Health Outreach Assistant at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Location: Mubi, Adamawa

Program Summary

• IRC entered Nigeria in October 2012 in response to a widespread flood disaster. IRC’s Emergency Response Team, with local partner CISCOPE (Civil Society Coalition for Poverty Eradication), implemented a project to support livelihoods and improve WASH in Kogi State from February to May 2013. This was followed by a 3-month nutrition and food security program in the same location from October 2013 to January 2014.
• The IRC is now in the process of establishing long term presence in Nigeria. An office has been established in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria and are providing critical humanitarian assistance to conflict affected people.

Scope of Work

• The Health Outreach Assistant is responsible for overseeing community health activities for the population in the catchment area of IRC supported health facilities in 2 LGAs in Adamawa State and Borno state.
• Responsibilities will include day to day support to community based service providers, monitoring of activities, report making, coordination with other sectors and government authorities as well as close collaboration with health facility staff and managers.
• The Health Outreach Assistant will have no line management responsibilities and reports to the Health Manager, while working very closely with the Health Outreach Officer.
• The position is based in Mubi with regular trips to IRC’s health programs throughout Adamawa State, Askira Uba ( Borno state), and other parts of Nigeria as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the other health program staff in Nigeria, oversee the implementation of community health aspects of health projects implemented by IRC Nigeria.
• In collaboration with the Health Manager, ensure that health programs utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as outlined by the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and WHO. Ensure that all health activities are consistent with established best practices.
• Fully understand the community health policy of the FMOH and work with key stakeholders to implement this in all IRC supported communities.
• Identify all community level stakeholders for the health sector in Adamawa State Nigeria and work in collaboration with the Health Manager to involve them in programme implementation.
• Ensure sound data collection are in place for ongoing monitoring of health programme activities
• Responsible for the sectors robust M&E plans and community surveillance systems for the IRC health programs in Nigeria
• Contribute to the growth of the IRC health programme in Nigeria through quality implementation of project activities, adequate monitoring and timely reporting as needed, working in conjunction with other colleagues in the IRC Nigeria program.
• Conduct regular supportive supervision to all community based providers and ensure that appropriate feedback and mentorship takes place
• Work with the Health Manager to ensure appropriate use of programme resources
• Organise trainings for community based providers as needed .`
• Work with community based providers to establish a referral system to the IRC supported health facilities
• Work with community based providers and facility based staff to ensure establishment of a community based follow up system.
• Follow all IRC guidelines, programme and budget management tools
• Ensure the consistent use of the IRC grant management guidelines during programme implementation.

Requirements

• College Diploma in Nursing /Midwifery/Clinical Medicine/Community Health/Public Health
• At least 5 Years work experience in community based programs, working in maternal and child health, drugs and medical supplies management and other primary Health care components is preferable
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the community health Policy of Nigeria
• Previous experience working in Northern Nigeria, willingness to work in Northern Nigeria
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Experience delivering MCH and related trainings to community level providers using national or WHO guidelines
• NGO work experience is an advantage
• Should be able to use Microsoft Office especially MS-WORD, EXCEL,POWERPOINT
• Able to communicate in English language (written and spoken ); Knowledge of local languages is a plus
• Additional qualities: ability to multitask, ability to handle pressure well, ability to improvise, be flexible , and adaptability to transitions.