Program Officer – Trachoma Surgical Outreach NTD Programs

at Helen Keller International
Location Dar es salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
Date Posted January 3, 2020
Category Management
NGO
Job Type Temporary
Currency TZS

Description

Job Summary

Established in 1915 with Helen Keller as a founding trustee, Helen Keller International (HKI) works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 20 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States. HKI is known for sustainability, reliability, efficiency and the highest level of technical expertise in fighting and treating blindness and malnutrition. Country Overview: Established in 1984, the HKI-Tanzania office was the organization's first in Africa set up to provide primary eye care services in central Tanzania. HKI has since expanded its role and currently works in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoH), local NGO’s, and other national and international development partners in the areas of nutrition and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly trachoma.

  • Minimum Qualification: Diploma
  • Experience Level: Management level
  • Experience Length: 1 year

Job Description

Scope of the Position:

HKI-Tanzania is an Implementing Partner in the Commonwealth Trachoma Program managed by Sight-savers. Through this program we support district-level teams to conduct trachomatous trichiasis (TT) case finding and surgery in several districts in rural Tanzania.

HKI-Tanzania is seeking several Temporary Program Officers with field outreach and project implementation experience who will support the planning and implementation of TT surgical camps in various regions and districts of Tanzania.

Reports to: TT Surgical Program Manager

Duration: 4 months with possibility for extension

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist the program manager to implement all activities for the elimination of the TT case backlog in rural districts of Tanzania including: training and management of local Case Finders, managing surgical outreach camps, procuring equipment and consumables, and selecting and working closely with district surgical teams.
  • Conduct ongoing and accurate collection and analysis of patient data in order to ensure that patients receive appropriate follow-up care as well as in order to share with donors, inform future efforts, and increase quality of services provided to the community.
  • Serve as liaison to ensure strong planning and communication between district surgical teams, HKI, district authorities, the NTDCP, and the NECP.
  • Compose field activity plans and reports, quarterly updates, meeting minutes, fund reconciliations, PowerPoint presentations, Excel statistical reports, and other required documentation as required by HKI, NTDCP, and the donor.
  • Work with HKI and NTDCP teams to identify challenges to achieving the goal of trachoma elimination by 2020 and develop and implement solutions to overcome those challenges.
  • Perform any other duties as directed by his/her Manager

Desired Qualifications and Experience

  • Must possess a degree/diploma in a relevant field plus at least one (1) years’ work experience in field-based health work in rural Tanzania, OR a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in the same.
  • Willingness to live and work full-time in rural districts of Tanzania, with frequent visits to remote villages. Candidates already based in Singida region are particularly encouraged to apply.
  • Experience working with Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Local Government Authorities (LGAs) will be a significant added advantage.
  • Technical skills in NTDs, trachoma, or TT surgery are preferred but not required for this position.
  • Experience in hygiene and sanitation/environmental health is an added advantage.
  • Strong program planning, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Must be a Tanzanian national, fluent in Kiswahili and a working knowledge of English.
  • Should be a strategic thinker, who possesses strong critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills.

Applying Instructions

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to

HKI.Recruitment@hki.org

noting the job title in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.