About URC ASSIST Project:
University Research Co., LLC (URC), a US-based public health organization working in Uganda since 2005, is implementing the USAID Applying science to strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project which is a five-year cooperative agreement dedicated to improving health, population and nutrition services through technical support to service delivery institutions, country Ministries of Health, USAID country missions, and cooperating agencies.

Job Summary: The Quality Improvement Officer-MNCH Community will be in charge of implementing and coordinating the Saving Mothers Giving Life interventions at community level with a focus on increasing demand, access to and utilization of maternal and child health services at health facilities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Technical:
Manage the implementation of community related improvement activities at district health facility and village level.
Routinely assess and develop the technical capacity of district and site level VHT focal persons and VHT members in maternal and child health and quality improvement methods through periodic training, provision of job materials, on-job mentorship and peer-to-peer sessions.
Carry out onsite quality improvement coaching for village based Ql teams and develop a pool of coaches.
Regularly review and improve the project implementation strategies to ensure that work plans follow strict timelines and all activities are accomplished.
Take part in the development and implementation of a spread plan to ensure learning from pilot communities is implemented at full coverage.
Identify behaviour change gaps and work closely with partners to develop and disseminate appropriate messages through suitable channels such as community dialogue sessions, community maternity and new born health meetings etc.
The incumbent will organise trainings, meetings, learning sessions and participate in the development and dissemination of materials.
Ensure that cross-cutting themes like gender and health work force development are well integrated into the implementation plans.

2. Coordination:
Regularly update the district authorities on implementation progress and make recommendations to facilitate institutionalisation of good practices through appropriate fora.
Organise and participate in coordination meetings at regional and district level to ensure collaboration with partners and implementation efficiency.

3. Planning and Reporting:
In charge of developing and submitting timely work plans and budgets for project activities according to the USAID ASSIST timelines.
Ensure timely writing and submission of quality and accurate reports on quarterly and monthly basis at all other requested times.

4. Knowledge Management and Monitoring:
Responsible for developing and maintaining a catalogue of changes/ interventions that improve care for mothers and babies at community level.
Work closely with the Knowledge management staff, document best practices in form of case studies, success stories, abstracts, video clips.
Work in liaison with the Monitoring and Evaluation team to ensure that data collected is accurate and valid and captures process and outcome indicators.
Carry out any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate should preferably hold a degree in social sciences, sociology, social sector planning and management or other humanities is required. Possession of a post graduate degree in Public Health, Safe Motherhood, Sociology, Social Sector Planning and management or Community Health is an added advantage.
A minimum of three years’ work experience in MNCH activities at community level with experience gained through serving within a government institution or NGO.
Past exposure and experience with engaging a diverse range of community stakeholders including the national/ district level VHT structures.
Excellent written and verbal communication or interpersonal skills is a must.
Excellent analytical skills and ability to support a cross section of village health teams and other community level stake holders.
Ability and willingness to travel within districts in northern Uganda and spend a lot of time within communities.
Ability to work in a fast paced and results oriented environment with minimal supervision

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates who wish to join University Research Council’s USAID Project should send an application Letter, updated CV, and relevant academic documents as well as names and contact information for three professional references and day-time contact numbers to: The Human Resource Officer- USAID ASSIST Project, University Research Co., LLC, Plot 40, Ntinda II Road, Naguru, P.O. Box 28745, Kampala, Uganda.

E-mail: assistugandarecruitment@urc-chs.com

NB: Please clearly indicate the position in the subject if you are sending electronically. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Deadline: 24th July, 2015 by 5:00PM