About JSI:
John Snow, Inc. (JSI) is a leader in improving the health of individuals and communities by providing high-quality technical and managerial assistance to public health programs worldwide. JSI has implemented projects in 100 countries, and currently operates from eight U.S. and 81 international offices for the past 30 years. The JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. ID a leading public health research and consulting organization.
About SS4RI Project:
JSI received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to support an immunization project in Uganda called Stronger Systems for Routine Immunization (SS4RI). The project works in partnership with the Ugandan government to increase the capabilities of the health system, particularly at district level, to provide timely, high-quality immunization services to protect eligible children and women from vaccine-preventable diseases. SS4RI will operate from 2014 to 2019 in ten districts as well as support the national level of the Ministry of Health Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunization (MOH/UNEPI).
Job Summary: The National Technical Director (NTD) will oversee the project’s activities at the national level and SS4RI supported districts, with UNEPI (and as possible to sit at their Kampala office two days per week) and other immunization and health partners. The incumbent will fill the role of the (COP) in his/her absence and assist in communication with the foundation and the Government of Uganda.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Program Planning:
Render support in the strategic planning with SS4RI team, UNEPI, and district health management teams
Work closely with SS4RI staff on the development of detailed annual work plans and budgets
In charge of the recruitment, team building and supervision of project staff
Manage the recruitment of staff, when appropriate
Supervise and provide technical support to SS4RI’s technical staff
Technical leadership (capacity building/community partnership/active monitoring)
Ensure high level, quality technical work is performed by the SS4RI team and district staff as they carry out logistics/cold chain assessments and related interventions, systematically collect and use immunization data to inform decision-making and implement REC-QI
Lead and supervise the implementation of a sustainable capacity building strategy for health workers and mid-level managers at district level—building on lessons from MCHIP Develop the terms of reference for technical consultants and supervise their work
Document, disseminate and integrate best practices in scaling up REC-QI
Carry out Annual performance reviews for staff directly under him/her
Policy formulation in collaboration with UNEPI and other partners
Support UNEPI and partners to develop/refine national immunization plans and policies
Actively participate in all EPI-related regular meetings at national level (e.g. EPI Technical Group)
2. Project monitoring and Evaluation:
Support the design of the project’s performance monitoring tools and procedures
Review monthly and quarterly performance data and participate in project problem-solving
Plan and manage annual project review meetings with UNEPI and partners, including USAID
Communications with and reporting to the foundation, immunization partners and headquarters
Coordinate and plan meetings with UNEPI, the foundation, and other partners at national level
Disseminate proven tools and approaches among the project’s focus districts, advocating with other partners for their inclusion of EPI into annual work plans
Perform any other duties as may be assigned from, time to time by the supervisor(s)
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The applicant should preferably hold an MBchB, plus advanced public health training (such as MPH), or equivalent experience
A minimum of seven years’ experience working on immunization programs (EPI)
Broad working knowledge of the technical aspects of immunization programs with emphasis on using data for managerial purposes
Familiarity with quality improvement methods and tools
Previous experience with effective methods for capacity building of health personnel (e.g., training, supportive supervision, job aid development, developing training aids and techniques)
Prior exposure and experience developing low-cost and innovative community approaches to increase improve immunization performance and/or other primary health care services
Previous experience working with the Government of Uganda’s PHC and MOH structures and with health workers at district, sub district and health facility levels
Broad knowledge and understanding of Uganda’s local government and districts traditional structures
Prior donor-funded project experience desirable
Excellent oral communication, writing and documentation skills;
English fluency in reading, writing, speaking
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to send an application letter, CV, copies of their testimonials and at least two referees, addressed to The Chief of Party, JSI/SS4RI Project, P.O. Box 4978, Kampala, or hand delivery to Maternal and Child Survival Project, Plot 95-97 Martyrs Way, Ntinda, Kampala. Uganda.
E-mail your Applications to: ss4rirecruitment@jsi.com
Deadline: 26th February, 2016