Program Officer Job in Kenya

International Rescue Committee (IRC) 

Vacancy: Community Health Program Officer - Kakuma
 
Sector: Health

Location: Kenya 

Employee Type: Regular 

Employee Category: Full Time
 
Job Purpose / Objective: The CHP officer reports directly to the CHP Manager, he/she will be expected to work within the integrated community health program and collaborate with the other program sectors to implement the program activities.

Key Responsibilities
  • Liaise with appropriate sectors to ensure outbreak prevention, control and response measures targeting communicable diseases are in place at all times in Kakuma camp.
  • Raise awareness and improve knowledge, among refugees, agency staff and host communities working with or engaging with refugees to prevent occurrence and spread of infectious diseases in Kakuma refugee camp.
  • Train health staff and community health promoters on Standard case definitions and ensure that community surveillance systems are linked with the health facilities.
  • Liaise with appropriate staff to ensure availability of appropriate supplies for control and prevention of communicable illnesses.
  • Liaise with clinical services staff and ensure Standard Case Definitions are available in all consultation rooms
  • Conduct active surveillance of communicable diseases. Investigate outbreaks establishing etiologies, mechanisms for diagnostic testing and the effectiveness of response measures. 
  • Ensure contact tracing is done and all suspected outbreaks are reported within 24hours.
  • Ensure proper surveillance investigations, reporting, specimen collection and transport of samples of communicable disease outbreaks.
  • Maintain appropriate knowledge and skills amongst health staff to control and prevent outbreaks.
  • In the event of an outbreak liaise with the health facilities and prepare daily line list and send to the CHM.
  • In liaison with the CHM, periodically review disaster preparedness plans on diseases prone to out breaks at the Kakuma Refugee Camp.
  • Ensure adequate coverage of childhood immunizations through supervision of EPI centers, provision of adequate supplies and antigens at all times.
  • Conduct periodic supervision sessions in vaccinating facilities and document the findings.
  • Ensure cold chain is maintained throughout, spot check the EPI fridge to ensure no expired antigens or VVM 3 & 4 is left in the fridge. Keep the records for future reference.
  • Ensure medical screening and immunization of children under five years is done at reception center and for new arrivals in the community.
  • Prepare weekly epidemic monitoring report and submit to PHO
  • Prepare monthly EPI report and submit to CHM
  • In liaison with CHM ensure vitamin A & deworming supplementation for children under five years is done twice yearly.
  • In liaison with CHM coordinate camp wide immunization campaigns in response to outbreaks
  • Carry out any other duties assigned as delegated by the program manager
Key Result Areas

Specific responsibility area Kakuma 1
  • Coordinate and supervise the activities of all the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and their supervisors to ensure that each is assigned to specific households and persons.
  • Attend facility meetings weekly and give guidance to the CHPs on issues raised.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of a high quality and motivated team of polyvalent Community Health Promoters (CHPs) by participating in formal and on-job training sessions, performance appraisal and feedback and ensuring that staff discipline and adherence to organizational policies is in place at all times.
  • Perform mentorship sessions to the CHPs allocated to you and compile a report on the same biweekly.
  • Work with community health committees to ensure that the community members actively participate in preventive and health promotion activities at the community level and support Community Health Promoters in their day to day activities.
  • Participate in camp wide surveys and medical campaigns.
  • Liaise with the other sectors to ensure community based indicators are met.
Capacity Building
  • Organizing training of staff (both refugee and national) on integrated disease surveillance and response.
  • Liaise with the CHP team to develop a curriculum and an IRC training manual for CHPs.
  • Ensure a class of CHPs is trained and qualifies yearly
  • Liaise with CHP team to perform supervision monitoring of all CHPs twice annually
Administrative responsibilities:
  • In liaison with CHM Maintain ongoing collaboration and consultation with CDC, IOM, MOH, UN agencies, NGOs and refugee populations.
  • Prepare orders for sector activities and maintain inventories for the same.
  • Contribute to program budget management by tracking expenditures and participating in monthly budget review meetings.
  • Support the counterpart in preparation of program staff payrolls and duty rosters.
  • In liaison with CHM compile weekly and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
Required Qualifications:
  • Diploma in Community Health Nursing or Public health
  • Registered with the relevant body
Required Experience & Competencies:
  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience in Public Health field.
  • Strong communication skills; oral, written and presentation skills.
  • Team player.
  • Ready to work in difficult environmental conditions
  • Must be flexible and culturally sensitive
  • Experience of working in a resource poor setting and/or camp environment is an added advantage.
Kenyan nationals are encouraged to apply.

International allowances are not available for this position. Salary and employee benefits are compliant to the Kenyan NGO Sector. 
How to Apply

CLICK HERE to apply online 

IRC leading the way from harm to home. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.


Disclaimer: Please take note that International Rescue Committee (IRC) does not ask for any fees in connection with its recruitment processes. In the event that you receive any request  for payment of any sort, please get in touch with us on Tel: +(254-020) 2727730, Email: IRCKenya@rescue.org or report to the nearest police.