Options Consultancy (Options) is preparing to implement a second phase of a Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Innovation Learning Platform. The Learning Platform will support organisations (innovators) who have received funding to advance their work in SRH, including safe abortion. The objective of the innovators is to employ innovative and transformative approaches that put women and girls in control of their reproductive health choices.

The Platform will be expected to accelerate and track the impact of innovators by providing non-financial support. To do so, the Platform will support innovators in groups and individually to work towards and achieve proof of concept and develop a plan for sustainable impact at scale. The Platform will leverage learnings from previous phases of the initiative, innovators’ lessons learned, and expertise in the area to provide best practices and build a collaborative innovator community and extended professional network.

The Platform will support a cohort of active innovators at different stages of their innovation journey (some receiving seed funding, some receiving funding to support scaling). These innovators will be focused on testing new or improved approaches to increasing early access to existing abortion products and services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as well as testing next generation methods of pregnancy termination, menses induction or conception interruption providing one or more significant improvements over existing methods.

Over the 18month project, the Platform will provide localised, bespoke support and capacity building for innovators based and working in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas and Asia, including technical assistance to drive context-specific support and scaling strategies. This will be achieved by a small yet highly adaptable Project Team (inclusive of the Project Lead, Programme Manager, SRH Innovation (this position), pool of specialised consultants and Options’ in-house experts.

• Support the Project Lead to define project tasks and resource requirements, including developing project work plans and supporting the design and implementation of effective technical assistance strategies.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to coordinate the high-quality delivery of the project
• Supporting the delivery of technical assistance to innovators in your technical area of expertise (I.e. 1:1 support, group sessions, project strategy).
• Coordinate and ensure high-quality delivery of the programme’s workplan including but not limited to the logistics, and supporting the design and delivery of activities (i.e. Webinars, group learning workshops, and that targeted / transition to scale innovators are receiving the support as desired)
• Develop and manage project budget (internal and client facing) and lead on project-specific budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Conduct internal and external financial and management reporting, including invoicing and expenditure tracking and variance analysis, monitoring the expenditures and costs against delivered and realised milestones as the projects progress.
• Ensure thorough understanding of and compliance with the head contract keeping track of all important details of the agreement, including key deliverables and milestones, dates, deadlines, and opt-out/negotiation windows, and termination or cancellation requirements.
• Ensure high quality administration of the contracting and due diligence process, including tracking of communication and decisions made, and filing of documentation.
• Provide technical and programme management support to the Programmes Resource Unit or New Business and Partnership team for new proposals or programmes, as required.
• Contribute to knowledge management within Options including in relation to the Platform

• A relevant degree in relevant subject area, or comparable professional experience in a relevant field.

- Relevant technical expertise field could include: Health innovations, health systems strengthening, health financing, advocacy and accountability, gender and social inclusion, prevention of violence against women and girls, maternal, newborn child and adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, safe abortion, or social norms change

• Experience in a professional environment and delivery of work in both French and English
• Good experience of working in international development at Programme Management and/or Technical Officer / Consultant level
• Experience of the development and implementation of programmes. Including supporting and co-ordinating technical or programme management work in similar organisations
• Ability to work on a wide range of projects and other issues simultaneously
• Self-starter, can work independently or as part of a team
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Benefits

Options offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave allowance. For more details please contact HR at [email protected] for country specific benefits.

Application process

• To apply, please fill in the form.
• Closing date for applications is 05 March 2023.
• Please note that this role will be subject to full pre-employment background checks including criminal record check, identification check, employment references and right to work verification (where appropriate).
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest.

Other information

• As an equal opportunity employer, Options Consultancy Services is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage or civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Options Consultancy Services.
• Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and postholders to share this commitment.
• We seek people who are pro-choice, promote diversity and inclusion, are energetic and enthusiastic about Options’ vision.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, Kenya or Nigeria.