Background: 

The CORE Group Polio Project (CGPP) is a consortium project of CORE Group NGOs awarded by USAID Global Health in 1999 to contribute to global polio eradication. The CGPP operational approach employs an implementing partner sub-granting model and sub grants to NGOs to implement the project. CRS Kenya is one of the implementing partners by supporting MOH in supplementary immunization Activities (SIAs), enhanced routine immunization, AFP surveillance, partner coordination, and the use of good data in Nairobi County and Marsabit County, in order to contribute to the ongoing outbreak response and to lay the foundation for outbreak prevention.

Job Summary: 

The Project Officer – CORE Group Polio Project (CGPP) will be responsible for the CRS scope of work for the Core Group Polio project. S/he will serve as the key technical link person for the project in Marsabit County and has the role of managing relations between CRS and the MOH to ensure the CGPP activities are implemented in line with international and national standards. The PO will ensure that the implementation is done through and with GOK structures at the county, sub-county, and community levels. The PO will also ensure that MOH is provided with appropriate technical assistance, mentorship, and support supervision to implement quality interventions as per the set guidelines.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist MOH in their efforts to reflect on project experiences, to share accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting MOH in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and tools.
• Collect information on staff capacity needs and technical assistance needs, and support MOH in their efforts to address capacity building and technical assistance activities to ensure effective impact.
• Compile and project documentation and technical support activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.
• Maintain working relations with relevant government line ministries and private sector/research institutions to coordinate the adoption of new approaches in polio eradication.
• Strengthen the capacity of the MOH and other stakeholders to enhance opportunities for shared learning with partners.
• Build the capacity of the County and Sub-County MOH on planning, implementation, management, and monitoring of the program.
• Stay abreast of new developments in Polio, Routine Immunization, and Disease Surveillance and Social and Behaviour Change Communications, and participate in relevant technical working groups and related forums.

Required Languages – Fluency in English required

Travel – 50% travel to field sites

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with the ability to make sound judgment.
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with MOH, local partners, and community members.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.

 Supervisory Responsibilities : None

 Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Health team Project lead, Program Manager-health, CGPP HOA Staff, as well as the CRS MEAL and finance teams
• External: CGPP Secretariat members, GoK (Marsabit County) staff on the Polio Project, polio project stakeholders, including community members

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Nursing or related field. A Master’s Degree in these fields or a graduate of the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) will be an added advantage
• Experience and practical skills in Disease Surveillance, Immunization, Zoonotic diseases, surveillance systems, outbreak investigation and control, and Social mobilization
• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
• In-depth knowledge and practical expertise in public health issues, epidemiological principles, and surveillance systems, techniques, and procedures. 
• Have a good understanding of GOK Health Policy and Guidelines, a good grasp of challenges working in insecure areas, and with the marginalized poor in Kenya.
• Experience in monitoring projects and collecting relevant data is preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).