Neglected Tropical Diseases/TT Program Officers at Helen Keller International (HKI)

Helen Keller International (HKI), established in 1915, HKI works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. We combat the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 22 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Neglected Tropical Diseases/TT Program Officer (Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust Project)

Location: Katsina
Reports Directly to: Program Manager

Background

• Adopting the World Health Organization-endorsed SAFE strategy, the Trusts Trachoma Initiative is funding: Surgery; the distribution of Antibiotics donated by Pfizer to treat and prevent active infection; activities to encourage Facial cleanliness to prevent disease transmission; and Environmental improvements to increase access to clean water sources and sanitation.
• Together with the International Coalition for Trachoma Control (ICTC) and its appointed grant manager, Sight-savers UK, the Trust aims to eliminate blinding trachoma entirely in Malawi and Kenya and make significant advances towards elimination in Mozambique, Nigeria (Katsina), Tanzania and Uganda.
• The UK Department for International Development (DFID) is also working with the ICTC and Sight-savers UK to implement the SAFE strategy in Chad, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia.
• Based on current need and coordination with the DFID integrated NTDs programme currently being implemented in Nigeria, Katsina state will be targeted for this TT surgery intervention.

Job Summary

• Under the supervision of the NTDs Program Manager, the Program Officer oversees the formulation, execution, monitoring and evaluation of the TRUST-funded TT surgery project in Katsina state to ensure consistency with the project priorities and outcomes.

Specific Duties
Program Planning:

• Facilitate the creation and implementation of a detailed annual work-plan which identifies and sequences activities needed to successfully implement the project in
• the most cost-effective manner and ensure project objectives are met in line with national policies, HKI goals and that of the donor.
• In collaboration with key stakeholders, facilitate the development and roll out of implementation plans to scale up TT surgeries in 8 TRUST funded LGAs with the view to clear the remaining backlogs
• Review the project schedule with senior management and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities; revise and regularly review the schedule as required.

Program Management:

• In collaboration with the other Project Officer, ensure HKI program partners execute the project according to their respective project plans;
• Document project activities and ensure that all project information is appropriately secured;
• Monitor the progress of the project implementation and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the project remains on track and is successfully completed;
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project;
• In collaboration with the HKI finance officer and other project staff, ensure project funds are utilized and retired according to established accounting policies and procedures

Program Monitoring & Evaluation:

• To implement and/or develop Monitoring and Evaluation tools according HKI, FMOH and donor standards;
• Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of international standards as set by FMOH, HKI and donor.
• Internally and when requested support external evaluations on the outcomes of the project as established during the planning phase and as required.
• Disseminate findings from evaluations to support organizational learning and contribute to policy processing or development;

Advocacy and Strategic Alliances:

• Build and maintain meaningful working relationships with both government and key project stakeholders at all levels in order to strengthen opportunities for advocacy and higher visibility;
• Represent HKI towards local partners and at other appropriate forums;
• Carry out additional tasks, as requested by the NTDs Program Manager and other SMT members.

Qualifications

• A first degree in microbiology, parasitology, entomology or similar field; medicine or health related field, Minimum of Master of public health or related Masters Degree and Minimum of 3 years experience working in public health.

Competencies Required:

• Demonstrates technical knowledge pertaining to job requirement
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Able to work under pressure minimal supervision and able to meet up deadlines.
• Ability to use computer software such as Microsoft office, internet.
• Must possess good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated excellent personal integrity and confidentially

Application Closing Date
9th January, 2017.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's which should indicate minimum applicants qualification and dates obtained; previous work experience and dates; age and referees, covering letter to: [email protected] using NTD/TT SURGERY PROGRAM OFFICER as the subject of the mail.

Note

• Applications received after 5pm on the day will not be considered.
• Only applications submitted electronically shall be considered.