Program Officer

JOB OVERVIEW

The Program Officer oversees day-to-day program activities within a designated geographic zone. This includes planning, implementation and monitoring of program activities to ensure they are completed on time and at high quality. S/he will work with the Trainings and Partnerships department to establish the program within new communities. Additionally, the Program Officer supports the Director of Programs in identifying challenges and developing solutions.

The Program Officer is responsible for ensuring that all funds for project activities and services are accounted for. A significant role of this position will be to mentor the Program Assistant and School Health Coordinators and to provide technical support to our implementing partners (e.g. schools and health facilities). The position will be based in Lusaka and will require significant time in the field.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience working on community based health or education programs, with significant focus on coordinating activities and providing technical support.

REPORTS TO: Director of Programs

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Planning and Implementation

• Mentor and support Program Assistants assigned to the zone
• Support the Trainings and Partnerships Department in overseeing the establishment the program within new schools and health facilities within assigned zone.
• Develop and monitor work-plans, schedules, key performance indicators and budgets for assigned zone
• Oversee day-to-day activities within assigned zone
• Implement quality assurance policies and procedures
• Work with School Health Coordinators to plan, implement/coordinate, and monitor activities within assigned zone
• Act as liaison officer with the School Health Coordinator and School Administrators within assigned zone for effective planning and monitoring program quality
• Monitor school health rooms within assigned zone
• Identify, document and report program related challenges
• Track expenses and monitor budgets for project activities within assigned zone
• Oversee the maintenance of an activity calendar for the assigned zone
• Collect and organize documentation from program activities within assigned zone
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Programs

Partner Support

• Mentor and provide technical support to the School Health Coordinators within the assigned zone
• Provide technical support to community partners and ensure successful implementation of key components of the school health model (i.e. fast track system, buddy system, attendance tracking) within assigned zone
• Conduct supportive site visits to schools and health facilities within assigned zone
• Work with school and health facility leadership to resolve program issues and challenges within assigned zone
• Mentor school health teachers and encourage strong performance
• Identify, document and report challenges related to program activities. Follow-up on issues and poor performing partners in a timely manner
• Maintain positive working relationship with all community partners
• Coordinate community stakeholder meetings within assigned zone
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Programs

Procurement and Logistical Support

• Oversee coordination supply stocks to ensure continuous supply for program activities within the assigned zone
• Request and procure supplies for school health activities within the zone
• Ensure that all print materials and program supplies are available for activities within the zone
• Ensure that all program activities are documents and properly reported/filed
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Programs

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation Team to oversee collection of program performance data within the assigned zone
• Review and analyze data reports and dashboards for assigned zone to monitor programs, identify issues, and generate lessons learned to improve program quality and efficiency
• Complete activity expense/financial reports and compile variance reports in a timely manner
• Draft reports and provide regular formal updates on program implementation and management within the assigned zone
• Complete reports in a timely manner and provide regular updates to the Director of Programs
• Lead performance reviews for school health teachers, partner schools and partner health facilities within assigned zone
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Programs

PREFERRED SKILLS / PREREQUISITES

• Effective interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to work both independently and as a team
• Ability to create a sense of community amongst peer
• Ability to problem solve
• Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Good knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures
• Excited to work in a fast-growing organization
• Experience working on community health programs is a plus
• Experience with Monitoring and Evaluation is a plus
• Good understanding of the procurement process including negotiation with third parties is a plus

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in social work, nonprofit administration, health or program related field.
• Three years or more of relevant experience

This is a full-time job. You would work at HKBF’s office in Olympia Extension, Lusaka.

If you’re interested, and feel you are qualified, please send a CV, full contact details of at least three professional references, expected salary and a cover letter describing how your skills, qualifications and experience match the requirements.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The closing date for applications is Friday 6th March 2020. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please submit applications, quoting Ref: PO (Program Officer), to the President Healthy Learners. Plot 6622 Mberere Road, Olympia Extension. P.O Box GDN12 Lusaka, to the email address [email protected]

Please learn more about our work at www.healthylearners.org

Thank you