NTDs Program Associate at Helen Keller International

Scope of the position

Under the supervision of the NTDs Program Officer/Acting State Team Lead, the NTDs Program Associate will assists with the formulation, execution, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of NTDs program in the State. He/she ensures consistency with the project objectives, set priorities and outcomes in the state.

Essential Functions

Program Planning

• In collaboration with the PO and other team members, he/she will support in the creation and implementation of a detailed annual work-plan, which identifies sequences of activities needed to successfully implement the project in the most cost-effective manner and ensure project objectives are met in line with national policies, Helen Keller’s goals and those of the donor.
• In collaboration with key stakeholders, work with program officer to facilitate the development and roll out of detailed implementation plans (DIP) for Mass Drug Administration (MDA) as well as morbidity management in endemic LGAs, with the view to eliminate and control NTDs.
• Review the project schedule with the NTDs program officer and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities; revise and regularly review the schedule as required.

Program Management

• In collaboration with other stakeholders, assist the program officer to ensure Helen Keller program partners execute project activities according to their respective plans.
• Participate in documentation of project activities to ensure that all project data is appropriately secured.
• Work with other colleagues to monitor the progress of project implementation and adjust as necessary to ensure the project remains on track and is successfully implemented.
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project;
• In collaboration with the Helen Keller finance officer and other project staff, ensure project funds are utilized and retired according to established accounting policies and procedures.

Program Monitoring & Evaluation

• In collaboration with M&E staff, assist with the implementation and development of Monitoring and Evaluation tools according to Helen Keller, FMOH and donor standards.
• Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of international standards as set by FMOH, Helen Keller and donor.
• Internally and when requested, support external evaluations on the outcomes of the project as established during the planning phase of the project and as required.
• Disseminate findings from assessment/evaluations to support organizational learning and contribute to policy processing or development.

Advocacy and Strategic Alliances

• Work with the NTDS PO to build and maintain effective and professional collaboration with both government and other key project stakeholders at all levels to strengthen opportunities for advocacy and higher visibility;
• Represent Helen Keller towards local partners and at other appropriate fora.

Key Performance Indicators

Successful implementation of the projects based on:

• Effective tracking and reporting of program indicators.
• Implementation of annual work plans in collaboration with other project staff and government stakeholders
• Timely reporting to donor and FMOH

Required minimum education/experience/skills

• Graduate degree in public health, public administration, management or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Postgraduate degree in related field preferred
• At least 3 years’ working experience in managing a community eye health or neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) program.
• Willingness to travel within the state and other parts of the country as needed.
• Basic technical knowledge of PCT/IDM NTDs is preferable;
• Knowledge of South-south terrain, security awareness and cultures is an added advantage
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Computer skills: Windows applications for word processing and spreadsheet software
• Extraordinary verbal and written communication skills to manage project communications and disseminate project information are required.
• Demonstrates technical knowledge pertaining to the job requirements.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Able to work under pressure with minimal supervision and able to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated excellent personal integrity and confidentially.