Position: Project Coordinator
Responsible To:Country
Director
Location: Kisii office with occasional travel to
field sites and Nairobi
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 12 months
Benefits: Insurance cover, 15% of Basic Salary as
House Allowance, and annual leave entitlement of 24 days per annum at the
completion of 12 months of continuous employment with Merlin.
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be
shortlisted on a regular basis and we may offer this post before the closing
date.
Please note: this is a local recruitment position (nationals are encouraged to apply).
Merlin International Profile
Please note: this is a local recruitment position (nationals are encouraged to apply).
Merlin International Profile
Merlin is the only specialist UK charity which responds
worldwide with vital health care and medical relief for vulnerable people
caught up in natural disasters, conflict, disease and health system
collapse.
Each year, Merlin helps more than 15 million people in up to 20
countries.
Context and Background
Context and Background
Merlin has been working in Kenya since 1998.
Merlin is currently operational in two geographic regions:
Nyanza Province and Turkana in western Kenya. In addition to the country office
in Nairobi, Merlin maintains offices in Kisii in Nyanza Province and Lodwar in
Turkana.
Merlin is currently implementing three projects based in Kisii:
two addressing HIV/AIDS and TB, and one aimed at reducing malaria incidence.
The overall objective of Merlin’s work in Kenya is to contribute to a reduction of health inequalities and to a reversal in the current downward trend in health related indicators.
The overall objective of Merlin’s work in Kenya is to contribute to a reduction of health inequalities and to a reversal in the current downward trend in health related indicators.
Merlin does this by responding to emergency needs as well as
continuing to build on lasting working relationships with communities and local
partners; supporting the strengthening of the Kenyan health system; approaching
health problems with innovative interventions; developing answers to key
practical questions through operational research; and using the lessons learned
at local levels to feed into national-level programming and planning.
Main purpose of the role
Main purpose of the role
The main purpose of the role is to provide programme support,
development and implementation.
Ensure relevant Merlin procedures and best practices are
followed in relation to logistics, security, and human resource management.
Overall Objectives (scope)
Overall Objectives (scope)
·
To promote Merlin’s objectives and respect the code of conduct.
·
To respect Merlin’s internal procedures and Kenyan laws in
carrying out the position responsibilities.
·
Be responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient
management and coordination of the projects carried out by the Kisii field
office, consistent with project objectives. The post holder will work in close
collaboration with the Country Director and other members of the Country Management
Team, as well as local partners and the Ministry of Health
Responsibilities
Management / Programme Development
Management / Programme Development
·
Overall responsibility for effective and efficient management of
the projects to meet project objectives, consistent with the project management
cycle and in accordance with Merlin principles, policies and procedures.
·
Ensure project activities are undertaken in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the contract with partner agencies (including donors)
and that the projects are implemented without undue disruption.
·
Ensure monitoring systems are developed and in place and that
project reviews and evaluations are carried out as planned with the appropriate
participation of stakeholders and partners at all stages.
·
Employ participatory approaches for the development of links
with community groups to raise awareness, increase knowledge and change
attitudes and practices towards health issues.
·
Support the Project Health Coordinator in managing action-based
research in HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. Assist in the process of work plan
development, field research, analysis, documentation and dissemination.
·
Ensure all relevant authorities are included in the planning,
implementation and monitoring of the projects.
·
Work closely with the MoH, target groups and other stakeholders
to develop participatory training materials and to provide training to the
health workers, community groups and communities. All training materials should
be pre-tested and translated if necessary.
·
Develop effective coordination mechanisms between the project
and with other potential or active partners in the field.
·
Ensure narrative and financial reports are completed in
accordance with the requirements of Merlin and the donor/s
·
In collaboration with the project leads, ensure detailed work
plans are prepared and monitored, in relation to project objectives.
·
Develop TORs, identify external consultants and facilitate and
monitor the conduction of field work (i.e. surveys) and report production as identified
in the project log frame.
·
Prepare accurate and timely project proposals.
Security
·
Ensure team security and safety in line with Merlin security and
safety policy. Amend local guidelines following consultation with Regional
Logistics Coordinator and the Country Director.
·
Record and report any security incidents to the Nairobi country
office.
Logistics/Finance/Administration
·
Ensure Merlin administrative, financial and logistical
systems/procedures are in place, maintained and adhered to so that all support
functions are carried out effectively and efficiently.
·
Responsible for accurate budget control and has overall
responsibility for financial management.
·
Ensure Merlin complies with all legal and bureaucratic
requirements in the province of operation.
·
Ensure regular communications are maintained between the project
and the Nairobi Office.
Human Resource Management
·
Overall management of project staff.
·
Directly supervise and support the work of the project leads, in
conjunction with the Project Health Coordinator.
·
Overall responsibility for national staff selection, recruitment
and dismissal. Ensure that staff appraisals are conducted as per Merlin standard
requirements and procedures.
·
Ensure the identification, timely contracting and management of
the inputs of short term specialist advisors/external trainers in conjunction
with the Project Health Coordinator, the Country Health Director and the
Country Director.
·
Maintain good inter-team communications and engender positive
team dynamics.
·
Ensure that Merlin’s national staff policies and procedures are
understood and correctly followed.
·
Support team members professionally and monitor and support
stress management.
Representation
·
Represent Merlin to donors, provincial and national health
authorities, NGOs, networks and other parties as necessary. Ensure all relevant
parties are kept informed of Merlin activities as appropriate (e.g. donors,
MoH, etc.).
·
Act as the project’s contact with the press and media, as
directed by the Nairobi office.
·
Contribute towards the dissemination of lessons learnt and best
practice through publications (general, health sector, academic) and
presentations at conferences, in consultation with the Country Director, the
Regional Health Advisor, and the London headquarters staff.
Person Specification
Essential
Qualifications, experience and competences
·
Proven experience of international programme management
including project proposal and logical-framework development,
·
A university level qualification in public health, development,
social sciences or other relevant area
·
Good understanding of humanitarian and development issues
·
Experience in the development and implementation of project
monitoring and evaluation systems
·
Demonstrated experience in financial management, budget
preparation, organisational and planning skills
·
Human resources management and capacity building skills
·
Strong leadership skills
·
Knowledge and experience of logistics and internal control
systems.
·
Proven problem solving and organisational skills and Strong
analytical and research skills
·
Experience of liaison with MoH, local authorities, NGOs, other
agencies and donors
·
Ability to live and work in remote insecure areas
·
Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken
English
·
Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office
·
Experience of establishing strong working relationships with
colleagues from different functions and cultures
·
Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritising a
high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight
deadlines
·
Experience of proactively identifying and addressing issues
·
An understanding of and commitment to Merlin’s mission and
values
Desirable
Qualifications, experience and competences
·
Good understanding of public health, primary health care and
nutrition
·
Clinical background
·
Experience of programme development in a public health context
·
Experience in the processes and techniques involved in
developing and using appropriate IEC/BCC resources and materials.
·
Previous work experience in Kenya and knowledge of the Kenya
context is an advantage.
To apply for this position
All applications including cover letter and cv should be sent
to:
HR Department,
Merlin, Nairobi Office,
P.O Box 3350 – 00200,
HR Department,
Merlin, Nairobi Office,
P.O Box 3350 – 00200,
Nairobi, Kenya
Or e-mail to: recruitment@merlin-kenya.org
Application deadline is 5:00pm on Wednesday, 19 December 2012.
Or e-mail to: recruitment@merlin-kenya.org
Application deadline is 5:00pm on Wednesday, 19 December 2012.
Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Data Protection
Data Protection
Please note that in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection
Act, Merlin will hold and use personal information that you have given for the
purpose of recruitment and employment. This information can be stored in manual
and/or electronic form.
This information may also be disclosed to third parties in
accordance with the Data Protection Act. In cases where a job offer is
conditional on ensuring that potential employees’ names do not appear on
counter terrorism lists generated by the United Nations, European Union or the
United States due to donor funding requirements, Merlin will use the
information that you have given for checking that your name does not appear on
these lists.