South Sudan: Health Pool Fund Coordinator

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

BACKGROUND

IRC began working in South Sudan in 1989. South Sudan declared independence in July 2011 following decades of brutal civil war. The security situation remains fragile and significant operational challenges are there. IRC-South Sudan operates a country office in Juba, field offices in Lakes, Unity, Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Central Equatoria states. Currently, IRC South Sudan implements programs in primary health care, community case management, environmental health, women’s protection and empowerment, protection and access to justice and livelihoods.

In early 2012, the IRC launched a response to the increasing influx of Sudanese refugees from the Nuba mountains/South Kordofan into northern Unity State. At the moment, the IRC implements Women Protection and Empowerment, protection, and primary and reproductive health care programs in Yida refugee settlement. Through a holistic women and girls’ wellness program strategy, the IRC provides essential services in the reproductive health and gender-based violence sectors for refugees in its Women & Girls Wellness Centre. Primary health care is provided in two health facilities in the refugee settlement.

JOB OVERVIEW

The HPF Coordinator will be the focal point for the Health Pooled Fund (HPF) projects of IRC in South Sudan. The HPF Coordinator will support the County Coordinators with the implementation of the quality primary healthcare program in the target counties through supporting and capacity building of the County Health Departments (CHDs). The HPF Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining regular contact with the State Ministries of Health, the other HPF health actors in Northern Bharl El Gazal and Unity as well as other relevant agencies and actors.

The HPF Coordinator will report to the Senior Health Coordinator.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

· In collaboration with the County Coordinators and the Senior Health Coordinator, oversee the implementation of the HPF funded projects and ensure that the goals and objectives are met in time maintaining standard quality as of the agreed project documents.

Technical support:

· Provide technical support to the County Health Departments in program design, proposal development, reporting, monitoring and evaluation and other aspects of programming and operations.

· Provide supportive supervision to the County Coordinators and other program staff to develop work plans for implementation and monitoring of the project activities as of the agreed project documents.

· Ensure training and ongoing capacity building opportunities for staff on primary and reproductive health care related and project management skills with a focus on building the capacity of South Sudanese health staff.

· Support the establishment a smooth functioning of supply chain for the health related items.

Grants Management:

· In collaboration with the Senior Health Coordinator and the County Coordinators, develop expenditure plans, review Budget vs. Actual expenditure for the HPF grants on a monthly basis and take necessary actions.

· In collaboration with the Senior Health Coordinator, ensure the set data collection, data compilation, timely preparation and submission of all external and internal reports including weekly DHIS, donor’s reports and other associated monthly, quarterly, final and special reports.

· Contribute to proposal development and donors’ reporting.

Representation and Advocacy:

· In coordination with the Senior Health Coordinator and Deputy Director of Programs actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders in South Sudan including donors, government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors.

· Attend all relevant meetings in relation to the HPF programme.

· Regularly attend Health Coordination meetings and feed in IRC priorities at Juba-level meetings.

· Facilitate field visits for internal and external stakeholders, when required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required:

· Health professional (MD or RN with a MPH is preferred) with strong public health background.

· At least 5 years of experience in coordinating, implementing and managing primary and secondary health programs in developing countries and/or refugee settings.

· Experience in writing project proposals, concept notes, budgeting and donors’ reports.

· Have experience in general management including financial and budget management, HR and logistics management.

· Background in situation analysis, health assessments M&E and program implementation.

· Skills and experience of remote management and willingness to travel extensively.

· Flexible, diplomatic and have ability and willingness live and work under pressure of workloads and in potentially insecure environment.

· Fluent in English in every way. Arabic in South Sudanese dialect is a plus.

· Sound in operating Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet use.

Desirable:

· Previous work experience in South Sudan

· Previous work experience with IRC

· Experience of working in conflict and post conflict contexts

· Experience of working in resource and facility limited harsh and insecure locations.

· Experience working with local government, Supporting County/District Health Departments in health services delivery, health system strengthening and promoting community participation

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The position is based in Juba with regular trips to target Counties of Aweil East, Aweil South, Aweil Centre, Payinjiar, Rub Kona and Pariang. Security level orange - The situation in the country in general is calm but remains tense and unpredictable; concerns include criminality, presence of armed troops, and looting. There is active conflict in many parts of the country and a possibility for further expansion of the conflict and violence into other areas and other states.

Lodging is a private bedroom in a shared IRC guest house – with electricity, internet and cable TV. Food is the individual’s responsibility. Field office housing is more basic, i.e. in traditional huts or tents with separate shared latrines and showers.

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. n>

http://chm.tbe.taleo.net/chm03/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=13650