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. As the focal point for the health program in Uganda the Health Coordinator (HC) will ensure the implementation of quality health care programing in all project sites in Uganda. The Health Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining regular contact with all partners, including the Ministry of Health, UN agencies and other NGOs, and will also be responsible for fulfilling IRC strategic objectives and the country program strategy action plan (SAP) for the health sector. The Health Coordinator supervises the Deputy Health Coordinator and field based Health Managers, and reports to the Country Director. Technical support will be received from the New York and London based Technical Advisors. The position is based in Kampala with regular trips to IRC’s programs throughout Uganda at least 40% of the time.
Key Responsibilities
Technical
- In collaboration with other health program colleagues and the Country Director, oversee the implementation of health projects implemented by IRC Uganda including the maternal and child health projects in Acholi and Karamoja regions, the refugee health program as well as any other health projects.
- Provide technical supervision of and guidance to all IRC health projects. Extend technical support and supervision to the IRC’s implementing partners as needed.
- Ensure that health programs utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as outlined by the 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 mechanisms and checks in collaboration with other staff.
- Ensure sound data collection and information management systems are in place for ongoing performance analysis and programmatic action based on data and identified needs.
- Ensure that the stated goals and objectives of all health projects are met with strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) follow up, including any required operational research, with technical support from the Health Information Management research teams in New York as needed.
- Set up a system for documenting IRC health program outcomes and outputs in collaboration with the grants unit and the Country Director.
- Participate in the design of robust M&E plans and design/adapt health information systems including surveillance systems for the IRC health programs in Uganda.
- Provide technical support to the health program for program design, proposal development and reporting, ensuring that IRC programs are of high quality and that programs are driven by data and learning, working in conjunction with the Grants Unit, and the Country Director.
Management
- Provide supportive supervision to the Deputy Health Coordinator, Health Managers, and other health program staff to develop work plans for implementation of approved grants. Support the field teams in the implementation and monitoring of the work plans ensuring that activities reflect the commitments IRC made to the donor and community.
- 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
- In collaboration with program and grants staff, set up a budget tracking system and review Budget vs. Actual expenditure for health programs on a monthly basis with staff.
- Participate in the development of 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).
- Review performance of health staff in the field and provide supportive approaches to address issues identified.
- Develop/organize training opportunities to build the capacity of the health staff and local partners in order to transfer skills. This includes staff training in program management areas such as reporting, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, and supervision.
- Oversee the implementation of health sector priorities, ensuring that program growth is in line with country SAP.
- Review all reports prepared by the field staff and provide appropriate feedback to the concerned staff, and ensure that reports are written and submitted to concerned bodies in a timely manner.
Representation and Advocacy
- In coordination with the Country Director, 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:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine, Advanced Master’s degree in relevant field, Masters in Public Health preferred.
Work Experience:
- Minimum 5 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. Capacity to adapt health programming and organizational structure in a continuously changing context
- Experience in situation analysis, health assessments and program implementation. Knowledge, skills and experience in participatory methods, community development and partnership.
- Previous experience supervising and managing a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural setting.
- 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.
To Apply: Log on to: http://chj.tbe.taleo.net/chj04/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1...
Deadline**: Wednesday January 20, 2016**. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Female are strongly encouraged to apply. International allowances are not available, position open to Ugandan Nationals only.
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.
