Operations Officer Job Re-Advertisement - East Africa Public Health Laboratory Networking Project

Republic of Kenya

Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation

East Africa Public Health Laboratory Networking Project

Applications are invited from qualified candidates for the position shown below.

Background:

Kenya is among the four countries participating in the East Africa Public Health Laboratory Networking Project (EAPHLN) funded by the World Bank (IDA). This five year project aims to support a network of efficient, high quality, accessible public health laboratories for the diagnosis and surveillance of TB and other communicable diseases.

In each country a project coordination team is being set-up to support implementation of the project and it is proposed to engage an operations officer to provide operational support to the project team and facilitate efficient and timely implementation of project activities.

Operations Officer

Scope of Work:

The overarching objective of the assignment is to provide operational support to the Project Manager designated as the Head, Department of Disease Prevention and Control (Head - DDPC) and the Project Coordinator to ensure efficient planning and timely implementation of project activities and meeting the project reporting requirements.

Specific responsibilities of the Specialist will include:

1. Establish and maintain systems and procedures for smooth implementation and operationalization of the project activities.
2. Prepare programmatic and financial reports for the MOPHS and the World Bank in consultation with the project coordination unit.
3. Undertake regular visits to project laboratories and other agencies supporting implementation (infrastructure unit, procurement and disposal units) to identify implementation bottlenecks and bring them to the attention of the Project Manager for prompt resolution.
4. Facilitate through technical support supervision, the monitoring of EAPHLN project activities by reviewing data submitted by facilities supported under the project.
5. Coordinate and supervise the core project staff (i.e. ICT officer, accountant), as may be needed.
6. Organize monthly/quarterly progress meetings for the project, take minutes, and write reports of the meetings attended in collaboration with the Project Coordinator who serves as the secretary to the Kenya EAPHLN committee.
7. Monitor and report on operational issues, identify opportunities and assist project supported facilities to develop their annual work plans.
8. Ensure activities meet and integrate with organizational requirements for quality management, health and safety, legal stipulations, environmental policies and general duty of care and are consistent with broader hospital development plans.
9. Prepare in collaboration with the Project Coordination Unit, an annual plan of action inclusive of budget for the World Bank-funded project, consolidating inputs from participating hospitals.
10. Provide every three months an activity report of the tasks undertaken.

Qualifications and Experience:

Desired Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management/Business Administration from a recognized institution. Possession of a Master’s degree in the same fields will be an added advantage.

Desired Experience: Minimum of five years of work experience in Public Service of Kenya and/or also managing operational support to health sector projects/programs supported by bilateral and multilateral donors.

Desired Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to excel in a multi-tasked team environment and to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong quantitative skills and demonstrated capacity to perform outstanding original work.
• Demonstrated ability to handle working relationships with senior officials and technical experts in Government and NGOs.
• Outstanding communication skills, verbal and written, in English.
• Proficient in computer applications and database management
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills

Reporting:

The officer will report and work under the overall supervision of the Project Manager (Head, Department of Disease Prevention and Control). He/she will also report to the Director of Public Health and Sanitation, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, as needed.

Deliverables:

• Monthly activity reports summarizing key activities undertaken during the month, problems and remedial actions.
• Quarterly project progress reports as required under the project.
• Annual implementation plan, procurement plan and draft budget

Duration of Contract:

• Initial 2-year contract which may be renewed on the basis of performance and mutual agreement.

Duty Station:

• The officer will be based in Nairobi and will be expected to travel in Kenya for on site monitoring missions upon instruction and authorization from the Project Manager (Head-DDPC).

Compensation:

• A competitive salary will be offered as per Government of Kenya norms
• Salary Scale: Job Group Q
• Other benefits (medical and house allowance) and at the end of contract, gratuity allowance will apply.

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should forward their applications indicating the number of advertisement and position on the subject line of your letter and envelope, together with a detailed Curriculum vitae indicating work experience, current remuneration and copies of testimonials, a daytime telephone contact and names and telephone contacts of three referees to reach the undersigned not later than 11th April 2011.

The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Public Health & Sanitation
Afya House, Cathedral road
Address: P.O. Box 30016-00100
Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254-20-2717077

Only Shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted.