Technical Advisor – Maternal & Newborn Health Emergency Referral Systems

About the role

The Technical Advisor will provide overall technical, operational and strategic leadership for the Emergency Referral Systems (ERS) program in Zambia, strengthening timely access to lifesaving maternal and newborn care. Based in Lusaka, the role involves day‑to‑day implementation, team supervision and close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners.

Key responsibilities

• Translate the approved program document, work plan and budget into clear team priorities, implementation plans and milestones.
• Lead and mentor the ERS team, coordinate national and provincial staff, and monitor performance to resolve implementation bottlenecks.
• Oversee procurement, allocation and equipping of ambulances and motorcycle‑ambulances, ensuring transparent, needs‑based deployment.
• Guide development and operationalisation of referral pathways, protocols, tracking tools and community reporting forms.
• Provide technical oversight for capacity‑strengthening activities, community awareness and birth‑preparedness initiatives.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading health programs in low‑resource settings, preferably in maternal and newborn health.
• Strong knowledge of emergency referral and transport systems, including coordination with government and NGOs.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with ability to work with ministries, donors and implementing partners.

Required skills

• Project management and budgeting expertise.
• Monitoring, evaluation and data quality assurance.
• Procurement coordination and asset management.