Job Openings at Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance

Reports to: Project Manager
Job Location: Rhamu- Mandera County
Available Slots: 1
Contract Details: One (1) Year Fixed Term Contract. Renewable Subject to Availability of Funds & Performance

Nutrition Manager, as part of the RACIDA programme implementation team, will provide technical guidance as well as hands on support to Mandera North, Mandera West ,Lafey Banissa and Mandera East Sub-County Health Management Teams to strengthen their capacity and skills in the implementation of High Impact Nutrition interventions (HINI) through the integrated health systems strengthening approach and work with community groups to build their resilience and strengthen their knowledge and capacity in health and nutrition services and appropriate child care taking.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Technical
   1. Take lead in quality and timely field level implementation of the Nutrition programme against set objectives, targets, and work plans
   2. Conduct field assessments, regular nutrition programme evaluations, rapid assessments, identifying potential needs, designing and implementing response plans
   3. Ensure IEC materials and key messages in nutrition for the targeted beneficiaries, through pamphlets, posters, etc. are in place
   4. Coordinate with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager on trainings and implementation for Nutrition Surveys
   5. Design nutrition programme monitoring workplan with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager in accordance with donor expectations of the set programme objectives and targets
   6. Ensure programme implementation in the field is in adherence with national protocols/guidelines, and donor requirements
   7. Demonstrated knowledge of the MoH protocols/guidelines in Nutrition, including knowledge of the National Nutrition Action Plan (NNAP), County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP), as well as Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) Implementation Guidelines along with the coordination and implementation structure
   8. Assess team capacity gaps to identify training needs of staff and develop training program to meet these needs
2. Project Management
   1. Lead the nutrition team and supervise nutrition programme implementation
   2. Lead the project team to design a supervision plan for trained Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) to monitor the implementation of the emergency project activities
   3. Develop nutrition activity work plans based on the program annual work plan and implement activities in a timely manner
   4. Ensure implementation of nutrition activities is well coordinated with Agriculture and WASH sector activities
   5. Coordinate with the M&E manager in compiling monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual nutrition reports and data analysis and management
   6. Coordinate with the M&E manager to review nutrition reporting indicators and reporting tools
   7. Coordinate with the finance depart and line managers to ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation; verify that Nutrition programme expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the programme information and database. Follow up on queries or initiate corrective action on discrepancies
   8. Ensure exchange of information, experience, identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate and improve delivery of services and achieve Nutrition programme requirements and objectives.
   9. Conduct field visits to monitor programmes and conduct periodic programme reviews with Government counterparts and other partners
   10. Collaborate with Communication and Programme teams to ensure development of effective Nutrition communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and l SBCC efforts
   11. The nutrition program manager is responsible for implementing and supervising the nutrition program on the field, in adherence with national protocols/guidelines, and in collaboration with local partners.
   12. Prepare program recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices
   13. Contribute to development of nutrition project proposals and project budgets.
3. Coordination
   1. Participate in donor and stakeholder meetings, as well as collaborate and build strong relationships with other implementing partners
   2. Encourage discussion with stakeholders as to how nutrition can be more effectively addressed at the county level
   3. Participate in quarterly sector review meetings with government counterparts.
   4. Actively participate in the Nutrition technical working groups.
   5. Provide government authorities with technical support and guidance to plan and organize training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability
   6. Coordination with other departments (food security and livelihood, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, logistics, administration).

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

1. Nutritionist with advanced degree in public health or related discipline preferred
2. Demonstrated 5+ years’ experience in Nutrition program management and implementation
3. Strong experience and knowledge of wasting programming, treatment methods and screening
4. Highly developed technical competencies in nutrition in emergencies, including Maternal, infant and young child Nutrition in Emergencies (MIYCN-E), Baby Friendly Community Initiatives (BFCI)
5. Significant experience working in ASAL in nutrition programmes in a humanitarian context and previous first phase emergency response experience
6. Previous experience of nutrition project management and programme coordination, implementing nutrition programmes within donor constraints, on time and within budget
7. Experience of working with a diverse team and building relationships quickly, with a wide range of people, both internally and externally
8. Demonstrated monitoring and evaluation skills
9. Ability to work both in an advisory and a hands-on implementation capacity
10. Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach staff.
11. Highly developed writing skills (e.g. at level for producing an assessment report or proposal during a short time period)
12. Strong communications skills (both written and verbal) at a level appropriate for high level external representation (lobbying, presentations) and ability to tailor communications to different audiences
13. Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
14. The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances

go to method of application »

Experience: 3 and above years
Location: Mandera, Kenya
Reports to: Nutrition Manager
Job Location: Rhamu- Mandera County
Available Slots: 2
Contract Details: One (1) Year Fixed Term Contract. Renewable Subject to Availability of Funds & Performance

Job Summary:

In order to fulfill its mandate and mission, RACIDA is looking for two (2) self-driven, professionally confident, self-motivated, experienced and committed team players to fill the positions of Nutrition Officers to be based in Mandera.

The incumbents, as part of the RACIDA programme implementation team, will provide technical guidance as well as hands on support to Mandera North, Mandera West ,Lafey Banissa and Mandera East Sub-County Health Management Teams to strengthen their capacity and skills in the implementation of High Impact Nutrition interventions (HINI) through the integrated health systems strengthening approach and work with community groups to build their resilience and strengthen their knowledge and capacity in health and nutrition services and appropriate child care taking.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Work closely with Nutrition Project Manager to ensure integration and implementation of the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), and optimal Infant and Child Feeding (IYCF) component of the nutrition program in RACIDA supported health facilities.
2.  Provide technical support to MoH on delivery of High Impact Nutrition intervention components at health facilities and when need be outreach sites;
3. Work with Mandera Ministry of Health (MMoH ) and other actors to implement work plans as agreed;
4. Liaising closely with the sub-county health management teams (SCHMT) and Hospital Management Teams (HMT) to develop joint work plans and ensure MoH ownership and integration of the programme into the existing health systems;
5. In partnership with the Sub-County Health Management Team (SCHMT) including the Sub County Medical Officer in charge of health (SCMOH), Sub County Public Health Nurse, Sub-County Nutrition Coordinator, Public Health Officers and the hospital nutritionist develop and implement monthly work plans for the target Sub-counties;
6. 6.    Ensure programme quality control through implementation of monthly and quarterly M&E;
7. Closely monitor the nutrition situation in the programme area;
8. While working with the health facility nutritionist and the SCNO, support the rural health facilities to establish referral systems and create referral links for access to in-patient and other services beneficial to the beneficiaries not provided by the rural health facilities;
9. Support with operationalizing of community Units and community mobilization activities; plan trainings, routinely engage Community Health Volunteers and Community Health Assistants;
10. Support with documentation of the programme implementation process to generate lesson learning as well as case studies;
11. Participte in coordination of and data collection for SMART and coverage surveys to assesses the nutrition situation of the target population;
12. Writing of monthly reports and briefs as well as quarterly reports;
13. Contribute significantly to the development of regular donor reports;
14. Together with MOH and other actors involved in delivery of nutrition services in the Sub-County, conduct technical quality monitoring visits including joint support supervision visits;
15. Ensure the community-based activities such as nutrition screening, nutrition education, and defaulter tracing are done properly
16. Oversee and coordinate the implementation of MIYCN activities at the health facilities and at the community;
17. Attend and adequately represent RACIDA in County meetings/fora as may be required as well as in layering with other actors;
18. Participate and contribute as necessary towards RACIDA’s emergency response as and when necessary;
19. Work closely with the MOH and other partners to ensure that all health facilities have adequate drug supplies in the MNCH and Nutrition service areas;

Requirement

1. A degree in Nutrition and Dietetics or in Nursing with solid experience/background in Nutrition. Strong clinical competence and knowledge of maternal and child health. (Masters in Public health or related field is an added advantage)
2. At least five (3) years’ experience in Maternal and Child Health, WASH or community development programming with experience in health system strengthening in both a development and emergency context.
3. An understanding of the context, prior experience working and/or living in any of the target counties is highly desirable
4. Experience working with and through local partners in ASAL contexts
5. Experience and knowledge of MOH systems, particularly at County level.
6. Good understanding of cross cutting issues- gender, DRR, etc. and how to integrate them into public health and nutrition programmes.
7. Excellent interpersonal, communication and report writing skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.
8. Proficient in Computer applications
9. Fluent in both spoken and written English and Kiswahili**. Knowledge of and proficiency in local language is strongly preferred.*

go to method of application »

Experience: 4-5 years and above
Location: Mandera, Kenya
Reports to: Livelihood Officer
Job Location: Rhamu- Mandera County
Available Slots: 1
Contract Details: One (1) Year Fixed Term Contract. Renewable Subject to Availability of Funds & Performance

Job Summary:

In order to fulfill its mandate and mission, RACIDA is looking for a self-driven, professionally confident, self-motivated, experienced and committed team players to fill the positions of a livelihood officer to be based in Mandera. The Livelihoods Officer will support the implementation of Community Disease Surveillance and Value Chain Development in coordination with the Area Program Manager and Project Manager.

The Livelihoods Officer, as part of the RACIDA programme implementation team, will provide technical guidance as well as hands on support to Mandera County veterinary services department to strengthen their capacity and skills in the implementation of one health approach and work with livestock community groups to strengthen their knowledge and capacity in livestock husbandly.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Manage the implementation of the cash transfer modality and distribution of hay under livestock
2. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with government departments within the area of operation and seek for appropriate technical and operation support as required.
3. Represent RACIDA at the County Level Coordination and technical forums linked to areas of interest of livestock production forums and others as will be specified by the line manager.
4. Work with Nutrition and WASH teams to identify and implement evidence-based interventions that contribute to the overall project goal.
5.  Work closely with community mobilizers and relief committees in Beneficiary registration and registration
6. Prepare cash transfer payroll for livestock beneficiaries
7. Work closely with the MEAL officer and management to address all cash transfer complaints on a timely manner
8.  Work closely with the MEAL officer to sensitize beneficiaries on RACIDAs’ Community complaint, response and feedback mechanism.
9.  Work with the MEAL Officer to conduct market assessments prior and during cash transfers
10. Work with the MEAL Officer and Coordinators to develop tools to assess the impact of the cash transfers to be used during routine monitoring
11. Represent the organization in the cash working monthly group meetings.
12.  Work closely with the veterinary department in developing a joint vaccination and diseases surveillance work plan.
13. Build the capacity of community Disease reporters(CDRs) on Participatory Disease surveillance.
14. Create linkages with community livestock owners and the veterinary Service department.
15. Conduct community sensitization on uptake of vaccines and usage of approved livestock drugs
16. Participate in livestock coordination meetings with other actors
17. Together with other actor’s lobby and advocate for adoption of one health policy at the county

Requirement

1. University degree in Agriculture/Veterinary Science, Economics, Development studies, Sociology or equivalent qualification in a related field of study
2. 5 years’ experience in a similar field of activity
3. Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a wide range of humanitarian assistance and emergency relief with a focus in livestock
4. Experience working with and through local partners in ASAL contexts
5. Experience and knowledge of Veterinary service department systems, particularly at County level.
6. Good understanding of cross cutting issues- gender, DRR, etc. and how to integrate them into livestock value chain programmes.
7. Excellent interpersonal, communication and report writing skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.
8. Proficient in Computer applications
9. Fluent in both spoken and written English and Kiswahili**. Knowledge of and proficiency in local language is strongly preferred.**

go to method of application »

Reports to: Kenya Programme Coordinator
Duration: 12-months with possibility of extension

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer will be responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation, research, and learning framework of the Project in Mandera North, Banissa and Mandera East sub counties. He/she will develop a systematic monitoring framework to improve the qualitative and quantitative evidence gathered by the Project.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plans and ensure delivery of program requirements
2. Support sector leads in development of sector specific project workplans to ensure coordinated delivery of set objectives and targets
3. Develop Indicator Performance Tracking Tables (IPTTs) for specific projects in coordination with Nutrition manager and Kenya Programmes Coordinator and program staff
4. Conduct field assessments, regular programme evaluations, rapid assessments, identifying potential needs, designing and implementing response plans
5. Organize capacity building activities for project officers, project managers, and sector leads on monitoring tools, data analysis and report writing as per donor requirements
6. Identify and formulate MEL findings, lessons learned and recommendations and share results for decision-making processes and further project development.
7. Coordinate with sector leads and project manager in compiling monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reports and data analysis and management
8. Coordinate with sector leads, project manager, and Kenya programme Coordinator to review project reporting indicators and reporting tools
9. Compile the output tracker report and share them with relevant line managers
10. Participate in quarterly project reviews and planning workshops
11. Lead in designing and implementing qualitative and quantitative assessments as appropriate
12. Track program progress, projects’ expenditure against approved budgets, anticipate any deviations and recommend and take action on relevant and required adjustments.
13. Undertake pro-active on the job training and staff development. Train and Mentor project staff on effective project planning and management methodologies
14. Conduct site visits to project areas to monitor project activities and verify the quality and accuracy of data, assess the means of verification at the site and field office levels, and provide capacity building/coaching of field level staff on data management and reporting
15. Conduct monthly/quarterly program data assessment in collaboration with the programme team
16. Develop a Dashboard for data entries and validation on the integrated Nutrition, WASH, and Agriculture programme
17. Participate in donor and stakeholder meetings, as well as collaborate and build strong relationships with other implementing partners
18. Coordination with other departments (food security and livelihood, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Nutrition, logistics, and administration).

EVALUATIONS AND STUDIES

1. Participate the development of tools and guidelines for data collection, collation analysis and reporting for internally-conducted studies and needs assessment
2. Support documentation and dissemination of generated research, analysis and learning internally and externally
3. Manage the specialized data management and analysis platforms
4. Build the capacity of the fieldworkers and other project staffs on digital data collection and management

ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEARNING

1. Ensure that accountability to beneficiaries and transparency become an integral part of all program interventions
2. Receive and register complaints and their responses in complaint database in the assigned area and make sure that complaints are logged in a professional and timely manner
3. Respond and communicate with the beneficiaries in a dignified manner regarding their complaints/feedback. Keep regular follow up of complaints, update complaint database on daily basis in coordination with HR. Maintain an action plan tracker and keep a regular follow up on actions and resolutions agreed, and undertake verification visits