Health Officer at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Requisition ID: req9380
Location: Damaturu, Yobe
Sector: Health
Employment Category: Fixed Term
Employment Type: Full-Time
Open to Expatriates: No

Contextual Background

• The IRC has been present in Nigeria since 2012 when the organization responded to flooding in Kogi State. In February 2014 the IRC moved into Adamawa State in NE Nigeria to provide humanitarian interventions through a multi-sectoral, integrated approach for conflict-affected populations. IRC Nigeria now operates a country office in Abuja and field offices in Mubi and Yola of Adamawa State, Maiduguri and Monguno of Borno State and Damatru of Yobe State. Currently, IRC Nigeria implements programs primary health care, nutrition, environmental health, women’s protection and empowerment, protection, child protection, education, food security & livelihoods.

Job Overview / Summary

• The Health Clinical Officer services is responsible for overseeing health care activities for IRC supported health facilities in Damaturu and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State.
• Responsibilities will include day to day support to health facilities, monitoring of activities, report making, coordination with other sectors and government authorities as well as close collaboration with health facility staff and managers.

Major Responsibilities
Program Management, Technical Quality, and Strategy:

• 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.
• In collaboration with the other health program staff in Nigeria, oversee the implementation of health projects implemented by IRC Nigeria.
• Promote the quality of the IRC’s health programs by following the measures put in place in collaboration with other staff and the IRC health unit.
• Ensure sound data collection and information management systems are in place for ongoing monitoring of health programme activities
• 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
• 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 supported health facilities, provide mentoring and technical support and appropriate feedback as needed.
• Work with the Health Manager to ensure appropriate use of programme resources
• Organize planned trainings for health staff and ensure that FMOH and WHO guidelines are used for all trainings which should be delivered in a quality manner.
• Support the setup of use of FMOH clinical guidelines in all health facilities, providing mentoring as required to improve compliance and discuss implications of the results.
• Follow all IRC guidelines, programme and budget management tools
• Ensure a good working relationship with all stakeholders involved in service provision to supported health facilities in Yobe State.
• Ensure the consistent use of the IRC grant management guidelines during programme implementation.

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development:

• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Approve and manage all time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.
• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, at least monthly.
• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures, and communicates through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

Research, Learning and Analysis:

• Analyze, interpret Primary health care-related data and reports from the supported health facilities and document learning.

Coordination & Representation:

• Represent IRC in LGAs, Yobe east and Health cluster coordination Meeting

Key Working Relationships:

• Position Reports to: Medical Doctor Supervisor
• Indirect/Technical Reporting: N/A
• Position directly Supervises: N/A (May Supervise Health assistance in Future)
• Key Internal Contacts: Reproductive Health capacity building Officer, Finance and Supply Chain Team.
• Key External Contacts:  LGA IMCI officer, M&E officer, DSNO and Immunization.

Qualifications

• Required degree level: Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Nursing Science with 3 Year Post qualification experience.
• Experience supporting Health system.
• Experience working directly with IDPs.
• Experience working with international organizations, including non-government organizations and UN agencies, in field of health and Sexual and Reproductive health.
• Additional formal training in reproductive health, health and/or community Mobilization is added advantage.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with Valid practicing licenses and Evidence of completion of NYSC (Discharge/Exemption Certificate).

Work Experience:

• Strong up to date clinical management knowledge.
• Experience in coordinating, implementing and managing reproductive health programs in emergency contexts and/IDPs settings is essential.
• Proven familiarity with international guidelines for sexual and reproductive health in both emergencies and development
• Capacity building experience.
• Experience responding to Epidemic outbreak e.g. Cholera and Measles
• Clear understanding Familiarity with the understanding of the Nigerian Public health system.

Demonstrated Technical Skills:

• Experience implementing Health project in conflict and Post-conflict setting.
• Technical Experience in all the component of integrated Primary health care Quality of care improvement, Integrated management of childhood illness, Immunization, Infection prevention and control etc.
• Capacity Building of the Health workers on quality improvement of Minimum services package for Primary health care.
• Excellent facilitation skill and experienced in Building capacity of clinical staff.

Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
• Good  oral and written skills; good drafting, formulation, reporting skills
• Excellent 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.
• Good teaching and coaching ability.

Languages:

• English and Hausa (Mandatory)
• Fulani and Kanuri (Preferred)

Computer/Other Tech Requirements:

• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.  Add position-specific (e.g. accounting software, statistical software, etc.).

Standards of Professional Conduct:

• The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Gender Equality:

• IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Working Environment:

• IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.