Job Title: Maternal & Neonatal Health Specialist
Organisation: Makerere University Joint AIDS Program (MJAP)
Duty Station: Jinja, Uganda
About Organisation:
Makerere University Joint AIDS Program (MJAP) emerged from the Mulago – Mbarara Teaching Hospitals Joint AIDS Program (MJAP) which was established in November 2004 under the then Makerere University Faculty of Medicine. Over the last 20 years, we have broadened our work beyond the support of provision of comprehensive HIV and TB services to include capacity strengthening for health care workers across Uganda and conduct research to inform policies for HIV/TB and other HIV comorbidities in the country.
Job Summary: The MNCH Specialist will provide technical assistance to enhance access to and utilization of high-quality maternal and newborn health (MNH) services at both community and facility levels across the East Central Region. He/she will lead the technical direction and implementation of MNH interventions, ensure alignment with national priorities, and contribute to health system strengthening efforts across the region.
Reporting directly to the Director of Technical Services, the MNH Specialist will offer technical oversight and mentorship to regional and district teams, fostering capacity building, quality improvement, and performance tracking. This role involves frequent travel to focus districts and health facilities to provide hands-on support and ensure effective implementation of MNH activities.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide technical and strategic leadership for evidence-based MNH programming at facility and community levels, ensuring alignment with national priorities and global best practices.
- Offer guidance on MNH policy and programming, ensuring synergy and complementarity with other MNH initiatives and coordination mechanisms.
- Support program design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning in collaboration with project teams and Government of Uganda (GoU) structures at national, regional, district, and facility levels.
- Coordinate and oversee the provision of MNH technical assistance to address identified regional, district, facility and Community needs.
- Lead the development and adaptation of MNH capacity-strengthening interventions, including training, mentorship, coaching, tools, and guidelines to support GoU efforts.
- Provide technical oversight for implementation research and learning, including identification of knowledge gaps, data analysis, and dissemination of evidence to inform practice and policy.
- Engage actively in national and regional RMNCH networks and technical forums, fostering partnerships across government, donors, and the private sector to advance MNH priorities.
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration within the project, with partners, and across stakeholder institutions.
- Contribute to operational research, including study design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of abstracts, manuscripts, and technical reports for dissemination.
- Represent the organization in relevant technical, coordination, and policy fora at district, regional, and national levels.
- Support resource mobilization efforts by identifying opportunities, contributing to proposal development, and engaging with partners and donors to sustain program impact.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Master’s degree in public health or health management. Clinical background in Obst/Gyn or Paediatrics with public health training is strongly preferred.
- At least six (6) years of work experience in the Uganda health system, preferably at regional or district level.
- Deep knowledge of the landscape for MNH programming in Uganda, including related key GoU and USG priorities
- Excellent knowledge of Uganda planning and performance management system, district supervision and the country’s MNH quality of care plan and roadmap.
- Excellent knowledge of Uganda district and community-level structures.
- Systems analysis skills applied to RMNCH services desired.
- Experience leading moderate to large size teams of health professionals.
- Experience working with a USG-funded health programs is desired.
- Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with Ministry of Health and district and regional officials, and other implementing partners.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven ability in technical writing, documentation, and resource mobilization to support program sustainability.
Note: MJAP is dedicated to inclusion and diversity, evaluating all job applicants solely based on merit, regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, or disability. As an equal opportunity employer, MJAP does not charge applicants at any stage and is not responsible for losses from fraudulent recruitment activities.
How to Apply:
All qualified candidates are invited to apply online at the link below
Deadline: 4th December 2025
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Level of Education: postgraduate degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 72