Organization Description
The International Rescue Committee (IRC), an international non-governmental organization founded in 1933, responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives are and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The IRC works on relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities. Health programs represent the largest single sector within which IRC currently operates, constituting approximately 45% of the international budget and with activities in 25 countries. IRC health programs worldwide are implemented in partnership with Ministry of Health and/or non-governmental organizations. IRC is also engaged in direct provision of health care, safe drinking water and sanitation support to beneficiaries where needed. The IRC was registered in Uganda in mid 1998 and implements rehabilitation activities in the sectors of Child and Youth Protection and development, Health, Economic recovery and Development and women protection and empowerment as well as contributing to the response to the Southern Sudanese Refugee situation. IRC Uganda has a head office in Kampala, field offices in Kitgum, Karamoja and in Kiyrandongo. The health program in Uganda includes a maternal and child health project in Acholi and Karamoja regions as well as an integrated immunization-Family planning project in both regions and support to reproductive health service delivery in Kiryandongo refugee settlement.
Scope of work
This is a senior management position responsible for overseeing all aspects of IRC's health programs in Uganda in close collaboration with the Health Coordinator (HC) and field based Health Managers. Particular responsibility of the Deputy Health Coordinator (DHC) DHC will be to oversee IRC’s health interventions on immunization and family planning funded through the Pfizer Foundation as well as the operations research that goes with that, immunization research funded by 3ie and other areas as needed. The DHC will be based in Kampala with frequent travel to the field sites (at least 50%). The DHC will work with the Health Coordinator and Health Technical Unit to roll out and follow up on submission of solicited/ unsolicited proposals as well as donor and government reports. In addition, the DHC will undertake program monitoring and evaluation as well as provide guidance to field based staff on implementation of health programs in refugee settlement and local community settings. This position will collaborate with the HC to maintain regular contact with all partners, including the Ministry of Health, UN agencies and other NGOs, and will also contribute to fulfilling IRC strategic objectives and the country program strategy action plan (SAP) for the health sector. Technical support will be received from the New York and London based Technical Advisors.
Key Responsibilities
Technical
- Participate in the development of new proposals and initiatives for the IRC health program in Uganda.
- Assist in identifying unmet needs in the health sector at project sites and explore the potential of IRC in addressing those needs according to the Uganda SAP.
- Provide technical supervision of all IRC health projects to ensure quality implementation. Extend technical support and supervision to the IRC’s implementing partners
- Ensure that health programs utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as recommended by the IRC, Ministry of Health and WHO. Ensure that all health activities are consistent with established best practices.
- Promote the quality of the IRC’s health programs by setting up quality assurance systems and checks in collaboration with the HC and field based health staff
- In close collaboration with the Health Coordinator, ensure that appropriate communication channels are maintained with the Health Unit Technical staff in NY.
Program Management
- Grant Management
- Ensure that all assigned health grants are implemented according to internal IRC and donor regulations with an overall review by the HC
- Participate in grant opening, midterm review and grant closing meetings for all health grants and ensure that the same process is implemented in the field
- Support field staff in use of grant management tools such as the budget tracking tools, activity progress monitoring tools, procurement plans, etc.
- Budget Monitoring
- Conduct monthly BVA reviews and make appropriate recommendations to the finance and logistics staff in Nairobi as well as to the field based health staff
- Ensure that assigned budgets are spent according to plan and as per contractual agreements with respective donors
- In collaboration with field staff develop spending plans and monitor the implementation of these spending plans for respective grants
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Ensure that the stated goals and objectives of all assigned health projects are met with strong monitoring and, evaluation follow up and reports are written and submitted to concerned bodies in a timely manner
- Participate in the design of robust program’s M&E plans and design/adapt health information systems including surveillance systems for the IRC health programs in Uganda; Conduct regular project review meetings with field based staff to assess the level of achievement of project targets for the assigned health grants. Monitor program implementation against work plans and overall project objectives, documenting progress and achievements, providing analysis and adapt program strategy and implementation accordingly
- Ensure effective and high quality reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use, capturing best practice to support program decision making
- Lead and coordinate the capacity building for field based program staff, as well as partner organizations’ staff where appropriate, on monitoring, supervision and evaluation, as well as other identified areas to build the knowledge and implementation of M&E activities throughout the project. Relevant trainings may include basic concepts, qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, analysis and use of M&E data
- Human Resource Management
- In collaboration with the HC, lead the health sector staff development plans for project staff based on performance reviews in collaboration with the human resources department and contribute to the training of health staffs (mentoring, on-the-job sessions as well as formal trainings).
- In consultation with the HC and Admin & HR Officer, review applicants for all health positions and assist in the recruitment of qualified health staff.
- Representation and Advocacy
- In coordination with the HC, actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders in Uganda including donors, government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors.
- Develop strategic partnerships with local organizations, wherever possible.
- Represent IRC to local communities, government departments, international agencies, local partners and donors as required.
- Assist in organizing donor site visits by supporting field staff in the smooth design and implementation of agendas and visit activities.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine / registered Nurse / Clinical Officer, with MPH.
Work Experience:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in developing, management/coordinating health programs in a wide range of contexts such as developing/ under developed countries, refugee settings, natural disaster etc.
- Demonstrated experience in design and use of project design tools, project/grant management tools, data collection and monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Experience in situation analysis, health assessments and program implementation.
- Experience in working with and coordinating with the UN, EU, US donors, internationals and national NGOs and government agencies.
- Demonstrated experience in capacity building and mentoring and team building. Demonstrated leadership, communication, and facilitation skills.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
- A dynamic and flexible individual with ability to multi task and who can work under pressure and acts as a team player;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent Microsoft word and Microsoft excel, power-point presentation skills.
- Willingness to travel to 'insecure areas within the constraints of IRC Uganda's security policy.
HOW TO APPLY:
To Apply: Log on to: http://chj.tbe.taleo.net/chj04/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1...
Female are strongly encouraged to apply. International allowances are not available, position open to Ugandan Nationals only.
