Job Summary

REPORTS TO:   Program Implementation Director

DUTY STATION: Addis Ababa Ethiopia

PROGRAM:   Improving Access and Utilization of WASH and Maternal and Child Health Services in Gimbichu District, East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

PROGRAM DURATION:    18 months

MINIMUM HOURS OF WORK:    40 hours per week

 Program Description:

 In support of the government aspiration to see a “transformed Woreda” MOH and other ministries have started a Multi sectoral woreda transformation pilot at woreda level. Gimbichu woreda is shown to be pilot for this concept and operation has started. Gimbichu is a place where the recent deadliest Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft accident occurred killing 157 passengers on 10 March 2019. Following this accident Boeing Community Investment Fund (BCIF) availed some funding to support the community of Gimbichu with different activities.

 The objective of the program is to improve access and utilization of quality primary health care services in Gimbichu District with an emphasis to essential maternal and child health services and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Women of reproductive age group (15 – 45 years) in selected kebeles of the district are the target population for this activity. Our MCH intervention approach will focus mainly on behavioural change activities to increase health awareness and behavior for improved use of maternal and child health services. Our WASH interventions will focus on health facilities and schools to reduce number of infections acquired in health facilities, and to strengthen school attendance and reduce female student dropouts by working on menstrual hygiene management for female students.  The activities will be implemented through existing health extension workers (HEWs) and other community based health structures; and we will engage religious and opinion leaders in the community. Local media outlets and communal structures that attract mass gathering will also be targeted.

 The following will be illustrative activities under the WASH and MCH program in Gimbichu:

• Health education using local mass media/radio, social mobilization and demand creation, Transport re-imbursement for pregnant mothers for ANC follow up (reimburse taxi fares or local transport cost for pregnant mothers visiting health facilities.
• Train health care workers in selected MCH areas, use digital health solution to track/ monitor health facility follow up visits by mothers, and Implementation of WASH activities (conduct IPC training, repair and maintain water tankers and pipe line, toilets, hand washing facility and CASH implementation in the Health centres.
• Implement School WASH activities including WASH-behavioural change communication and training for teachers and students; Broadcast community health education using local mass media radio on WASH; provide water tankers and water purification services; Creating hand washing facilities, renovating school toilet facilities and promoting hand washing practices and proper sanitary facility use; Installing first aid kits in school; Promoting and providing education on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and ensuring the availability of sanitary pads for girls,; Coordinate community participation in constructing communal latrines, and liquid and solid disposal management;
• Support Social mobilization and Community Participation, Support the woreda leaders to conduct review meeting and align their plan, Supportive supervision and mentoring.

DUTIES AND RESPONSILBILITIES

JOB SUMMARY

 The WASH and MCH health coordinator ensures access and utilization of WASH and MCH services activities are implemented in accordance with the organization’s mission, strategic objectives, and program approaches. He/she will be responsible to provide technical support on planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of WASH and MCH activities, coordinate all project activities and oversee key support functions including logistics at the woreda, regional and national level. The program coordinator oversee the day to day implementation of the project in collaboration and consultation with the program implementation director. The Project Coordinator ensures effective utilization of resources, smooth running of systems and supports the WASH and MCH officers working at the ground whilst ensuring adherence to organizational policies, guidelines and procedures. He/she is responsible to serve as the primary liaison for the project at all levels; and establishing partnership with stakeholders.

 SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

 Project coordination

• Works with relevant country office team to assess and identify technical assistance needs with regard to programmatic, operational and technical issues during all stages of project implementation.
• Coordinates and ensures implementation of recommendations given by the Director of programs Implementation (DPI) and other technical team leads as necessary.
• The project coordinator works closely with other Project HOPE teams including MERL/Quality Management, Finance and Administration units.
• Ensure findings and reports from the WASH and MCH officers are communicated and shared with respective units;
• In consultation with the DPI, updates and coordinates the monthly plan of action/ monthly work plan and share with the WASH and MCH officer and the Woreda Health office.
• Regularly analyzes field reports and provides feedback to WASH and MCH officers to improve program strategy and implementation
• Conducts regular WASH and MCH  operational and technical meeting with the two officers and ensure action items are followed up and share information with the DPI and/or the Senior Management Team 
• Works with both officers to ensure timely reporting to DPI, Newborn Child Health Senior Advisor and PH Head Quarters.
• Coordinates the WASH and MCH activities with relevant stakeholders in the Woreda; participates in relevant TWGs at the woreda/ region and national level; represents Project HOPE at relevant technical meetings.
• Promotes partnerships and networking among zonal and woreda stakeholders, including CBOS, FBOs and NGOs
• Provide technical assistance to the Woreda Health and education offices; facilities and communities through engaging WASH and MCH officer.
• Support the implementation of WASH and MCH programs to improve primary health services in all facilities under the Woreda catchment.
• Engage in and coordinate the capacity building efforts like trainings for health facility staffs, health workers and HEWs on MCH and WASH services.
• Participate in the development of Woreda operational plans for MCH and WASH programs and support the woreda health office in executing the plans.
• Assess WASH and MCH related training needs for health-providers and organize trainings in close collaboration with the Woreda Health Office. S/he will ensure trainings are conducted on time and within acceptable standards (trainers, venue, materials, schedule, etc.)
• Coordinate and conduct regular field visits to provide follow up and mentorship support.
• Coordinate and conduct integrated/joint supportive supervision to HCs and HPs and document findings and recommendations of field visits for follow-up action
• Identify areas of best practices and success stories and collaborate with the DPI and M&E team to produce monthly/quarterly/Annual reports and stories.
• Closely works with the DPI and MERL and Digital Health team to document performance, develop data base and update it regularly
• Work closely with the Responsible to develop
• Performs other functions assigned by the DPI, the Senior Management Team and country representative.

 Administration and Logistics Management

• Plan and request MCH and WASH related Administrative and General Services requests in time per PH’s policy and guidelines.
• Prepare all local procurements to ensure they are in line with PH procurement procedures and guidelines.  
• Work closely with the operation and finance team to identify the selection of suppliers and vendors during the procurement of MCH and WASH services, equipment and supplies.

Staff Management

• Manages, supervises, leads, guides and supports WASH and MCH officers who are  directly reporting to this position.
• Completes performance planning, monitoring, and performance appraisals of supervisees (and his/her own) per guidance from the HR Manager
• In consultation with the DPI / NCH Program Director, and HR Manager, ensures the development of key technical skills of WASH and MCH officers to increase their capacity to better undertake their work and assume larger responsibilities.

Job Requirements

• MSC in health and health related sciences
• At least 8 years relevant experience. With minimum 3 years of program coordination.
• Knowledge and experience of MCH and WASH programs
• Experience in capacity building (programmatic and technical)
• Experience in supporting multi-sectoral program and activities like WASH/Nutrition/ HIV/School health
• Experience working with the national, regional and woreda governments
• Knowledge of local language is an advantage.

 Additional Skills Desired

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including influencing, negotiation, cultural awareness and ability to work well in a multi-cultural environment
• Ability to manage demanding workload
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Good computer skills (MS Office applications)
• Ability to meet deadline without compromising quality
• Ability to work under pressure, can multi-task, accept challenges, take initiatives and solve problems.
• Ability to work in the field with travel to the implementation site for up to 50% of the time
• Flexibility to adjust to different situations and contexts.
• Identify with the values and mission of Project HOPE

 Work Environment

The position holder will be based in Addis Ababa, but with frequent travel (50%) to the field/ Gimbichu woreda

How to Apply

Interested applicants can send their CV and cover letter through Ethiojobs on or before Friday March 05, 2021 before 5.00 pm.