Project Coordinator, Kenya

Project Coordinator, Kenya
Job Description
Position: Project Coordinator
Responsible To: Country Director
Location: Kisumu and Kisii offices with occasional travel to field sites and Nairobi
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 12 months
Salary: £24,420 - £25,170 per annum (dependant on relevant experience), inclusive of annual Cost of Living Allowance

Benefits: Insurance cover, accommodation, and annual leave entitlement of 24 days per annum rising to 30 days at the completion of 12 months of continuous employment with Merlin.

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 an unaccompanied position.
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
Merlin has been working in Kenya since 1998. Merlin is currently operational in three geographic regions: Lake Victoria, the Western Highlands and the Arid and Semi Arid regions of northern Kenya. In addition to the country office in Nairobi, Merlin maintains offices in Kisii and Kisumu towns in Nyanza province, Lodwar in Turkana district and Wajir town in Wajir province. Since January 2008, Merlin has also been implementing an emergency response project in Nakuru North district in Rift Valley province.

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
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)
•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 Kisumu and Kisii offices, consistent with project objectives. The post holder will work in close collaboration with the Country Director and other members of the Regional Management Team, as well as local partners and the Ministry of Health

Responsibilities
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.
•Assist the Medical Co-ordinator 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 Senior Project Officers, 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 Regional 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.
•In conjunction with the Medical Coordinator, directly supervise and support the work of the Senior Project Officers.
•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 Medical 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

•Extensive 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
•Medical background
•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
•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.

Data Protection
Please note, on submitting your application, you are agreeing to Merlin holding and using the information that you have given for the purposes of recruitment and employment – should an offer be made. In order to process your job application, it may be necessary for your application to be sent to the Country Director (in the country you are applying for) for consideration. If you do not agree with this, please state so when applying.
How to apply
To apply for this position
Please download an application form from our website www.merlin.org.uk Completed form should be emailed to applications@merlin-uk.org stating in the subject field the job title, country and reference number (if any).
Reference Code: RW_874J5K-30

Closing Date: Monday, 09 August 2010
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin)
Medical Emergency Relief
Closing date: 09 Aug 2010
Location: Kenya - Kisii

Source: Reliefweb