State Team Lead at Helen Keller International

Overall Responsibility:

The State Team Lead (STL) will provide overall leadership and management of the VAS project in the State in a manner that strengthens partnerships with the state government and other partners. The STL will spearhead coordination, implementation and reporting in the State and ensure optimal resource management. The STL will serve as a member of the Project Management Team and be responsible for the overall performance of VAS project in Taraba state.

Program Planning:

• Facilitate the creation and implementation of a detailed work-plan which identifies and sequence activities needed to successfully implement VAS project in the most cost-effective manner and ensure project objectives and deliverables are met in line with national policies, Helen Keller’s and donor goals;
• In collaboration with key stakeholders, facilitate the development and roll out of partner specific action and implementation plans to implement VAS.
• Review the project schedule with supervisor and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities; revise and regularly review the schedule as required.
• Facilitate the development or review of project specific annual budgets and monitor implementation in accordance with principles of value for money (VFM)

Program Management:

• Provides clear documentation of programmatic achievements as well as required data and keep Helen Keller senior management informed of state activities on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
• Take responsibility for management of the project budget and all other resources under the direction of the Senior Program Officer.
• Ensure Helen Keller Intl program partners execute the project according to the agreed upon project plans.
• Document project activities and ensure that all project information is appropriately secured.
• Monitor the progress of the project implementation and closely work with supervisor to make adjustments as necessary to ensure the project remains on track and is successfully completed.
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of state projects.
• Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures and ensure that all financial records for the projects are up to date.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Establish a system for project monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Support the state M&E Officer to establish a functional state M&E data system with periodic analyses and review to inform program management.
• Work closely with the M&E Officer to develop and implement Monitoring and Evaluation tools according to Helen Keller Intl and donor standards.
• Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of international standards as set by donor.
• Internally and when requested, support external evaluations on the outcomes of the projects as established during the planning phase and as required.
• Disseminate findings from evaluations to support organizational learning and contribute to policy processing or development.

Advocacy and Strategic Alliances:

• Liaise and network with relevant partners and collaborators in the state to improve Helen Keller’s visibility, coordination of activities and promotion of shared advocacy agenda.
• Build and maintain meaningful working relationships with both government and key project stakeholders at all levels in order to strengthen opportunities for advocacy and increased visibility;
• Develop relationships with other partners in the state to support the delivery of VAS campaigns.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in public health, public administration, management or related discipline, or equivalent experience. A postgraduate degree in related field is preferred. 
• At least 6 years’ senior-level work experience in health program management in developing countries, or equivalent
•  Previous supervision or team leader experience.
•  Proven track record in managing international. projects or in senior management of a large and complex project overseas.
•  Willingness to travel within the state and other parts of the country as needed.
•  Experience in managing a public health or Nutrition program, would be an added advantage.