Background

Plan International is an independent child rights and humanitarian organisation committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice.

We actively unite children, communities and other people who share our mission to make positive lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. We support children to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. We place a specific focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

The position holder is primarily responsible to lead and implement the WASH development as well as humanitarian component of the integrated WASH, Health and Nutrition project in two project districts of Gambella regional state and to insure the linkage to the Country WASH Program at the project level. The post holder is responsible for the delivery of results in line with pre-agreed project plans and objectives and oversees Project implementation at all stages throughout the project cycle. Given that a significant amount of the project thematic activities are done in partnership with key government sector offices, s/he will have also a key aspect of the role is nurturing, developing and facilitating the achievement of results.

Dimensions of the Role

The health and Nutrition Officer will serve as the key technical officer for reproductive maternal and child health and nutrition activities, with responsibility for the quality implementation, monitoring and supervision of the community based, reproductive maternal child health and nutrition component of the project. The health and nutrition officer will support on planning on project activities in close collaborating with the project team. In addition the health and Nutrition officer will work closely with the district expert teams in Itang special district and Gambella town.

The position holder will report to the He or she will directly report to the health and nutrition coordinator based in Gambella with a dot line or matrix relationship to Program Area Manager based in Gambella and WASH Specialist at country office, and technical communication to Health and nutrition Specialist at the country office. The post holder will have overall responsibility for

• Provide technical support to district and health center health staff for the planning and implementation of Nutrition Sensitive Food Cooking Demonstration (NSFCD) and food preparation & hygiene practices at community and health facility level to the target villages (health post)
• Work in collaboration with community members, local health staff such as community health workers and women development army (WDA) to implement regular growth monitoring and growth promotion activities
• Support and promote targeted number of Pregnant Women’s Forums and community dialogue sessions.
• Identify additional technical support needs and request technical specialist support as required
• Ensure that RMNCH and nutrition activities are delivered to a high standard and adhere to national and regional policies and guidelines
• Provide coaching to community health workers (CHW), women development army (WDA) staff and project partners in reproductive maternal and child health and nutrition intervention
• Support the project team to regularly document lessons learnt from implementation of community on RMNCH and nutrition activities
• ·Support the district, health center and health post and health staff on RMNCH and nutrition technical issues such as facilitation of training and referral linkage 
• Facilitate and organize community mobilization and public health campaigns during public holidays
• Given that a significant and increasing amount of the work is done through government partnership, a key aspect of the role is nurturing, developing and facilitating the achievement of results. 
• Implement the specific project and programme thematic initiatives pertaining to Gambella program area in line with different components within the country strategy as well as in support of overall country programme goals and objectives.
•  Provide any requested technical support, assistance and follow up to the program area Health and Nutrition initiatives in tandem with other field based staffs and program managers to ensure the quality of program delivery in an efficient way and manner which will collectively address the real needs of Children, Adolescents and Women in need.
• Prepare quarterly project and program updates and reports (both financial and narrative reports) in consultation with the health and nutrition coordinator and project concerned bodies to be incorporated into the general project as well as country Program quarterly reports.

Accountabilities

Project design, implementation and reporting

• Provide technical input into the design of the monitoring and evaluation framework and tools
• Provide support and assistant to health staff, women development army (WDAs) and community health workers to monitor and supervise project activities
• Compile, analyse, share and store project data
• Organize regular reflection meetings for health staff, WDAs, community health workers and community stakeholders to share information, community generated data and plan follow up action
• Write regular project activity reports as required by the project coordinator
• Update on project activities at project meetings and monthly technical working team meetings
• Document lessons learnt and develop case studies to share with stakeholders including donor
• Assist in documenting and disseminating project achievements through district and town base meetings, document success stories and presenting findings at district, town meeting
• Implement and oversee project RMNCH and Nutrition project initiatives and implementation in much prudent and vigilant manner.  
• Prepare and develop annual project work plans in consultation with the WASH officer and field based staffs, including the WASH and Health and Nutrition coordinators and other appropriate stakeholders in project targeted areas.
•  Ensure M&E and learning in close collaboration with the M&E team at field and CO level.
•  Ensure quality and timely reporting and documenting of project activities, including preparation of periodic updates and reports (quarterly, Semi-annually, yearly program progress reports). 
•  Ensure the mainstreaming of child protection (CP), Gender and disability Inclusion and DRR in his/her program area as well as specific project initiatives. 

Policy engagement and networking

• Serve as a principal representative to regional health and nutrition thematic task force, networks and clusters to promote effective program implementation, integration, to create collaborative and positive partnerships and alliances and to influence policy that maximizes the impact of the country program.
• Establish links and good relationships with relevant government authorities, NGOs, academic and research institutions and the media, in the area of health and nutrition to draw information and knowledge for project/program efficiency and effectiveness.
•  Makes follow up and proper documentation of regional government policies, strategies and plans with respect to Health (RMNCH) and Nutrition programmes.
• Collaborate with NGOs, communities, local and regional partners to mobilize resources for better program investment.  

Partnership development and strengthening

• Periodically collect project related and relevant information about other organizations working within the region to gain institutional knowledge of the environment.
• In support of the Program implementation Manager, manage the partnership in a holistic and reciprocal manner.
• Make it a business to know about other organization in the region.
• Seeks opportunities for different kinds of partnership for enhanced quality project implementation.
• Provide technical assistance and build the capacities of local partners in project management.
• Facilitates communication and interaction between partners/collaborators and Program Unit finance team.

Relationship Management / Communications

• Assist and support communication department in developing communication materials through adopting and contextualizing it and disseminate to identified target audiences, organizations, media, etc., support the department in translating materials into local languages as necessary.
• Collaborate and participate in effective knowledge and information management systems where the necessary Country Program Information is well documented and shared internally and externally as necessary.
• Promote a collaborative, team environment amongst project/program team.
• Inform line manager and donor of any issues or proposed resource changes (financial or human) that may require technical assistance or donor approval in a timely fashion. 
• Oversee outreach activities at program areas to support and raise awareness about the purpose of the project and any related opportunities.
•  Participate actively in staff appraisal processes and overall performance evaluation and management systems to ensure progressive capacity building support is received and provided regularly to achieve desired results.
•  Shall perform any other duties as assigned by his line manager, the sponsorship and Communication Manager and/or the CD.

Child Protection and Gender Equality Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to Plan’s child protection policy through implementing the policy in its entirety, and report any actual or potential risk situations following the reporting procedures, being aware of abuse and risks to children, being vigilant, becoming familiar with the Child Protection Policy.
• Raise children’s rights/protection awareness and important of gender equality and respect to diversity within Plan and amongst partners and community members.
• Child protection and gender equality policies are understood by the staff and partners.
• Ensure equal participation and benefit of boys and girls and children with disabilities in all phases of project implementation.
• Ensure sufficient budget and resources are allocated for gender equality activity in their respective area annual plans and project activities.
• Support partners in understanding plans’ gender equality strategy and program criteria and capacity building activities on gender as part of the regular work at field level.
• Ensure the representation of Plan Ethiopia in their respective project from gender equality perspectives.
• Plan Ethiopia has put in place a CP policy that all of its staff must adhere to and sign.

1. Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Donor Reporting

• Prepare and provide all the necessary technical and information inputs prepare quarterly, mid-term and yearly reports and end of project report deliverables, as per standard templates and direction provided, including all narrative and financial content and associated annexes.
• Prepare and submit monthly narrative reports, including updates on project progress and outstanding issues to line manager and communication department as necessary.
• Identify and communicate any issues related to project delay to the line manager, other concerned bodies and include relevant mitigation/contingency plans.
•  Assist and ensure that results of any internal Plan-led or external donor-led audits are addressed.
• Provide technical support for government partners and program unit staff on effective M and E applications. 
• Identify, document and disseminate best practices, success stories and story of changes from within and outside Plan to staff and other development partners.
• Ensure project learning and achievements are documented and disseminated widely.
• Ensure all project documentation is filed and organised for accountability purposes.

Dealing with Problems:

• The post holder will coordinate field based staffs in collaboration with the WASH coordinator and WASH officer to ensure the highest level of program quality and overall impact. This will encompass strengthening accountability, planning, management, adherence to policies and procedures, and promoting a culture for delivery of results.
• The position involves a high degree of complexity in resolving a wide range of challenges which typically occur in project management. The post holder will demonstrate the ability to solve problems, thinking strategically while implementing projects, introducing innovations as needed to meet the demands of a dynamic operating environment while ensuring Plan systems and policies are adhered to.
•  Understands organizational strategies and contributes to its fulfilment by supporting his/her team to play their roles and implement programs in accordance with organizational values, goals and requirements. 
•  Working at community and district level to give support to partners and sector staffs, influences PA colleagues to adhere to required implementation standards in an integrated manner to support the sustainability and effectiveness of the PlE programs.
•  The post holder will coordinate with other project staffs, including WASH and Health and Nutrition coordinators to ensure the highest level of program quality and overall impact. This will encompass strengthening accountability, planning, management, adherence to policies and procedures, and promoting a culture for delivery of results.

Key relationships

To maximize overall Project impact through the optimized contributions of others, the post holder will be required to initiate, develop and maintain a range of working relationships, including with government counterparts, implementing partners, community organizations and other development organizations within the region/project area.

Internally s/he has to have an effective working relationship within the programmes department, PA staffs and Project team is essential. The job holder will have frequent communication with his line manager, the program area staffs, and support staff at Plan International Ethiopia, colleagues at Plan National Offices and various internal staff networks.

Participate in Gambella town and Itang district reproductive maternal child health and nutrition technical meetings and Build effective relationships with district and town staff, multi sectoral committees, health post and health center team, WDA, CHW in Itang special district and Gambella town.

Other

Any other assignments as requested by the line manager and CMT. 

Job Requirements

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

Essential

Educational Qualification and Experience

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in Health Officer, Clinical nursing, Public Health and/or Nutrition or related field of study with minimum of four (4) years of work experience of which at least two years’ experience with NGOs in Health (RMNCH) and Nutrition sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of Health and Nutrition projects. 
•  A creditable experience in an integrated ASRH and MNCH project implementation.
•  A commitment to, and understanding of, participatory approaches to development.
• Previous experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team and the ability to lead, motivate and develop others.
• ·Previous community mobilization experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of Ethiopia Health Systems and experience working with government health partners at provincial and district level
• Strong writing and organizational skills for writing case studies, documenting lessons learnt and reporting on project results

Knowledge

• Technical knowledge on reproductive, Maternal child health/ and or nutrition interventions
• Extensive knowledge on updated ASRH, RMNCH and Nutrition national strategies and implementation guidelines.
• In-depth knowledge of project cycle management and child centered community development programming.
• Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implications to community development.
• Knowledge of effective participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Research systems and processes.
• Experience in implementation of integrated WASH, Health and Nutrition projects.

Desirable

Skills Specific to the Post

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and problem solving skills.
• Numeracy and the ability to interpret financial data, in order to understand budgetary processes including planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Ability to analyze information and evaluate options including planning skills.
• Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications.
• Ability to interpret financial data, in order to provide management support to budgetary processes including planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Resilience, adaptability and flexibility: ability to operate effectively under a stressful and working environment, often under tight timelines and high donor expectations
• Child center development and Gender aware.
• Fluency in English and Amharic languages Knowledge and skill of local languages is a plus.
• High levels of attention to detail and quality

Commitment to Plan Ethiopia Value

Integrity, Unity/Oneness, Accountability, Excellence , Embracing Change, Speed/Agility

Leadership Attitudes & Behaviors:

• A predisposition to collaboratively positive engagement with all other parts of the organization.
• A commitment to communicate in a timely manner.
• Supports learning in diverse teams.
• Positively promotes team effort and high performance by all staff through shared successes.
• Creates highly motivated team of unified purpose
•  Acts with high degree of integrity and professionalism.
• Relates to people in a friendly, open manner and engenders trust from other staff
• ·Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behavior
•  Dynamic, highly motivated and balances future vision with practical delivery
• Remains calm and positive under pressure and in difficult situations
• Humble, supportive, ethical and service oriented
• Promotes innovation and learning
• Pleasant and polite attitude at all times; and ability to reflect professional standards
• Ability to act as part of multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team.
• Able to work with minimal supervision

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

·        Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.

·        Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.

·        Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.

·        Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.

·        Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organization for all children, girls & young people

We strive for lasting impact

1. Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
2. Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
3. Focuses resources to drive change and maximize long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
4. Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

1. Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
2.  Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
3. Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
4. Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
5. Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
6. Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
7. Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
8. Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

Physical Environment

• The position involves a high degree of complexity in resolving a wide range of challenges which typically occur in project implementation. The post holder will demonstrate the ability to solve problems, thinking strategically while implementing projects, introducing innovations as needed to meet the demands of a dynamic operating environment while ensuring Plan systems and policies are adhered to.
•  It is typically office working environment with at least 100 % field travel. 

How to Apply

The closing date for the application in October 23.2020. Qualified candidates should submit the application form found with this link http://ethiojobs.net/docs/Plan_Int_Application_Form.docx through www.Ethiojobs.net

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia. 

More information about Plan International can be found on http://plan-international.org  

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required.

As an international child centered community development organization, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realization of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we as an organization, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.