Assistant Coordinator, Community Health at Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS)

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) was established through an Act of the Parliament in 1960 to complement public authorities in humanitarian interventions with the mandate to prevent and alleviate human suffering at times of peace or conflict, and to support individuals and communities to respond effectively to emergencies, without any form of discrimination as to class, gender, race, political opinions or religion.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Assistant Coordinator, Community Health

Location:  National Headquarters, Abuja
Line Manager: Coordinator, Health and Care

Background

• The Nigerian Red Cross Society has a country wide presence with 37 branches and a network of trained volunteers with access to hard-to-reach communities which gives the NRCS capacity to support the delivery of timely humanitarian aid.
• With the goal for the NRCS to be first responder to emergencies in Nigeria, the Movement Partners are working with NRCS to enhance the competencies and capacities of NRCS staff and volunteers at priority branches to respond to the needs of the population during armed conflict and other situations of violence in strategic areas, as well as communicable diseases outbreaks when required.

Job Purpose 

• The Assistant Coordinator - Community Based Health will support the NRCS headquarters in the implementation of Community Based Health Program aimed to ensure improved access to health care for the conflict-affected population within catchment areas of supported health facilities.

Job Description
The Assistant Coordinator Health and Care has the following responsibilities:  

• Support the NRCS in the process of defining and documenting a clear strategic direction for community-based health (CBH)
• Identify needs and develop workplans and proposals for community-based health programs in Nigeria
• Ensure that relevant NRCS and national/international guidelines and best practices are followed in community-based health (CBH) program assessment, planning and implementation.

Operational:

• Identify heath and care needs within the supported Branches and develop a workplan for community-based health projects
• Build on technical knowledge and understanding of global and Nigeria-specific health issues, to develop proposals for new CBH programs, while respecting and following key technical documents and international strategies
• Conduct the regular monitoring and reporting on community-based health programs implemented by the HQ and by branches
• Ensure all CBH and other program staff at Headquarters and branches receive the necessary and appropriate technical support and training
• Facilitate the development of a CBH training curriculum/strategy for the Nigerian Red Cross Health Staff at Headquarter and Branch levels including project planning, budgeting, reporting and proposal writing
• Represent NRCS in relevant CBH sector forums and networks in country
• Champion the implementation of low-cost CBH initiatives working with the team of volunteers in the branches
• Coordinate the efforts of volunteers to provide support to CBH campaigns staged in the state
• Facilitate the training of volunteers supporting social mobilization, case management and surveillance of common community health relateddiseases
• In collaboration with relevant agencies monitor the state level spread and severity of epidemic diseases and proactively communicate emerging health related issues to relevant national focal points of contact as appropriate
• Support regular monitoring and evaluation of state level community-based health programs
• Support the implementation of MHPSS, HCiD and emergency health activities in the supported branches.

Duties applicable to all staff:

• Actively work towards the achievement of the NRCS goals
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross Fundamental Principles and NRCS Statutes
• Show capacity to assist other members of staff and management, aptitude for maintaining cooperation and team spirit necessary to achieve the objectives of the National Society
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by Line Manager.

 Key Performance Areas:

• Impact and quality of CBH activities in the state
• Strong network of health volunteers
• Number of lives saved due to CBH efforts.

Qualifications and Experience

• First Degree in Medicine, Public Health or Health-related discipline from reputable institution
• Post-graduate Degree in Medicine, Public Health or Health-related discipline is an added advantage
• Minimum of 5 years relevant working experience
• Work experience with other international organisations, large NGOs and/or governmental development agencies
• Experience in Community Based Health, Emergency Health Response and Public Health.

Essential Skills and Competencies:
Essential:

• Good leadership and accountability skills
• Strong judgment and ability to identify and analyse problems and to think strategically to anticipate, interpret and develop strategic responses to issues
• Ability to persuade, influence, negotiate, manage and sustain effective, successful strategic relationships both internally and externally
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office tools
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Desirable:

• Understanding of NRCS Fundamental Principles and Code of Conduct.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Communicating, and a curious and effective listener
• Ability to protect the reputation of NRCS through the quality of work, knowledge and experience
• High ethical standards and honesty in handling the organizational resources and zero tolerance to corruption
• Culturally sensitive, globally minded and showing respect to the views and opinions of others
• Ability to collaborate and work well in a team
• Ability to work under pressure.

Application Closing Date
15th January, 2022.