Program Officer

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RTI International is seeking “Program Officer” candidates for the USAID-Health for Life Project financed by USAID and working primarily in coordination with the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Health (MoH). As a result, Health for Life Project has a significant national presence to support the testing and roll-out of national-level policies, guidelines and programs. In addition to the national focus, the Project covers 12 districts in the Mid-Western Development Region; 3 in the Western; one each in the Eastern, Central and Far-Western Regions; and in 10 (Dolakha, Dhading, Gorkha, Kavre, Makwanpur, Nuwakot, Ramechhap, Rasuwa, Sindhuli and Sindhupalchowk) most earthquake affected districts to strengthen district and village health systems and help identify and implement best practices. H4L collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including academic and research institutions, training centers, media partners and civil society.

The primary goal of Health for Life Project is to strengthen the Government of Nepal’s capacity to plan, manage, and deliver high-quality and equitable family planning, maternal, newborn, and child health services. Health for Life activities directly address key health system constraints in the following areas: local health systems governance; data for decision making and evidence-based policy development; human resources management; quality improvement systems; and knowledge and behavior change. Health for Life collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including academic and research institutions, training centers, media partners, and civil society. 

These positions are based in Municipality of Western and Mid-Western Region where Health for Life is implementing it’s activities.

Responsibilities:

• Provides technical support to municipal officials, ward committees and health facility (HF) staff, to prepare MHSAR (Municipal Health Situation Analysis Report) and prepare Municipal Annual Health Plan and its implementation and follow-up
• Provides guidance and technical assistance to municipal officials, ward committees and health facility (HF) staff, to identify QI issues, address gaps, mobilize resources and better serve communities with quality MNCH/FP and nutrition services
• Coordinates with municipalities, wards and health facilities, and other key stakeholders for implementation of H4L activities
• Provides technical assistance to municipalities, wards, and HFs in planning and budgeting, implementing, and monitoring governance and QI activities
• Supports municipalities in establishing and functionalizing  Quality Assurance Working Committees (QAWCs)
• Conducts Readiness Assessments of HFs and FCHVs, including Client Exit Interviews and provides onsite coaching to service providers based on gaps identified to improve the quality and use of FP/MNCH services
• Updates Annexes I, II and III by using standard formats on regular basis
• Supports Ward Committees or designated committee  to carry out demand generation activities in MDAG community.
• Improves municipalities’ quality of services using QI tools and monitors implementation, including activities related to infection prevention and health care waste management 
• Supports municipalities, and HF staff in transferring skills by implementing self-assessment approaches and coaching to improve quality of services
• Strengthens the use of data at the district, municipal and ward levels for decision-making to improve quality and access
• Facilitates monthly meetings with Ward Committees or designated committee and supports gap identification, particularly in areas of quality and access to services
• Updates and discusses issues and supports them in developing action plans to address the issues
• Supports implementation of crosscutting family planning, reproductive health, maternal, child, newborn health and nutrition (FP/RH/MNCHN) activities at the municipal level 
• Provides technical assistance and capacity building support to government, relevant partners, and other stakeholders in the municipality for health governance, quality of care and planning and budgeting activities with proper coordination and collaboration
• Supports the implementation and dissemination of H4L gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) sensitive approaches, programs, messages and materials in the municipality for H4L supported activities
• Ensures timely reporting of H4L project activities in standard forms and formats provided by the project
• Collects evidence to reflect impact of project through regular monitoring, follow-up and evaluation
• Supports health workers in improving recording, reporting, analysis and use of service data and any other relevant data for effective program planning and implementation under HF.
• Carries out other tasks/activities as assigned by the designated supervisor. 

Qualifications and experience:

• Master’s degree in public health or other related areas and at least 1 year of experience or a Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of experience 
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation of community based health programs
• Extensive field experience working with rural and remote communities
• Demonstrated success in providing hands-on capacity building and technical assistance to health care providers and other stakeholders
• Experience integrating cross-cutting issues such as gender equity and social inclusion 
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships with USAID, government counterparts at all levels, local organizations, and other program and partners 
• Good oral and written communication skills and fluency in English. 

To Apply:

Qualified applicants should submit a resume with contact information to Operations Manager, Health for Life (Health for Life), P. O. Box: 3172, Lalitpur, Nepal or email: sbadal@np-h4l.rti.org with ‘Program Officer’’ in the subject line.

Deadline is 14 August 2017; however, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Telephone inquiry will not be entertained.  

RTI International is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified women and candidates from marginalized community are encouraged to apply.