United Republic of Tanzania: Health Coordinator | - 2015

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home.

The IRC started work in Tanzania in 1993 when ethnic conflict in the region forced hundreds of thousands of Rwandans, Burundians and Congolese to flee to safety in Tanzania. IRC was the implementing partner for heath for much of this time. Presently the IRC services the remaining refugee camp, Nyarugusu in Kasulu District, Kigoma. IRC is the implementing partner for Education, Child Protection, GBV Prevention and response, and Community-based Rehabilitation/PSN. IRC also works in the host community to strengthen education and child protection systems in Kigoma, Tanga and Dar es Salaam.

Currently, the IRC is responding to an influx of an estimated 40,000 asylum seekers from Burundi (as of 13th May 2015), arriving in Northwestern Tanzania on Kagunga Island and in the newly designated camp where refugees are being relocated. The majority arrive via boat to an island, Kagunga, on the Tanzanian side of Lake Tanganika. The Burundian asylum seekers are presently camped on the shores of the island where they are awaiting transport via ferry to Mainland Tanzania. Upon arrival, they are registered and transported to Nyarugusu refugee camp. The IRC is responding to ensure that the health, sanitation, GBV and child protection needs of the asylum seeker population are met and particular health needs of women and girls are targeted.

SCOPE OF WORK: The Health Coordinator (HC) will be the focal point for health programs in Tanzania specifically taking the lead on the Tanzania country program Burundi refugee health response apart from overseeing other health activities implemented by the IRC in Tanzania. The position is based in Kigoma with regular trips to IRC’s health programs throughout Tanzania. The HC will receive technical support from the Technical Advisor Health Programs.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Grant Management

Ensure that all health grants are implemented according to internal IRC and donor regulations.
Participate in grant opening, midterm review and grant closing meetings for all health grants and ensure that the same process is implemented in the field.
Support field staff in use of grant management tools such as the budget tracking tools, activity progress monitoring tools, procurement plans, etc.

Budget Monitoring

Conduct monthly BVA reviews and make appropriate recommendations to the finance and logistics staff in Tanzania as well as to the field based health staff.
Ensure that budgets are spent according to plan and as per contractual agreements with respective donors.
In collaboration with field staff develop spending plans and monitor the implementation of these spending plans for each grant
Work with finance to undertake budget recoding as required.
Ensure that program spending is in line with original plan and burn rate goes in line with the activity implementation progress.

Monitoring & Evaluation

Ensure the stated goals and objectives of all health projects are met with strong monitoring and, evaluation follow up and reports are written and submitted to concerned bodies in a timely manner.
Participate in the design of robust program’s M&E plans and design/adapt health information systems including surveillance systems for the IRC health programs in Tanzania
Review all reports prepared by the field staff and provide appropriate feedback to the concerned staff.
Prepare regular reports as required for the respective donors and for IRC New York health unit.
Conduct regular project review meetings with field based staff to assess the level of achievement of project targets for the various health grants. Undertake project performance reviews.
Visit all program sites regularly and provide on-site mentoring to the health staffs in the field.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Participate in the development of staff development plans for project staff based on performance reviews in collaboration with the human resources department and contribute to the training of health staffs (mentoring, on-the-job sessions as well as formal trainings). Review performance of health staff in Tanzania
In consultation with the DDP and Admin & HR Coordinator, review applicants for all health positions and assist in the recruitment of qualified health staff.

REPRESENTATION AND COORDINATION

Represent IRC to local communities, government departments, international agencies, local partners and donors as required.
Attend relevant meetings and prepare meeting notes as required and share these with all concerned.

MISCELLANEOUS/GENERAL

Support with the updating the IRC’s staff health protocols including PEP, and train staff as necessary.
Other duties as assigned by the DDP and Country Director.

REQUIREMENTS

Medical Doctor or Registered Nurse with experience in infectious disease control and/or holding public health qualifications (i.e., MPH, DrPH, PhD, etc), with at least 10 years of experience implementing public health programs in humanitarian emergencies. Experience with primay health care and reproductive health programs is an asset.
Demonstrated experience in responding (i.e., case management, case identification and contact tracing, surveillance, social mobilization and/or logistics) to diseases of epidemic potential in developing countries is preferred (i.e. outbreaks of meningitis, measles, cholera etc).
Demonstrated knowledge of public health and surveillance practices. Experience with reinforcing infection control in health facilities is an asset.
Extensive experience as a coordinator with strong management and training capacity in developing countries.
Background in situation analysis, health assessments and program implementation; Experience implementing health programming in hard to reach areas/displaced communities
Demonstrated leadership, communication, and facilitation skills; Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Strong program development skills. Experience managing grant proposal processes, including design of project budgets, staffing structures, strategy, technical narratives, etc.
Experience in capacity building and mentoring of health staff; Demonstrated leadership, communication, and facilitation skills; Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Willingness to travel extensively in Tanzania
Excellent computer skills in programs such as: MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint.
Additional qualities: ability to multitask, ability to handle pressure well, ability to improvise, be flexible , and adaptability to transitions.