Health Coordinator Job in Kenya - GOAL Kenya

GOAL has been implementing health and HIV activities in Nairobi for over 10 years however in recent years the programme approach has changed from direct service delivery to working through local partners. GOAL works in a variety of informal settlements in Nairobi and targets its health activities toward those living with HIV and vulnerable youth.

GOAL’s current strategic plan is coming to an end at the end of this year and GOAL needs to develop its health strategic plan for the next 5 years (2012-2015) which is based on lessons learnt over the past few years and clearly identified current priority health needs in these communities.

To date much of the focus has been on support to those affected by HIV and working with vulnerable youth. GOAL implements its work via local partners and with the MoH in selected health facilities in informal settlements across the city.

The population of Nairobi is increasing dramatically primarily in the informal settlements as people leave the rural areas in increasing numbers due to the increasing drought of recent years and rising food prices.

In the informal settlements, urban food insecurity, high levels of child mortality (particularly in children < 2 years), chronic child under nutrition, early onset of first pregnancy in young women/girls as well as the risk of STIs and HIV are just some of the complex challenges

General Description of the role:

The Health Coordinator will provide technical leadership and line management for GOAL Kenya’s (GK) current health programme (HIV and youth friendly services) and support the growth of the health programme in new issue areas (e.g. adolescent health, nutrition and others).

S/he will also support the programme team to develop the health strategic plan for the next 5 years which is due to begin in January 2012.

The Health Coordinator will report directly to the Assistant Country Director – Programmes (ACD-P) and will also liaise with GOAL Dublin’s Global Health Advisor to support the development of the health programme in Kenya.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Building on the health baseline research report; the selected candidate will lead the development of core programme outcomes, outputs and indicators for the 2012-2016 GOAL Kenya Country Strategic Plan
• Supervise and support the GK health team and support the integration of health programming across GK’s programme sectors (Livelihoods, Child Empowerment and Protection and Emergency Programming)
• Identify funding opportunities with institutional donors (DFID, USAID, Irish Aid and others) for new programmes and help secure funds to support new initiatives.
• Maintain knowledge of current research, trends and good practices in health programming, including donor trends and key actors in Kenya’s health sector; and disseminate relevant information to the GK programme team
• Participate in key coordination meetings at the national and international levels, including but not limited to the UN Health Cluster, Nutrition Cluster, Sector Working Groups and others as necessary
• Oversee the monitoring, evaluation and reporting on all GK health activities
• Compile weekly, monthly and quarterly reports for submission to the ACD-P and the Country Director
• Support training and performance assessment of all GK health staff
• Assist with collection and analysis of data for KAPB, MICS, internal evaluations and other surveys

Qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• A Master’s degree in Public Health or related discipline.
• 3-5 years’ experience managing health programmes (preferably in Kenya)
• Excellent knowledge of principles in project planning and management
• Self-motivated team player team player with a proven ability to think creatively, work independently and support the growth and development of a strong team
• Outstanding communication skills (oral and written) in English and Swahili
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong knowledge of and familiarity with subjects related to reproductive health, family planning, HIV/AIDS and other and other areas related to health
• Knowledge of good practices in monitoring and evaluation, research and learning

To apply for the above position, please send your CV by email, listing three reference including your last direct supervisor and salary expectation to keapplications@ke.goal.ie.

Please put the job title, “HEALTH COORDINATOR” in the subject line of the email.

The closing date for all applications is Friday 20th January 2012. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and responded to after interviews. No phone calls accepted.

GOAL is an equal opportunity employer, qualified male and female applicants are encouraged to apply.