Employer: International Rescue Committee
Location: Sierra Leone
Description
The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women's empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home. The IRC has been working in Sierra Leone since 1999, and currently programs across three core sectors 1) Health 2) Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE), and 3) Education.
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is unprecedented in scale and in the response required. Prior to the Ebola outbreak, the IRC health team was supporting maternal, newborn and reproductive health in two districts (Kono and Kenema), as well as supporting a network of over 3,500 Community Health Workers (CHWs) implementing Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) across four districts (Kono, Kenema, Kambia and Tonkolili). In response to Ebola, the IRC health team has expanded programs and geographic areas of operation. The health team is expected to expand further as part of the Ebola recovery strategy with a particular emphasis on strengthening Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health outcome. At present, the health team supports the following programs:
Infection prevention and control in district government hospitals (3 districts)
Infection prevention and control in peripheral health facilities (3 districts)
Community event based surveillance (4 districts)
Integrated community case management (4 districts)
Reproductive health (2 districts)
SCOPE OF WORK
The Senior Health Coordinator (SHC) is the focal point for the health program in Sierra Leone, responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight and leadership to a diverse and accomplished team of national and international professionals, and ensuring high quality implementation of projects and programs. The SHC will support the management of a complex multi donor portfolio through the post Ebola transition and recovery phase. The SHC will engage the organization, in line with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), to support the health system strengthening approach in key identified and prioritized area where IRC can have maximum impact. This includes the IRC implementation of programs through the Health Consortium. The SHC will have 2-5 direct reports, with a team of over 80 staff across four districts. The SHC will be supported by the Deputy Director of Programs and a technical advisor from the IRC health unit in New York.
Strategic Direction and Technical Oversight
Oversee the implementation of all IRC’s health programs to ensure programs are delivered timely and with high quality.
Provide technical support to the health team to ensure programs are on track to achieving the prioritized outcomes, based on available evidence and theories of change, and that are in-line with MoHS policies.
Represent the IRC to local communities, government departments, international agencies, local partners and donors as required, and ensure that key strategic information and follow-up points from this forums are communicated and used as necessary for the improvement of the program.
Represent the IRC health program as a member of the Technical Team for the Health Consortium.
Conduct a minimum of one quarterly field visit per district, to monitor implementation, mentor and update teams and to provide any additional support required to ensure quality program implementation.
Work with the IRC Education Coordinator and Women’s Protection and Empowerment Coordinator to develop cross sector programs to address health issues in a holistic manner.
Program Management – grants, budgets, monitoring and implementation plans
Lead the development of new proposals for the health program, that are developed based on the prioritized outcomes and their theories of change.
Oversee implementation to ensure that programs are delivered as designed, based on the budget and timeline, but are also adapted as needed and allowed, based on the evolving context.
Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of robust program M&E plans, to ensure data is collected to be able to report timely to donors, MoHS and IRC HQ, and that it is analyzed be able to adapt and improve the program to better achieve the overall outcomes.
Ensure that all reports required for donors and for IRC New York health unit, are completed and submitted as required.
Ensure implementation is done according to internal IRC and donor regulations.
Ensure the development and monitoring of accurate spending plans to ensure the burn rate is line with the activity implementation progress, and that budgets are spent according to the contractual agreement with respective donors.
Human Resource Management
Participate in the development of staff development plans 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 evaluation of Health staff in Sierra Leone.
In consultation with the Health Coordinator, DDP and Admin/HR Coordinator, review applicants for all health positions and assist in the recruitment of qualified health staff.
Ensure the timely completion of performance reviews, and the development and implementation of capacity building plans based on staff professional goals.
Miscellaneous/General
Other duties as assigned by the DDP and Country Director.
Requirements:
A Masters in Public health. A clinical background would be an advantage but not a necessity
At least 3 years of on the job project management experience in a low resource country, with strong proficiency in project planning, implementation, monitoring and financial management. Experience working in multiple contexts and/or challenging and unstable environments is preferable
Creative and analytical thinking skills, with proven ability to make decisions, and lead in capacity and organizational development.
Strong coaching and mentoring skills,
Demonstrated ability to self-motivate, use initiative, be flexible, and actively and productively contribute to program’s success and development
Strong negotiation skills and an ability to solve complex issues in a diplomatic manner and within a dynamic context
Excellent communication, facilitation, interpersonal and influencing skills and ability to lead and work well in a team setting and with multiple team members
Previous experience of working in Sierra Leone an advantage
Fluency in English Language – essential
Excellent computer skills
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
IRC leading the way from harm to home.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.
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