The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

POSITION : Health Coordinator         

Scope of Work

• The Health Coordinator is the focal point for health programs in Nigeria and will ensure the implementation of quality primary health care programing in both Borno and Adamawa states.
• The Health Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining regular contact with all partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health, UN agencies and other NGOs, and will also be responsible for fulfilling IRC strategic objectives for the health sector.
• The Health Coordinator supervises other health staff, and reports to the Humanitarian Coordinator.  The position is based in the IRC Maiduguri field office in Borno state but with regular trips to IRC’s health programs throughout Nigeria.
• The Health Coordinator will receive technical support from the Technical Advisor for Health Programs.

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the other health program staff in Nigeria, oversee the implementation of health projects implemented by IRC Nigeria.
• Provide technical supervision and guidance of all IRC health projects. Extend technical support and supervision to the IRC’s implementing partners as the need arises
• Ensure that health programs utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as outlined by the Federal Ministry of Health and WHO. Ensure that all health activities are consistent with established best practices.
• Promote the quality of the IRC’s health programs by setting up quality assurance mechanisms and checks in collaboration with other staff.
• Ensure sound data collection and information management systems are in place for ongoing performance analysis and programmatic action based on data and identified needs.
• Ensure that the stated goals and objectives of all health projects are met with strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) follow up, including any required operational research, with technical support from the Health Information Management team in New York Health Unit and the Country Technical Advisor as needed.
• Participate in the design of robust M&E plans and design/adapt health information systems including surveillance systems for the IRC health programs in Nigeria
• Provide technical support to the health program for program design, proposal development and reporting, ensuring that IRC programs are of high quality and that programs are driven by data and learning, working in conjunction with other colleagues in the IRC Nigeria program.
• Ensure all designed Health projects use to the IRC theories of change and that outcomes are evidence-driven and evidence-generated.

Management:

• Provide supportive supervison to the other health staff to develop work plans to guide implementation of approved grants. Support the Field teams in the implementation and monitoring of the work plans ensuring that activities reflect the commitments IRC made to the donor and community.
• Review Budget vs. Actual expenditure for health programs on a monthly basis with staff.
• Participate in the development of staff development plans for health staff based on performance reviews in collaboration with the human resources department and contribute to the training of health staff (mentoring, on-the-job sessions as well as formal trainings). Review performance evaluation of health staff in the field.
• Develop/organize training opportunities to build the capacity of the health staff and local partners in order to transfer skills.  This includes staff training in program management areas such as reporting, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, and supervision.
• Oversee the implementation of health sector priorities, ensuring that program growth is in line with country strategic plans.
• Review all reports prepared by the health staff and provide appropriate feedback to the concerned staff, and ensure that reports are written and submitted to concerned bodies in a timely manner.

Representation and Advocacy:

• In coordination with the Humanitarian Coordinator and Senior Management Team actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders in Nigeria including donors, government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors.
• Develop strategic partnerships with local organizations, wherever possible.
• Represent IRC to local communities, government departments, international agencies, local partners and donors as required.
• Upon request by the Senior Management in Nigeria, assist in organizing donor site visits by supporting field staff in the smooth design and implementation of agendas and visit activities.

Requirements

• Health professional with an MPH or other suitable public health degree and experience.
• Five years experience in coordinating, implementing and managing health programs in developing countries. Experience working in Nigeria/West Africa a plus.
• Background in situation analysis, health assessments and program implementation.
• Experience implementing health programming in hard to reach areas/displaced communities.
• Experience working with Stabilization Centers for Malnutrition a plus
• Demostrated skills in project design/proposal development and grant management.
• Experience in capacity building and mentoring of national and international staff.
• Knowledge, skills and experience in participatory methods, community development and partnership.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent coordination and networking skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively in Nigeria
• Excellent written and oral English skills
• Excellent computer skills in programs such as: MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint and database management such as: HMIS, DHIS, EPI-Info
• Additional qualities: ability to multitask, ability to handle pressure well, ability to improvise, be flexible, and adaptability to transitions.

Specific Security Situation/Housing:

• The Health Coordinator will be based in Maiduguri, Nigeria with travel throughout the country.
• The security situation in Nigeria continues to be volatile in the NE with the security level at 3 (orange).
• The candidate should be prepared to implement programming in insecure environments. This is a non-accompanied position.
• The Health Coordinator will live in shared housing.