Uganda: Health Facility Support Officer- 1 Vacancy based in Abim (Open to Ugandan Nationals only)

PROGRAMME SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps does high-quality, analytical work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, EC, SDC, and USDA. We were awarded a market-development focused 5-year USAID/Food for Peace-funded program working in the northern half of Karamoja, and are in search of a Health Facility Support Officer for Abim District with support to Kaabong District. The project, called Growth Health and Governance (GHG), aims to support the immediate needs of program beneficiaries while promoting long-term development by spurring systemic improvements in key economic sectors of northern Karamoja. The Health Facility Support Officer will participate in strategy development and lead the daily implementation of program interventions focused at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Health Centre III and Health Centre II-level facilities in the target area.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary focus of the Health Facility Support Officer (HFSO) will be to implement and support a program that improves the organizational performance of HCIII and HC II-level facilities in line with government standards and priorities. Support will be strongly focused on the management of facilities, with less support on the technical skills of facility staff. It will also include supporting a pre-internship and COBERS program designed to encourage Ugandan medical students to work in Karamoja and other various activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Mentorship and Supervision of Health Facility:

§ Work with the Health Facility Support Team leader in assessment of the organizational and management strengths and weaknesses of health facilities management systems. Continuous support and supervision to district, sub-county and facility level officers to improve performance of the public health system.

Health Facility governance(health unit management committees):

§ Support the functionality of HUMCs through mentorship and on-the job training.

§ Periodically carry out assessment on HUMC's functionality.

§ Advocate for oversight at district and sub-county level through continuous dialogues

Collaboration/networking

§ Establish and maintain productive working relationships with sub-county and district leaders and health departments, representing Mercy Corps in coordination meetings and soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate;

§ Work in synergy with World Vision's GHG maternal child health/nutrition officers in achieving GHG's program objective 2.

§ Ensure close coordination and sharing of information with other stakeholders such as district health offices, NGO’s and local authorities, as appropriate and advised by the line manager.

§ Ensure an integrated approach to program implementation in order to maximize resource utilization and synergy between the staff and different MC programs

Monitoring and Evaluation:

§ Take primary responsibility for district data gathering and documentation of program activities

§ Compliance with M&E procedures and policies to ensure program impacts and desired results

§ Analyze project implementation strategies to identify constraints to program success and provide timely recommendations;

§ Submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation.

§ In collaboration/consultation with the World Vision MCHN staff periodically supervise various activities implemented on the ground by the partner;

§ Where needed support external evaluations by research partner Feinstein International Center and other organizations;

Other job deliverables

§ Work closely with the pre-intern and COBERS Ugandan medical students placed in Karamoja health facilities

§ Recommend program priorities and explore, evaluate and present new opportunities that leverage impact and/or complement core program activities;

§ Offer onsite technical support supervision to health facilities; with focus on strengthening the functionality of HUMC's and HMIS in health facilities.

§ Work with the gender advisor to ensure that the needs and priorities of women, men, boys and girls are effectively addressed in the program cycle. This includes but is not limited to, the collection of sex-disaggregated and gender responsive data, developing and implementing gender responsive strategies and plans that reiterates Mercy Corps Uganda's commitment to the promotion of gender equality in its organizational culture and programming.

§ Where needed support ongoing GHG assessments in economic development, Gender, conflict and governance & facilitate the integration of health related economic opportunities in all GHG program objectives

§ Conduct oneself professionally and with sensitivity, awareness and respect when working with diverse groups of people, including Mercy Corps staffs, beneficiaries and partner agencies.

§ Adhere to Mercy Corps policies and procedures

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

§ A Degree in Public Health, Nursing or a related field.

§ At least 3 years of professional experience working with the government health system is desirable.

§ Experience in delivering capacity building programs especially on organizational capacity of health facilities and establishing support programs.

§ Demonstrate knowledge and experience in strengthening HMIS data collection, analysis & reporting

§ Demonstrable quantitative skills, including familiarity with financial accounting

§ Proven skills in networking, collaboration, community consultations and organizational development

§ Fluency in Ngakarimojong and Lebthur is an added advantage

§ Ability to ride a motorcycle and he/she should be in possession of a valid driving/riding permit

§ Proven knowledge and capacity in using computer basic applications Ms word, Excel and internet

§ Intimate knowledge of Uganda’s public health environment and strong familiarity with the publicly funded Health Centre system, particularly in the context of Karamoja.

Applications:Submit your application including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the HR/Admin Manager, Kampala Head Office on 4thFloor Embassy Plaza, Plot 1188-1190 Ggaba Road or to MercyCorps Field Offices in Kotido and Kaabong. E-mailed applications with cover letter tomcuganda@ug.mercycorps.orgwill also be accepted. Deadline for Submission:Close of business on Wednesday, 4th February, 2015.Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. MercyCorps is an equal opportunity employer; female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.