THE PROGRAM
The “Amagara Yacu – our health” project is a 36-month initiative funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by a consortium of organizations made up of the French and Burundian Red Cross (Lead partner) , the Mérieux Foundation and Amref Health Africa. It aims to contribute to improving the quality of primary health care and epidemiological surveillance in Burundi, taking into account gender inequalities that hinder the right to health and access to care. Based on the strategic framework, public policies and needs identified by the national authorities, the project aims to strengthen health personnel, support the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) and the National Reference Laboratory (LNR), to build the capacity of community health actors on maternal and child health, gender inequalities and nutrition and to ensure the self-sufficiency and safety of the blood transfusion system by supporting the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS). In addition, this initiative contributes to responding in a holistic way to the needs of the population to limit mortality in Burundi and ensure that issues related to gender, malnutrition and maternal and child health are integrated.
The project specifically aims to support the implementation of a national strategy for the management of health personnel: 1- by strengthening the capacities of midwives and nurses based in the provinces of Ngozi and Muramvya through continuous quality training in e-learning on maternal and child health, family planning and nutrition developed with the INSP (OS3-R2). 2- by increasing the capacities of Community Health networks in Muramvya Province so that they can tackle gender inequalities and respond to the needs and challenges of maternal and child health, family planning and gender-based violence identified in their localities (SO4). Moreover,
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Amref Health Africa believes in the power of capacity building, a belief that is widely shared across the world. Development actors around the world are focusing on how best to maximize limited resources – financial, human, etc. At Amref, this mission has been ours for a long time! We have developed, tested and scaled capacity development approaches – such as distance learning through digital, institutional capacity building, coaching and mentoring – that have led to improvements in the quality of the delivery of health services. We now want to apply these approaches and the lessons we learned in Burundi to strengthen primary health care services.
This is why we are looking for an experienced Program Coordinator to take ownership of the lessons we have learned, adapt them to the context, identify opportunities for improvement and implement these approaches accordingly.
The Program Coordinator will coordinate the components of the Amagara Yacu project assigned to Amref. You will be responsible for a team of 4 people (two project managers, a logistician/field driver, a field agent). As an implementer of Amref Health Africa, you interact directly with other consortium members, Burundian health authorities, oversee project implementation, develop and maintain strategic partnerships, also develop and oversee plans of work and annual budgets. Your role is also to ensure that the project is and remains in compliance with the laws and regulations in force.
Specifically, this position is responsible for:
- Technical coordination: You provide management, vision, strategic direction and leadership in achieving project objectives. You ensure the quality and respect of project implementation deadlines. You lead a team of 4 people on two components of the project and coordinate with a CSO on a third component of the project.
- Partnership and relationship management: You encourage and maintain strategic partnerships between actors at the national and provincial levels which include consortium partners, local implementing partners, logistics management partner, the Ministry of Health of the Burundi, CNTS, CRTS and INSP, and the community. You are the primary contact person for Amref in Burundi and represent Amref while cultivating and maintaining strong relationships and alliances with key ministries and partners at the national and provincial levels. You manage the flow of information between teams and stakeholders to ensure that the required information is available when needed.
- Monitoring, evaluation and learning: You ensure high quality results through a process of regular review of overall performance, identifying steps for improvement and ensuring appropriate follow-up as needed. You engage in the learning agenda with consortium partners and community engagement, ensuring that lessons are passed on and widely shared throughout the project. You are able to correct the course if necessary according to the lessons.
- Reporting: You oversee the development and review of annual work plans and budgets and the preparation of quarterly and annual reports submitted to Amref and the consortium manager. You will ensure the timely submission of work plans, budgets and progress reports and other deliverables to Amref.
- Compliance Monitoring: You will ensure that project operations comply with Amref Health Africa’s policies and procedures as well as the rules and regulations of Amref’s logistics partner, donor and Ministry of Health. You will protect the organization from risk by ensuring compliance with the appropriate use of financial and other resources, as well as local laws. You guarantee the visibility of the project in line with the requirements of the lessor.
- Internal and external communication to the project: You are in charge of the internal communications to the project towards all the partners of this one. You are also responsible for external communication and required to collect and share communication content to promote the activities and actors of the project.
NB : Perform all other relevant tasks required by the Project Management. In addition, this job description may change according to the needs and priorities of the project.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
We are looking for a determined, bilingual (English and French) person who will be able to take advantage of innovative approaches to carry out the project.
- You have strong networking, problem-solving, facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead groups of people towards a common goal.
- You demonstrate the ability to maintain and cultivate relationships and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders such as civil society, government ministries and officials, donors, community institutions.
- You have the ability to demonstrate leadership, communicate effectively, resolve conflict and promote a team approach within a multicultural and matrix team to build staff commitment to project success.
- You have excellent writing and oral skills in English and French.
- You have the ability and experience to work with government and civil society organizations (CSOs) on public health and development issues.
- You have a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience leading large and complex partnerships and programs focused on working with government, civil society organizations (CSOs), gender equality approaches and strategies gender, especially for health workers and communities.
- You have experience providing technical assistance or coordinating maternal and child health, family planning, laboratory and/or primary health care services.
- You already have work experience in Burundi. Experience in the health sector and multi-country experience is preferred.
- You have a master’s degree or higher in business administration, public health, social sciences, international development, nonprofit management, or a closely related field. Or you have the relevant experience to match similar education and skills.
ABOUT AMREF HEALTH AFRICA
Amref Health Africa is the largest international health development organization based in Africa. Working with and for African communities, health systems and governments, Amref Health Africa’s vision is to make a lasting difference to health in Africa. Amref is committed to improving the health of people in Africa by partnering with communities, empowering them and strengthening health systems. To learn more about Amref Health Africa: www.amref.org . Amref is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Female candidates are strongly encouraged.
SALARY :
Based on internal salary scales. You will benefit from a comprehensive and competitive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a diverse and international team.
CONTRACT LENGTH :
CDD 1 year (renewable) with a trial period of 3 months. Desired starting date: September 2023
How to apply
Composition of the dossier (in English and French, PDF format):
- A cover and motivation letter
- An up-to-date CV
- Three reference contacts
Applications must be sent before 08/15/2023, by email, with the subject “ AY – Program Coordinator Application ” to the following addresses:
