About US:
Vitamin Angels is an International charity that is committed to operating efficiently and effectively, rigorously managing our spending to keep our operating costs low. More than 90% of every dollar you give provides vitamins for malnourished children and mothers in need. Our mission is to mobilize and deploy private sector resources to advance availability, access and use of micronutrients, especially vitamin A, among at-risk populations in need.
Job Summary: The Country Program Coordinator will continue Vitamin Angels’ expansion of its micronutrient supplementation program in Uganda and South Sudan by coordinating with VA’s current network of field partners and identify, indigenous, non-governmental organizations (NGO) interested in adding micronutrient supplementation to their existing programs in Uganda and South Sudan. Once identified, the incumbent will provide these NGOs with micronutrients and appropriate technical assistance to grow into a loosely affiliated micronutrient distribution system that delivers essential micronutrient products to under-nourished women of reproductive age and pre-school children – preferably as one component of a more robust health and nutrition program already operated by each partner NGO. In practical terms, VA seeks a Consultant to work with local partners (e.g., preferably those in the NGO sector) willing to accept responsibility for the problem of micronutrient deficiency and implement a locally sustainable micronutrient distribution system of their own design to address under-nutrition. This system should operate, preferably, concurrent with health/nutrition services they already offer to the public OR other non-health services that present a unique and innovative opportunity to achieve micronutrient distribution among pre-school age children in need of nutrition services. Under limited circumstances, VA may help a governmental authority to launch micronutrient distribution services, but only in conjunction with a NGO partner with local operations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities: The Consultant’s key responsibilities are:
Advocacy – to advocate with local institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as appropriate, for their participation in efforts to incorporate universal and targeted micronutrient supplementation as a component to comprehensive health and nutrition services for under-nourished children,
Responsible for the identification and activation of micronutrient distribution services by individual distribution partners – to screen potential partners, gain agreement from primarily NGOs qualified to participate as a micronutrient distribution partner, and help each partner to activate micronutrient distribution services,
In charge of the deployment of resources committed by VA for program/project implementation – to mobilize and deploy resources committed by VA (e.g., personnel, financial, but primarily in-kind donations) by providing logistical support to ensure implementation and tracking of VA’s services to grantees and to activate the delivery of micronutrient distribution services by the distribution partner,
Technical assistance – to provide local distribution partners with requisite technical services or arrange for VA’s technical services department to provide comprehensive technical assistance (e.g., training, periodic monitoring, and on-going follow-up/problem solving assistance) needed to activate and maintain high quality micronutrient distribution service delivery by all local distribution partners consistent with VA and internationally accepted best public health practice, by providing follow-up support, training, and technical assistance
Provision of local administrative and financial oversight to VA activities – to ensure application of appropriate financial and administrative controls and procedures to VA sponsored activities in the country,
Local coordination – to liaise with all local VA implementation partners, grantees, technical counterpart agencies, and governmental authorities in furtherance of VA’s country programming activities consistent with evidenced-based practices and local law.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate should preferably hold a B.A./B.Sc degree from an accredited four year university with a degree in public health, or a related field. Possession of a Master’s degree or higher in public health, community medicine or a related discipline is desired
At least two years’ experience performing program administration
A minimum of two years’ experience providing technical assistance to NGOs is desired
Previous experience in conducting training workshops to health care providers is an added advantage
S/he applies expertise in all aspects of program design, management and implementation while working to promote, exemplify and further the mission, values and culture of VA.
Significant field level work experience with NGOs in Uganda
Existing network of contacts within international, bilateral, and government agencies in Uganda and South Sudan
Computer literacy, including experience working with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and able to input data to an online database after training,
Based in Kampala, Uganda with easy access to local/international transportation,
Willingness to work from home and has reliable telephone/internet connectivity in the home,
Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally during consultancy,
Superior written and oral communications skills,
Superior organizational skills and attention to detail, and
Fluent in English
Fluent in local language(s)
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified candidates who wish to apply for this vacancy are encouraged to send their updated CVs and cover letters online to: programs@vitaminangels.org
Deadline: 20th February, 2016