donors, and implementing partners to align SSNB strategies and resources. 
• Oversee preparation of technical reports, case studies, learning briefs, and presentations of project SSNB health activities and results. 

• Advanced clinical degree (e.g., Pediatrician/Neonatologist; Medical Doctor with neonatal experience; Registered Nurse/Midwife with advanced neonatal training and experience). 
• 7-8 years of experience in neonatal/SSNB programs, including ≥5 years providing clinical specialized newborn care in LMIC settings (preferably secondary hospitals/Level 2 neonatal units). 
• Direct clinical experience and expertise in the provision of specialized neonatal services, as part of interprofessional caregiving teams, at secondary care hospitals (Level 2/district level).   
• Updated knowledge of global SSNB evidence and guidance. 
• Excellent knowledge of the public and private health system in Malawi and implementation environment  
• Strong skills in data use for decision making and QI.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and coach technical staff, and model respectful and compassionate communication and care.  
• Ability to work independently and with team members and partners at all levels; strong analytical and strategic thinking skills. 
• Fluency in written and spoken English. 
• Ability to travel up to 40% to districts
• Neonatal and advanced neonatal subspecialty training and certification, optimally as a trainer (e.g., Essential Newborn Care/Helping Babies Breathe, S.T.A.B.L.E., ETAT+, NRP, KMC, infant feeding, IFCDC, etc.).
•  Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Professional proficiency in Chichewa is required.

All staff irrespective of their position are expected to comply with and follow Jhpiego operational procedures and policies, and codes of conduct. 

                                       Jhpiego offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive employee benefits package.

                                                                     Please apply at www.jhpiego.org/careers

Applicants must submit a single document for upload, including a cover letter, resume, and references.

                       For further information about Jhpiego, visit our website at www.jhpiego.org

Note: The successful candidate selected for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.

Jhpiego is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to tough international child safeguarding standards.

Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Jhpiego promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans.

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