Health Officer - Internal Only at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Location: Gwoza, Borno

Job Overview/Summary
Manage health programs ensuring quality and adherence to standards.

• The Health Officer will support the implementation of the “Broadening Emergency and Graduation Efforts (BEGE) in Borno” project implemented in consortium with Mercy corps in Gwoza LGA.
• She/He will be providing quality and comprehensive primary health care services at the IRC health facilities to the internally displaced people (IDPs) camps maintaining a high level of ethical and professional standards.
• The position will be 100% based in Gwoza LGA.
• The Health Officer reports directly to the Program Manager.

Major Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of quality Primary health care program activities at all IRC supported health facilities in Gwoza LGA.
• Routinely monitor MoH staff performance according to Primary health care guidelines and provide feedback and guidance.
• Develop ongoing education programs for MoH staff and conduct training and on-the-job training for health.
• Support planning and implementing of the project activities and outputs at the field level to ensure the project achieves its objective of improving access to quality health services.
• Track the performance of the project activities and targets against the expected results and advise on implementation process to ensure the project is progressing towards attaining its targets.
• Identifying program gaps in the supported health facilities services with immediate solution for further necessary steps to address those gaps.
• Support collection of success stories and photographs that demonstrate the positive impact of the project.
• Raise Item Forecasts as required after discussion with colleagues and follow up till delivery of items.
• Adhere to and practice use of Universal Precautions and proper waste management at all IRC supported health facilities to ensure optimal Infection, Prevention and Control.
• Ensures timely supported referrals to the Gwoza general hospital in collaboration with the Program manager and referral focal person.
• Monitors progress against grant work plan; promptly identifying any current or potential delays and recommending solutions to technical issues.
• Work with and provide timely technical support to IRC’s implementing partners; maintain respectful and constructive relations with partner staff, services providers and patients.
• Fully comply with IRC safety and security procedures and provide input to security monitoring and assessments to enable and promote a safe and secure environment for program implementation.
• Compute weekly facility data from the supported health facilities and share with the MEAL team.

Coordination and Representation:

• He/she will represent the sector in meetings on delegation by the Program manager in Gwoza LGA.

Others:

• Consistently and proactively monitors and assesses the safety and security of the team; promptly reporting concerns or incidents to IRC management and liaising with community leaders and others external parties as required to maintain/enhance the security environment for IRC programs.
• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Competency in the use of software (e.g. Comcare).
• Ability to work well with others and to respect staff, subcontractors, consultants and recipients of assistance.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver on commitments.
• Good sense of integrity, service and accountability.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and promote IRC programs.

Key Working Relationships:

• Position reports to: Program Manager.
• Position directly supervises: MOH Incentive staff (clinicians, referral FP, HMIS recorders, drug dispensers, RI vaccinators, cleaners and guards).
• Indirect reporting: Health Coordinator, Field Coordinator, Nutrition Officer, EH/WaSH Manager, Supply Chain Officer and Finance Manager.
• Other Internal and/or external contacts: Health program staff and managers, and ALL other IRC sectors.
• External: Other partner NGO’s, MoH, SPHCDA, LGA PHC department.

Qualifications
Education:

• Registered Nurse (BSc in Nursing is an added advantage).
• Experience working in Gwoza is an added advantage.
• Must possess a valid practicing license by the Nursing Council of Nigeria.

Work Experience:

• Two to three years’ humanitarian experience in clinical medicine, SRH or public health, preferably in an NGO setting.
• Proven experience in community-based programming with the ability to motivate and lead community structures (WDCs, CHCs, CHVs).
• Experienced in report writing (highly recommended).
• Experience in training, capacity development, on-the-job coaching for team members/supervisees.
• Experience in community engagement activities and leading community dialogues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive.
• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels.
• Previous relevant NGO experience would be an added advantage.
• Ability to maintain beneficiary confidentiality and respect always is essential.
• Positive and professional attitude, able to organize, maintain composure and prioritize work under pressure, work overtime when necessary and be able to coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
• Fluency in both English and Hausa (Hausa is an added advantage).