Program Officer, Somalia
Based in Nairobi
The overall objective of Merlin’s work in Somalia is to contribute to a reduction of health inequalities and to a reversal in the current downward trend in health related indicators.
Merlin does this by responding to emergency needs as well as continuing to build on lasting working relationships with communities and local partners; supporting the strengthening of the Somalia health system; Using the lessons learned at local levels (at community level) to feed into national-level programming and planning.
As a Program officer, you will work towards the achievements of MERLIN’s goals in Somalia through effective lateral relations with the Communities and the Field teams.
You will be based in Nairobi with frequent travels to Somalia spending at least 40% of the time in the field.
The Program officer will work hierarchically and functionally under the Country Health Director (CHD) and hence all the reports and tasks performed have to be reported to the CHD.
You will be responsible for (but not limited to):
The Program officer will provide assistance and expertise in monitoring, impact assessment and evaluation of development projects using a range of credible methodologies that contribute to program and project management.
Attribute impact to project interventions, assess the effectiveness of project implementation, and provide clarification through qualitative research less tangible or quantifiable impacts.
To collect the statistics from the field teams (Somaliland, Puntland and South Central), feed them in the Merlin HIS software.
Analysis of the statistics project wise.
Prepare the Analysed monthly reports for each project in the form of graphs and narrative reports covering both qualitative and quantitative indicators as mentioned in the project proposal as well the other necessary indicators which can help in effective monitoring and evaluation of the projects.
Maintaining the deadlines in receiving, compiling and analysing the monthly data.
Regular field visits to liaison with the community Health committees and act as a focal person from Merlin to liaison with the communities from Somaliland, Puntland and South Central regions of Somalia.
Develop Community Health committees and village committees where such committees are not existent with the help of field project officers.
Conduct regular Meetings and documenting all the minutes of all the meetings that take place with different committees.
Sensitization of the communities on the Merlin projects and on the Mandate of Merlin.
To chair the Health Cluster Meetings in the Puntland (whenever requested) and to be an acting Co chair (in the absence of the CHD) at the Health cluster meeting at Nairobi level.
Help the Nairobi team to review the reports to be submitted to the Donors respecting the deadlines.
Compile proposals and concept notes whilst coordinating with all relevant team members.
Receiving weekly and monthly sit-reps and communicating with relevant departments regarding requests from the field. Ensuring follow ups from relevant departments and feeding back to the field.
Managing the funding tracker to ensure it is up to date with all funding information.
Managing the reporting schedule to ensure reports are submitted on time. Sending out schedules each month to all PCs with reminders of which reports are due that month.
Editing the donor reports and incorporating input from technical staff.
Communicating regularly with the desk in London to keep track of reports, proposals etc that are being reviewed and to providing the desk with information.
Organizing monthly programme review meetings and quarterly CMT meetings.
Sending information requested from Head Office such as information for website articles, photos, case studies.
Ensuring Donor Map is being updated with new donor information and Merlin interactions with donors (meetings, action points, proposal submissions).
During quarterly review meeting provide an analysis of the program performance against the set targets
Together with the technical teams documents best practices and lessons learnt at the end of the project.
Conducting any other tasks, within the scope of your role, which you may be assigned by the Country Health Director and/or Country Director.
Qualifications:
Medical background as a clinical officer or a registered Nurse is a MUST.
Public health background is a MUST. Degree in statistics is an asset for selection process.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluating complex international development programs.
Excellent knowledge of statistics.
Professional use of computer software for statistical analysis.
Advanced working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, ACCESS and/or other database programs.
Previous experience with US government-funded programs and knowledge of OFDA, DFID, UNICEF reporting procedures.
Previous experience working in fragile or transitional state environment with security challenges.
Fluency in English and Somali languages is a MUST.
To apply for this position
All applications including cover letter and cv should be sent to:
HR Department,
Merlin, Nairobi Office,
P.O Box 3350 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya
OR
Email to:
recruitment@merlin-kenya.orgApplication deadline is 5:00pm on Tuesday, 9th April 2013.
Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Data Protection
Please note that in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act, Merlin will hold and use personal information that you have given for the purpose of recruitment and employment. This information can be stored in manual and/or electronic form.
This information may also be disclosed to third parties in accordance with the Data Protection Act. In cases where a job offer is conditional on ensuring that potential employees’ names do not appear on counter terrorism lists generated by the United Nations, European Union or the United States due to donor funding requirements, Merlin will use the information that you have given for checking that your name does not appear on these lists.