Senior Health Project Officer

Benefits

Additional Information

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. Background: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies. The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord's Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development -bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 9 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Moroto, Amudat, Yumbe, Arua, Kiryandongo, Kasese and Kampala. The IRC is currently implementing its health and nutrition program in West Nile and Acholi focusing on providing primary health care services to refugees in their settlements. Job Overview/ Summary: Under the supervision of the Health Manager, The Senior Health Officer will support the implementation of the project aimed at contributing to polio eradication by enhancing surveillance for Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) among the communities residing close to the South Sudan/Uganda border and in the refugee settlements in Lamwo district. S/HE will directly implement the community AFP surveillance program in the district and will work in close collaboration with the District Health team (DHT) and other stakeholders. S/HE will provide on-the-job coaching and mentoring of health facility staffs especially in strengthening AFP case surveillance, detection, and reporting. The Senior Health Officer will contribute to assessing staff capacity needs regarding AFP surveillance and reporting at health Centre level and coordinate all planned project trainings; and ensure that review meetings are held on time. S/HE will also support health workers in compiling reports to the DHT. S/HE will contribute to the provision of strategic and technical oversight of the project and to ensure the successful implementation of a quality project. Specific roles: 1. Support host and settlement Health facilities to effectively conduct community awareness on and vigilance for AFP/VPDs and health promotion activities both at health facility level and in the community. Primary Responsibilities Program Management and Development Oversee the implementation of surveillance activities to support the process of AFP case detection, verification, investigation, and reporting so that program goals, objectives, targets and activities are met.Prepare program work plans in coordination with the Health Manager. Conduct regular monitoring visits to the various project sites, ensuring that projects utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as outlined by the Ministry of Health and donors. Identify technical quality and/or other implementation issues, and provide solutions and follow-up to ensure projects are on track to meet goals and are consistent with established best practices. Ensure that the health program is implemented in line with the IRC principles: promoting and protecting rights, participation, capacity building, partnership and holistic programming.Strictly follow up the medical and operational supply chain system, stock recording, timely ordering for the supplies and accountabilities in relation to the warehousing and using of the supplies including medicines and medical items. Work closely with other IRC programs present in the same location, such as Women's Protection and Empowerment, ERD, Education, and integrate program components to the extent possible.Coordinate and conduct