Senior Health Manager at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

Background
The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women's empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home.

IRC entered Nigeria in October 2012 in response to a widespread flood disaster. Since then, the IRC has expanded its scope and size of the programs as new areas became accessible after prolonged conflict and insecurity, in Adamawa and Borno States. The IRC’s response to the humanitarian situation includes integrated health and nutrition services, as well as reproductive health care and women protection services. For its Health program, the IRC is seeking a Senior Health Manager to oversee the EU program on Response, Recovery & Resilience in Borno State.

Scope of Work

• The Senior Health Manager is the focal point for IRC's “Response, Recovery & Resilience in Borno State” program covering multiple Local Government Areas.
• S/he reports to the Health Coordinator and also works closely with the Senior Environmental Health Manager and Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator during the implementation of the program.

Job Purpose

• Under the direct supervision of the Health Coordinator, the Senior Heath Manager shall be responsible for the overall implementation of the health program that encompasses health systems strengthening, clinic support and community health in the targeted LGAs.
• S/he will also be responsible for coordination with government counterparts, providing technical guidance and support in management of the program.
• S/he will supervise and monitor the program implementation and ensure alignment to health indicators as per SPHERE/UNHCR/WHO standards.

Roles and Responsibilities
Program Management:

• Lead the roll-out of the new program in the targeted LGAs.
• Establish effective working relationships with government counterparts at the State Primary Health Development Agency, Hospital Management Board and Local Government Offices.
• Develop the work plans for the three year program and monitor and supervise the health managers in the implementation of the program in the targeted LGAs.
• Provide guidance in health systems strengthening and organizational development to the health managers and government counterparts
• In collaboration with the M&E sector, set high quality performance indicators ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines.
• Participate in the EU program review meetings and other joint activities organized by the EU.
• Seek out and nurture quality partnerships with other implementing partners, local organizations and community structures
• Foster inter program linkages, exchange information and experiences and contribute actively to protection and disaster risk reduction mainstreaming in the health program
• Collaborate with other relevant sectors such as Nutrition, Women Protection & Empowerment, Child Protection and Environmental Health to ensure holistic service package is available in response to the needs.
• In coordination with the Health Coordinator, identify opportunities, formulate health program goals, objectives and intervention strategies.
• Contribute to design, planning, and drafting new proposals.

Human Resource Management:

• Monitor and supervise the Health Managers and ensure that work is done properly and efficiently
• Routinely monitor staff performance according to their job description and provide written feedback in a timely manner.
• Develop and support ongoing education programs for health staff.
• Review personnel issues and concerns of health staff and assist in determining and implementing solutions.
• Determine personnel needs for field-level activities, and in coordination with the Human Resources Lead assist in recruitment of staff.
• Recommend promotions, disciplinary action and termination of health staff to the Health Coordinator and HR Lead.

Grants Management:

• Ensure project activities are implemented according to the workplan and within the allocated budgets.
• Prepare weekly workplans with the health teams.
• Ensure adherence to budgets by reviewing expenditures and spending patterns.
• Recommend grant and budget revisions to the Health Coordinator.
• Provide recommendations and interventions to correct any identified deviations that impact budget adherence.

Reporting:

• Provide monthly reports on progress in the implementation
• Responsible for all donor reports as required according to the guidelines and submit timely for review to the Health Coordinator.
• Supervise and regularly review and revise training manuals to maintain consistency with the accepted protocols.
• Keep the Field Coordinator informed of all developments and issues through weekly situation reports.

Qualifications

• Degree in Social-Political Science or Medicine from a recognized institution or equivalent with preferably Masters in Public Health
• A mature person of high professional discipline and moral integrity, able to work under stress as the situation may dictate.

Competencies:

• Three years’ experience in managing programs related to governance and/or public health .
• Able to lead a team and experience in staff management.
• Strong communicator and diplomatic in approach.
• Able to take initiatives and work independently.
• Flexible to travel frequently and work in different locations.
• Experience with EU, ECHO, UNICEF, SIDA, WHO donor report writing and proposal development an advantage
• Proficiency in computer skills, especially in MS Word and Excel.

Working Environment

• The positions are located in Maiduguri The situation in northeast Nigeria continues to be volatile and the security phase is orange or red depending on location. This is a national position.

Benefits

• Competitive Monthly salary,
• 13th Month Salary Inclusive,
• Health Insurance Coverage for Family,
• Pension,
• Creche Facilities available for Women with babies under 24 Months.