Project Assistant (Trachoma Project)

Amref Health Africa is an African-led international health development organization headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Founded in 1957 as the Flying Doctors of East Africa to bring critical health services to remote communities, Amref Health Africa envision to bringing lasting health change for Africain more than 30 countries across the continent. With a focus on women and children, the organization strives to overcome the most critical health challenges facing the continent: maternal and child health, HIV & TB, malaria, water and sanitation and health systems strengthening. Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia has been working in Ethiopia since 2002 in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health implementing a range of projects in maternal, neonatal and child health, reproductive health, health systems strengthening, health workforce development, water and sanitation, HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases across the country, supported by a wide range of multilateral and bilateral donors, corporates and foundations. 

 Amref Health Africa would like to recruit Project Assistant based in Somali Regional State, Jijiga field office and will report to Project Officer.

The Project assistance will assist the planning, implementation and monitoring of Somali Trachoma Project. Will responsible for the Overall implementation of the WHO recommended SAFE strategy.

Place of Assignmnet:  Somali Regional State, Jijiga

REPORTS TO: Project officer

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare annual and monthly plans together with partners and submit to the project coordinator.
• Provide support for Integrated Eye Care Workers (IECWs), Health Extension Workers (HEWs) and volunteers such as Women Group Leaders (WGLs), Community Health Agents (CHAs) or Health Development Armies and school teachers and other relevant bodies that can contribute to Trachoma elimination in the region.
• Coordinate partners’ trained human resource in activities related to the implementation of the SAFE (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial clearness and Environmental improvement) strategy to control trachoma and school eye health.
• Coordinates with partners the timely and effective of  identification of TT cases, follow up of  the TT backlog clearance and support the outreach service in the region

•  Facilitate and coordinate house to house  TT case finders training and screening
• Participate in annual planning and periodic evaluations of the project, partnership and review meetings and conferences, as required;
• Facilitate and involve in baseline studies and research activities in the project area when required;
• Act as a link between the zones, woredas, health facilities and Amref Health Africa;
• Develop and maintain trust and good relationships between Amref Health Africa and its partners by working in collaboration with the respective sector institutions, collaborating agencies, volunteers’ workers and communities in the project area.
• Organize and actively participate in the activities of various community groups advocating for prevention of blindness;
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports against the planned achievements and submit to the project coordinator
• Prepare and submit monthly Case Stories to the Communication Officer;
• Ensures the judicious use of resources by implementing partners; ( proper utilization of TT kits, supplies and other materials)
• Maintain adequate records of activities, reports and baseline data of the project area; and working closely with project M&E assistance.
• Conduct regular supportive supervision to Primary Eye health care units in close collaboration with partners;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor

• Ophthalmic nurse, senior IECW who have diploma with others health related program
• At least three to five years of demonstrated experience in implementing eye care service
• Experience in blindness prevention, trachoma, and/or preventive ophthalmology is an advantage.

SKILLS AND ATTITUDES:

• Ability to work with minimum or no supervision;
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills (verbal & written); 
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, & MS Outlook) and the Internet usage
• Able to interact and manage people of diverse cultural backgrounds
• Can foster an open trusting work environment
• Ability to work effectively in a team-driven environment
• Accepts accountability for work assigned and performed

• Supports a customer-centered approach to programs, services, and systems; 

•  Willing to travel to the field extensively

•  Knowledge of operational area language is required.

• Required number: - 2