GOAL Reproductive Health Officer Job in Kenya

Job Title: Reproductive Health Officer

Duration: 1 year

Location: Based in Nairobi with travel to field sites as required

Supervisor: Health Coordinator

Background:

GOAL has been implementing health and HIV activities in Nairobi for over 10 years and in the 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 is developing its health strategic plan for the next 5 years (2012-2015) based on lessons learnt over the past few years to clearly identify 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 is currently implementing its work via local partners and MoH in selected public health facilities in informal settlements.

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 Reproductive Health Officer will coordinate and facilitate the integration of sexual and reproductive health issues in to GOALs current health approaches with a particular focus on current HIV/Youth Work Activities.

The RH Officer will also liaise closely with the MOPHS and work together to support the delivery of services at Level One Facilities as per the community strategy guidelines in the areas of RH/FP/MNCH. The Reproductive Health Officer will report directly to the Health Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities:

Ensure implementation of Reproductive Health (RH) strategies and procedures, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Ensure that the RH health needs of women, girls, men and boys are fully integrated in to the GOAL Kenya Health Program and our work with partner organisations
• Forge strategic partnerships with government and non-governmental organizations in Nairobi to in order to promote greater access to RH services particularly for vulnerable youths
• Act as the technical focal/resource point for GOAL Kenya (GK) and other partners working in the field of health. Coordinate assessments, planning, implementation and evaluation of innovative RH interventions in community settings
• Ensure that GOALs health program is working to improve quality and scale up of RH services including support for postnatal contraception counseling particularly for youths (female and male)
• In liaison with the MOPHS work together to support the delivery of services at Level One Facilities as per the community strategy guidelines in the areas of RH
• Plan and prepare proposals for potential program/donor funding and/or contribute to health program proposal development as well as budgeting
• Conduct situational analysis on unmet needs in Reproductive Health particularly amongst vulnerable youth in target communities and work with the rest of the health team to design and implement innovation approaches to address these
• Ensure that all RH Documentation is accurate and up to date, including partner notification, testing and treatment records also ensure that GOAL staff and partners have access to and are complying with the latest MoH best practice RH Guidelines
• Ensure that there is community advocacy mobilization being conducted by partners to support the uptake of RH services
• Prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, as required which are in line with national guidelines and best practice for use by GOAL staff and partners
• Ensure planning and preparation of monthly and quarterly activities and reports
• Ensure that the specific RH needs of young people with HIV are being adequately addressed within GOALs current and planned health activities

Recruitment Qualifications

• A first degree in B.Sc Nursing/Social Sciences or any relevant field of study from a reputable college
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience desired in areas of public health, sexual health, or sexuality.
• Experience in planning, providing and coordinating sexual and reproductive health projects and trainings a plus
• Extensive knowledge of MOPHS/MOMS core function and systems
• Experience working with MOPHS/MOMS systems and personnel
• Familiarity with the MOPHS community health strategy
• Current knowledge in the field of HIV/AIDS and maternal newborn and child health including antenatal care, family planning, PMTCT, and emergency maternal and newborn care, etc.
• Ability to develop BCC materials
• Experience working in both hospital and community settings is an advantage

Other Competencies

• Displays cultural, gender, religion and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Ability to produce accurate and well documented records conforming to the required standard
• Must be a team player and demonstrate leadership skills
• Ability to work independently under multidisciplinary team, handle multiple functions, work under pressure and shoulder heavy workload
• Ability to organize and prioritize work efficiently and observe confidentiality
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside organization
• Pursues own personal and professional development.

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

Please put the job title in the subject line of the email. This is a local position.

The closing date for all applications is Friday 29th March 2012.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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