Action Against Hunger USA Program Health Officer Jobs in Kenya
Purpose:
This health officer position supports the design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health interventions within Action Against Hunger’s Kenya projects. The role involves collaborating with program staff and participating in county-level coordination meetings. The officer develops project documents (implementation plans, budgets, procurement plans) and ensures adherence to project timelines and national/international health standards.
S/he contributes to project monitoring (supervision, joint monitoring) and reporting (drafting internal and donor reports). Overall, this position plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective delivery of health programs in Action Against Hunger’s Kenya operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Objective 1: Project Design and Development
Engagement: Collaborate with government health officials, community leaders, adolescent representatives, and other stakeholders to ensure program relevance, cultural sensitivity, and community ownership.
Deliverables: Comprehensive project documents that address priority health needs, incorporate MHPSS, and utilize innovative digital health solutions.
Strategic Priorities:
Conduct needs assessments to identify health vulnerabilities in target communities, focusing on children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations on the move.
Collaborate with the team to design and develop project documents (implementation plans, budgets, procurement plans) that address priority health needs in emergencies and development contexts.
Integrate evidence-based interventions for Child, adolescent health including sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support).
Advocate for the inclusion of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services across all health interventions.
Explore and propose the use of appropriate digital health tools for data collection, service delivery, and improved access to health information.
Ensure project designs align with national health guidelines and WHO recommendations.
Participate in county and capital level brainstorming sessions preceding development of concept notes and project proposals.
Objective 2: Project Implementation and Quality Control
Engagement: Work closely with healthcare workers, community health volunteers and community members to promote program adherence and service uptake.
Deliverables: Increased coverage of key interventions and improved health outcomes for children and newborns, and strengthened infection prevention and control practices.
Strategic Priorities:
Implement evidence-based interventions to address childhood illnesses (diarrhea, respiratory infections including pneumonia etc.) and common health problems among adolescents.
In collaboration with county/subcounty health teams, train healthcare workers in essential newborn care, kangaroo mother care (KMC), and safe delivery practices.
Advocate for and support access to MHPSS services for children, adolescents, and communities.
Ensure project activities adhere to national and international health standards and WHO protocols.
Ensure that the project activities are implemented according to the approved donor and government agreements.
In consultation with the Deputy field coordinator, develop and regularly update a detailed work plan guiding the project implementation in targeted areas.
Work with the DFC and other project staffs to identify the technical support needs of the project and ensure this support is provided
Through day-to-day work relationship, provide technical advice and support to stakeholders, partners and volunteers.
Objective 3: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
Engagement: Work collaboratively with service delivery and/or data collection teams to ensure data quality and timely reporting.
Deliverables: Regularly updated reports, evidence-based recommendations for program improvement, and contribution to research initiatives.
Strategic Priorities:
Conduct regular health assessments to gather data on child health needs, morbidity and mortality rates, adolescent health indicators..
Monitor and report on newborn health indicators (survival rates, neonatal mortality).
Establish community-based surveillance systems to track outbreaks and health trends, including potential threats specific to children on the move.
Participate in project monitoring activities (supervision, joint monitoring) and implement research activities to improve program effectiveness.
Contribute to the development of first drafts of qualitative and quantitative reports (monthly, quarterly, annual) aligned with MEAL frameworks.
Analyze health data for informed decision-making and identification of areas for improvement.
Coordinate identification, execution, monitoring and evaluation of assessments and learning objectives, studies and surveys within projects at community level.
Objective 4: Coordination and teamwork
Engagement: Develop strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and resource mobilization.
Deliverables: Strengthened county-level inter-agency partnerships, enhanced community engagement, improved health system resilience and preparedness for emergencies.
Strategic Priorities:
Collaborate with program staff, government health officials, and other humanitarian actors to ensure a coordinated and efficient response.
Build strong relationships with community leaders, religious groups, local NGOs, and adolescent representatives to foster program sustainability and community buy-in.
Work collaboratively with IT specialists and the Ministry of Health on digital health integration.
Facilitate community participation in program design, implementation, and monitoring.
Contribute to the development and implementation of health sector emergency preparedness and response plans.
Objective 5: Communication and teamwork
Engagement: Build trust and rapport with diverse audiences through clear, respectful communication that is adapted to their needs and preferred communication methods.
Deliverables: Increased awareness and understanding of health issues among target populations, improved program accessibility for all, and a more gender-equitable approach to healthcare delivery.
Strategic Priorities:
Represent Action Against Hunger in health forums and multi-sector platforms at the county level, advocating for the specific needs of children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations including those on the move.
Communicate effectively with healthcare workers and community members ensuring program information is culturally sensitive and accessible.
Work closely with midwives, traditional birth attendants, and mothers to promote skilled birth attendance and optimal newborn care practices.
Collaborate with community members &to ensure program accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and address gender barriers in healthcare access.
Disseminate health education materials and utilize appropriate communication channels to raise awareness on critical health topics among adolescents and communities.
Maintain clear communication with the DFC and other technical and support staff at the base
Clearly communicate areas of support to the capital technical supervisor
Representation the organization in relation with the project to the local authorities and other partners
Represent ACF locally in health forums whenever needed.
Required Qualifications and Professional Experience
Masters/ Bachelor’s degree (BSN) / Diploma in Registered Community Health Nurse (RCHN)
At least 5 years of working experience in a health facility with comprehensive maternal, child and adolescent services
Experience in management level roles including leading a team is an added advantage
Conversant with Government (national and County) systems especially post devolution
Experience working with an NGO in programming, particularly coordinating MNCHN interventions is preferred
Required Skills & Competencies
Good teamwork, flexibility, punctuality, good communication skills, commitment to service, ability to cope in stressful situations, precision, proven analytical and writing skills, capacity to share knowledge and train colleagues, basic computer skill (MS excel and word),good command of english (essential) and local language (desirable).
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; Action Against Hunger USA Program Health Officer Jobs in Kenya
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