Senior Project Officer-Malaria Project at Catholic Relief

Job Responsibilities:

The Senior Project Officer (SPO) – Health will support the implementation of SMC activities in Turkana Central Sub-County through the Sub-County Health Team, with an overall responsibility for maintaining high quality programming. The SPO will provide oversight to a team of County, Sub-County, Health facility staff and supervisors based in their respective county of operation and liaise closely with the SMC focal point person in the County Health Team, and if applicable with the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), Ministry of Health. This work will also be done in close collaboration with Duke University and Moi University.

The SPO – Health will provide leadership and oversight for SMC implementation activities including ensuring that all activities in the workplan are strictly followed within the specified timeframe, -the budget is adequately managed, and data is collected on a timely basis for reporting. 

Specific Job Responsibilities

• Oversee all program implementation activities as per the workplan and budget.
• Lead and mentor technical staff in the achievement of project objectives. 
• Support the county health team with the development of an implementation project plan (or SMC implementation guide), developing data collection tools, engaging in microplanning, and developing supervision and reporting tools.
• Monitor both indicators and overall impact, and work with county health team to adjust activities and targets when indicated. 
• Serve as primary contact point in the resolution of technical challenges encountered and offer high quality appropriate solutions. 
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of programmatic & financial reporting and monitor budgets in liaison with the finance team.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation related to project monitoring and implementation.
• Ensure grant management compliance with CRS regulations, and timely acquisition of project inputs through close collaboration with the country program procurement staff
• Provide regular updates to government and non-government coordination bodies as requested and in collaboration with CRS’ head of programs.
• Establish and maintain good working relations with County government, Duke University, Moi University and Ministry of Health. 
• Represent the project in appropriate technical fora, providing high quality messaging with respect to the aims, approaches, and achievements of the project. 
• Produce quality technical briefs and best practices on behalf of the project.

Personal Skills and abilities:

• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Ability to collaborate and contribute to a close knit, supportive team environment, and work with people and organizations of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultures.
• Efficient, high-capacity self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced work environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills. Ability to quickly establish trust and rapport with professional and community stakeholders; comfortable addressing politically sensitive and policy questions with tact and poise.
• Desired attributes – demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality.

Travel Required: Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time to Turkana and Nairobi counties regions. 

 Key Working Relationships: 

• Supervisory: None
• Internal: Head of Programs, Head of Office, Health Sector Lead, Senior project officers for other Projects based in Turkana 
• External:  CHMTs, SCHMTs and Health Facilities, other health stakeholders and community leaders.

QUALIFICATIONS

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Nursing, Clinical medicine or a related field. A relevant master’s degree would be an added advantage.
• A minimum of 4 years for Bachelors’ degree holders or at least 3 years progressive experience for master’s holders in Malaria management and other health-related projects in Kenya and for an NGO.
• In-depth understanding of donor expectations for program results, outcomes, impact, and reporting.
• Experience in participatory action planning and engagement of stakeholders at various levels.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
• Excellent understanding of GOK structures and systems and demonstrated experience managing relationships with government structures.
• Experience working with Local Implementing Partners and government key departments.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)