NTDs Program Associate at Helen Keller International

Established in 1915, Helen Keller International 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, Helen Keller 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: NTDs Program Associate

Location: Akwa Ibom
Reports to: State Team Lead

Job Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the State Team Lead the NTDs Program Officer assists with the formulation, execution, monitoring and evaluation of NTDs program in the State. He/she ensures consistency with the project set priorities and outcomes in the state.

Essential Functions
Program Planning:

• In collaboration with the state Team Lead, facilitate the creation and implementation of a detailed annual work-plan, which identifies sequences of activities needed to successfully implement the project in the most cost-effective manner and ensure project objectives are met in line with national policies, Helen Keller’s goals and those of the donor.
• In collaboration with key stakeholders, facilitate the development and roll out of detailed implementation plans (DIP) to scale up Mass drug Administration (MDA) in endemic LGAs with the view to eliminate and control NTDs
• Review the project schedule with Helen Keller State Team Lead 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 stakeholders, ensure Helen Keller program partners execute the project according to their respective project plans;
• Document project activities and ensure that all project data 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 implemented;
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project;
• In collaboration with the Helen Keller finance officer and other project staff, ensure project funds are utilized and retired according to established accounting policies and procedures.

Program Monitoring & Evaluation:

• In collaboration with M&E officer, assist with the implementation and development of Monitoring and Evaluation tools according to Helen Keller, 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, Helen Keller and donor.
• Internally and when requested, support external evaluations on the outcomes of the project as established during the planning phase of the project and as required.
• Disseminate findings from assessment/evaluations to support organizational learning and contribute to policy processing or development;

Advocacy and Strategic Alliances:

• Build and maintain working relationships with both government and key project stakeholders at all levels in order to strengthen opportunities for advocacy and higher visibility;
• Represent Helen Keller towards local partners and at other appropriate fora;

Key Performance Indicators
Successful implementation of the projects based on:

• Effective tracking and reporting of program indicators.
• Implementation of annual work plans in collaboration with other project staff and government stakeholders.

Required Minimum Education / Experience / Skills

• Graduate Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Management or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years working experience in implementing a communityeye health or neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) program.
• Willingness to travel within the state and other parts of the country as needed.
• Basic technical knowledge of PCT/IDM NTDs and Trachoma SAFE Strategy is preferable;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Computer skills: Windows applications for word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Extraordinary verbal and written communication skills to manage project communications and disseminate project information are required.
• Demonstrates technical knowledge pertaining to the job requirements.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Able to work under pressure with minimal supervision and able to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated excellent personal integrity and confidentially.

Application Closing Date
30th September, 2021.