25 Jun 2010 17:06:00 GMT
Source: Mercy Corps
Deadline: 25 Aug 2010
Organisation: Mercy Corps
Location: Somalia
Type: permanent
Salary: TBA (000's USD)
Description:
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Mercy Corps will implement a USAID funded health program in Somalia. The program is part of a wider integrated education and water program called SEEDS. The health component of the program will primarily focus on community health education and will work closely with the Ministry of Health in Somaliland.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps seeks to recruit a Program Manager to assist in the implementation of its health activities in Somalia. The selected candidate will be primarily responsible for overseeing the implementation of the program and will play an integral role in the future expansion of the program through conducting periodic assessments in various regions in Somalia. Under the direct supervision of the SEEDS Chief of Party, the Program Manager oversees the implementation of activities by Mercy Corps in close collaboration with the government line Ministries.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Manage health programs running in Somalia according to budget and deadline as set.
Oversee all aspects of quality program implementation; ensuring that effective program reporting, assessment, and monitoring/evaluation systems for internal and external use are being maintained.
Develop project proposals in coordination with the SEEDS Chief of Party and or Director of Programs.
Ensure quality implementation, monitoring and evaluation of SEEDS health sector programming.
Compile routine Mercy Corps internal reports and periodic donor reports.
Ensure best practices are an integral part of the health programming.
Maintain a positive working relationship with both community based and governmental health structures including district, regional, health departments and both state and federal Ministries of Health.
Maintain up-to-date information on health sector problems and priorities in Somalia.
Represent Mercy Corps Somalia in national Health & Nutrition meetings, workshops and networks.
Maintain and enhance good relations with other key NGOs, donors, and International Organizations in the Health and Nutrition sector.
Act as a technical resource and spokesperson for Mercy Corps on Health & Nutrition issues in Somalia.
Draft and/or review concept papers and proposals, developing budgets in conjunction with finance staff, SEEDS Chief of Party and Director of Programs.
Identify potential or actual health emergencies and develop rapid response plans.
Perform field assessments, identify needs, and design appropriate response programs in coordination with the SEEDS Chief of Party and or Director of Programs.
Make frequent visits to SEEDS Program field sites to provide field staff support, address programmatic challenges, and explore potential program possibilities.
Ensure national health program staff members participate in regular trainings and capacity building opportunities.
Liaise with donors and potential partners in identifying and pursuing potential program and funding opportunities.
The Health PM manages health projects and coordinates with health project officers.
The Health PM is directly responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the health activities in target areas, in liaison with the SEEDS Chief of Party.
Organizational Learning
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.Do This
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: All SEEDS Health program staff.
ACCOUNTABILITY
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Chief of Party, SEEDS Program
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: MC Somalia program staff, finance and administrative staff.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Health professional (MD, RN) with strong public health background preferred, MPH an asset.
Demonstrated experience of large scale health program management.
Strong report writing and analytical skills and experience in grant management and proposal writing.
Experience in working with a multinational team in a complex and sometimes insecure environment and the proven ability to support and build the capacity of national staff.
Experience in situation analysis and rapid health assessments and or planning and conducting population-based surveys.
Possesses strong organizational, communication skills, written and verbal, networking skills and strong health background.
At least 2 years knowledge of project planning and implementation with extensive field humanitarian experience in a health role, and prior experience in Somalia a plus.
Ability to be flexible and adaptable, operate for extended periods in austere conditions, and willingness to travel frequently, to stay in the field for extended periods
Ability to coordinate activities with local involvement and establish working relationships with other NGOs.
Good team-worker and able to live and work closely with a team;
SUCCESS FACTORS:
Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation.
Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks in a harsh, stressful environment and keep to deadlines.
Knowledge and understanding of Somali people's culture and political set up and willingness to live and work successfully in that environment.
Strong team player and communicator.
Willingness to interact effectively with international and national personnel and other partners.
Strong organizational skills and discipline to follow outlined procedures.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT:
The Health Program Manager will be based in Hargeisa with frequent travel to the field. Hargeisa is a relatively big town and the seat of the semi autonomous state of Somaliland. It is served by an international airport and has a large community of expatriates from both from UN and International Organizations. Hargeisa has a good selection of local and international style restaurants. However, no international bank exists in Hargeisa and the business community and agencies rely on local banks for money transfers and exchanges. Somaliland shillings and the US dollar are the preferred currency. There are some health institutions but their services are not entirely satisfactory. The security situation is unpredictable in Somalia. Hotels and accommodation, though available are not high quality.
Mercy Corps expatriates will be housed in a guest house with basic shared facilities in all its offices. Mercy Corps Somalia has five working days (Sunday to Thursday) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Due to the security situation, Mercy Corps Somalia has an internal curfew for its expatriate staff which strictly prohibits movements outside the working hours and days. In addition, official travel is equally monitored and approved subject to security clearance.
Because of the insecurity of the location, this position is unaccompanied. In consideration of the level of insecurity, Mercy Corps provides a hardship allowance as well as an R&R benefit for all employees working in Somalia.
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Please apply online directly at:
http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=217120&company_id=15927&jobboardid=1335