The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been working in Somalia since 2006, providing essential services to conflict and disaster-affected communities. The IRC has been operational in Central Somalia (Mudug and Galgadud regions) Mogadishu and Southwest state implementing interventions in the areas of livelihood, WASH, and health reaching out to more than 200,000 conflict and drought-affected people.

IRC in collaboration with other global and local partners is implementing the GAVI-funded Reaching Every Child in Humanitarian Setting (REACH) project in Somalia. The project seeks to ensure systematically missed communities and Zero Dose Children (ZDC) in fragile and conflict settings are sustainably reached with quality immunization services integrated into Primary Health Care.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Project Officer will be directly responsible for effective collaboration and implementation of the Gavi REACH project in SW state in close collaboration with project team, MoH and local partners. The officer will additionally be a central member of the Somalia REACH country team, who will support capacity-building efforts for local partners, track performance progress against agreed milestones to drive results for impact; and participate in regular monitoring visits for quality program quality and adherence to IRCs, donor and MOH guidelines.

Responsibilities:

Technical

• Under the direction of the project manager, the project officer will support overall monitoring of program implementation, support local partners to develop and implement key strategies to ensure program soundness, accelerate last mile immunization program delivery, and implementation on scale.
• Support the project manager in monitoring fund utilization, budget versus actuals analysis, development/ revision of spending plans and follow up on proposed course-corrective measures to stimulate spending in line with approved budgets and accelerated implementation plans.
• Support capacity building of local partners across areas of REACH immunization service delivery focusing on appropriate approaches and methodologies; conceptual and practical frameworks; standards and tools for effective and quality delivery of immunization program.
• While working through local partners, collaborate with local partners & community engagement activities to ensure active demand and utilization of immunization services among the ZDC and missed communities.
• Support REACH program coordination to ensure project effectiveness in vaccination service delivery and program coherence to increase immunization coverage and achievement of project goals.
• Collaborate with project’s medical logistician, MoH and partners to identify gaps on cold chain, and follow through on any related tasks to strengthen last mile col chain.
• Work closely with medical logistical officer to develop vaccine forecasting and planning fir REACH locations.
• Ensure that ZDC project intervention in Somalia adhere to IRC’s core policy documents and guidelines, including the Program Framework, IRC’s DM&E guide and log frame, IRC’s Health Unit policies and procedures (Minimum and Core indicators, ZDC strategy, etc.)

Monitoring & Evaluation

• In collaboration with HNC, ensure undertaking regular client feedback and response activities at the field level by working with the partner’s staff, Project MEAL officer, and M&E coordinator to develop context-appropriate tools and ensure client exit interviews occur at the target locations on a biannual basis.
• Ensure that the stated goals and objectives of the GAVI project are overseen and met by strong monitoring, and evaluation follow up, and reports are written and submitted to concerned bodies promptly.
• Conduct quarterly review meetings for the project’s stakeholders and document it.
• Monitor program implementation against work plans and overall project objectives, documenting progress, and achievements, providing analysis and adapt program strategy and implementation accordingly.
• Ensure effective and high-quality reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for internal and external use, capturing best practices to support program decision-making.
• Take part in GAVI REACH project assessment for planning, implementing and data sharing.
• Work closely with MEAL team in conducting project implementation meeting (PIM)on monthly basis. Conduct periodic supportive supervision at REACH project sites for program monitoring. Develop recommendations on areas for improvement.
• Support documentation of REACH project learnings and best practices.
• Guide local partners in day-to-day immunization sessions and ensure all sector SoPs are available with each health facility including outreach teams.

Program Management

Grant Management

• Ensure that the project intervention is implemented according to internal IRC and donor regulations with an overall review by the project manager/coordinator.
• Participate in grant opening, midterm review and grant closing meetings for all health grants and ensure that the same process is implemented in the field.
• Support partners staff in use of grant management tools such as the budget tracking tools, activity progress monitoring tools, procurement, and spending plans, etc.

Budget Monitoring

• Work closely with the project manager in conducting monthly BVA reviews and make appropriate recommendations to the project local staff.
• Ensure that assigned budgets are spent according to plan and as per contractual agreements with respective donors.
• In collaboration with partners staff develop spending plans and monitor the implementation of these spending plans for respective grants
• With the support of project manager, work with finance to undertake budget recoding as required.
• In collaboration of project manager, track monthly expenditures, project burn rates, follow up partners to execute the activities as per the workplan.

Representation

• Represent IRC to local communities, government departments, international agencies, local partners, and donors as required.
• Attend relevant meetings and prepare meeting notes as required and share these with all concerned.

Required Experience & Competencies:

1. Good knowledge in clinical medicine and familiar with immunizations in fragile and conflict settings.
2. Previous working with MOH, health program, or immunization program is an added advantage.
3. Experience in capacity building of health care workers and partners desired.
4. Ability to write clear, concise reports and well-developed communication skills.
5. Excellent knowledge in computer skills (Ms Word, Power Point, Excel, and Power BI)
6. Must be a team player, flexible, pro-active, and culturally sensitive.
7. Language Skills: Fluency in English and proficiency in Somalia is an advantage.
8. Ready to work in difficult environmental conditions and familiar with the context.
9. Ability to accept the possibility of insecurity in the project areas and obey security rules and standard operating procedures (SoPs )

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in medicine/public health, Nursing from a recognized institution and similar related fields.
2. Registered with the Somalia Directorate/Ministry of Health
3. Minimum 2-3 yrs of working experience with similar field with INGOs and local agencies.
4. Must be from Somali nationals.