Reproductive Health Officer at International Rescue Committee

Job Purpose/Objective

The Technical officer - RH - shall be responsible for the overall implementation of all Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child & Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) program activities in the refugee camp. He/she will ensure delivery of an Integrated RMNCAH Program at both health facility and community level through effective partnerships and collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners for effective delivery of program activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management:

• The technical officer will provide technical oversight and support for delivery of quality RMNCAH services through training, mentorship, coaching and support supervision of healthcare providers and community health workers, as well as supporting program implementation and quality assurance.
• Ensure Antenatal Care, maternity care, Postnatal Care services, Family Planning and post abortion services at the health facility delivery points are in line with MOH guidelines.
• Organize and coordinate maternal, perinatal death and near miss audits and stimulate actions to address health system gaps to prevent future mortalities.
• Foster inter-program linkages (clinical services, community health program and HIV), exchange of information and experiences and contribute to an integrated RMNCAH Program with support from Program Managers.
• Ensure high risk clinics are institutionalized and follow-up of mothers at risk is in line with “healthy mothers design sprint” model and ensure referral protocols are followed.
• Work with clinical services team to determine training needs for SRH service providers and community maternal and newborn health requirements for the targeted population through meetings, skills assessment sessions and /or administering surveys.
• In consultation with program manager, organize support supervision, facility assessments to all RMNCAH services, and provide written feedback and reports.
• In liaison with CHP officers, organize SRH services demand creation activities at the community including maternity open days.
• Overall responsibility of ensuring appropriate record keeping and monitoring service delivery and Data Quality of community based and Reproductive health information, regular reporting and follow up from all health units.
• Prepare donor reports and contributes to overall program reporting against results frameworks, best practices and lessons learned.
• Keep track of SRH indicators by timely updating indicator board and provide appropriate recommendations to the program manager to ensure indicators are within UNHCR, sphere and MOH standards.
• Monitor implementation, navigate and track report on Electronic Medical Record system (EMR) and make recommendation to SRH &health program managers on SRH modules to ensure all relevant data is tracked and is up-to date.
• Monitor and ensure auxiliary services are in place to support quality Reproductive and Community Health services i.e. necessary drugs in the pharmacy, Community Health outreach supplies, reproductive health supplies, and tests being carried out in the laboratory.
• Monitor and implement strategies to ensure improved family planning services among WRA including timely submission of consumption report and ordering of FP commodities with the MOH.
• Coordinate cervical cancer screening activities and post-abortion care services within the camp and implement strategies to reduce induced abortions.
• Monitor and ensure proper utilization of IRC issued community health program supplies, including Reproductive and family planning program supplies
• Assist the program managers in developing a plan for training Auxiliary staff mainly Community Health Workers/Safe Motherhood Promoters and Reproductive Health Assistants.
• Seek out and nurture quality partnerships with community structures, Ministries of health and strategic partners, including international NGOs
• Supported by the Health Manager and Community Health Officer, develop and implement strong integrated Community Health Strategies using appropriate tools to maximize project impact on the beneficiaries.
• Follow up and monitor actions emerging from dialogue and planning sessions to ensure implementation in collaboration with other sectors.

Human Resource Management

• Oversee continuous training programs for the Reproductive Health and Community health staff as well as organizing trainings with consultants as per the annual work-plan & budget.
• Determine staffing needs for RMNCAH and advise program managers on the staffing gaps and other challenges in the RMNCAH
• Orient the new staff about RMNCAH activities and linkages to other health programs.
• Conduct community health auxiliary staff appraisal, feedback session, caution and separation according to the IRC policy.

Grants Management:

• Manage the RMNCAH grants as per the proposal description, work, and spending plans.
• Recommend grant and budget revisions to the health manager.
• Monitor the RMNCAH using the INTEGRA and the BVA systems.
• Prepare spending plans for the program based on the available budget.
• Ensure adherence to the Community health Strategy & SRH program budget by periodically reviewing expenditures and participating in the Project Cycle Meetings.
• Provide recommendations and interventions to correct any identified deviations that impact on budget adherence.
• Carry out other relevant or requested duties as may be required.

Reporting

• Monitor closely and report on the relevant health indicator trends and ensure appropriate action is taken.
• Ensure maintenance of efficient statistical reports relating to sexual Reproductive and Community health from all service delivery points are accurate, adequately captured and submitted
• Periodically including appropriate follow up for all the group of interest.
• Keep the Health Manager & Program Coordinator informed of all developments through regular reports.
• Attend all health coordination meetings in the field.
• Compile weekly, monthly reports and donor reports.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree or Diploma in clinical medicine or Kenya registered community health nursing from a recognized institution.
• An additional training of a higher national diploma in reproductive health from a recognized institution is a MUST have.
• A post graduate diploma or degree in Public/Environmental health, Community health  from a recognized institution will be an added advantage
• Must be registered and licensed to practice by the relevant regulatory body
• Relevant Trainings in MPDSR, CEmONC, MNCH, CMR-IPV and Community Health Strategy.
• An understanding of the MOH RMNCAH framework and all other relevant MOH guidelines and policies
• Knowledge of international minimum standards in health program service delivery, including SPHERE, WHO and UNHCR.
• Excellent data analysis and interpretation skills.

Required Experience & Competencies:

• Five years of experience providing RMNCAH service delivery in a high volume health facility
• Three years’ experience in complex humanitarian set up implementing RMNCAH programs in NGO setting.
• Experience working in humanitarian settings will be an added advantage
• Strong management skills (managing, motivating and developing staff).
• Strong communication skills; oral; written and presentation skills.
• At least three years’ experience in health program design and management.
• Ability to work with displaced communities with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Computer literacy with possible advanced word processing, spreadsheet, and relevant health software skills (i.e. EPI INFO;SPSS).