The Technical Programs Coordinator is the key program coordination position of FHI 360s Rapid Response to the Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo in northeastern DRC. Based in Beni, North Kivu. The position will oversee the implementation of the two major programming areas: safe and dignified burials (SDB) and disinfection measures in strict adherence with the current SOPs and SDB and IPC protocols; and social mobilization and community engagement (SMCE) in strict adherence with the current SOPs around SMCE. For SBD activities, the incumbent will be responsible in ensuring that FHI 360 has firsthand access to death alerts from relevant entities. Responsible for setting up SDB and disinfection teams; maintaining up to date information on progresses and ensuring strong internal and external coordination. For SMCE activities, the coordinator shall work hand and hand with the multiple tiers of traditional leadership; community health workers (CHWs), community leaders and other community-based and government structures to ensure FHI 360’s response is accepted. Ensure FHI 360 is represented at all relevant pillar meetings and technical working groups. Lead and set up the SMCE team; monitoring and managing highly sensitive data and; maintaining up to date information on progresses and ensuring strong internal and external coordination.
This position is initially envisioned as a three month assignment with possibility of extension. This duty station has been designated as high risk or extreme risk and poses a heightened risk or direct threat to personal safety. Applicants should research this location and the associated risks before submitting an application.
- Responsible for training, orientating and field and office level staff
- Develop an internal implementation work flow process that outlines the entire SDB process; conducts searches of published literature on evolving issues in assigned technical area.
- Continually work to ensure that SDB and disinfection protocols are adequately understood and observed by staff
- Develops or writes technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate research, best practices, policies and procedures.
- Work closely with community leaders to establish modalities of operation within the community
- Maintain strong contact with relevant government, UN and INGO stakeholders in obtaining firsthand information / line listing on deaths so to implement a timely burial and disinfection procedure; Maintain a strong relationship with the EOC, social protection arm of the government
- Put in place a monitoring system where by data on key performance indicators are regularly, accurately and securely captured.
- Responsible in identifying, cost estimating and pre-planning and reviewing on financial, transport and supply chain needs and working together with logistics, finance and admin coordinators.
- Represent FHI 360 at relevant pillar and technical working group meetings
- Works closely with SMCE team to ensure activities are implemented according to standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
- Ensure response is embedded in community-based structures by identifying and engaging with the multiple tiers of traditional community leadership structures, community health workers (CHWs) to promote acceptance of the response among the respective catchment community.
- Monitors and maintains protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and reports.
- Provides technical support in the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and intervention for research projects. Assists with the implementation of research studies by monitoring and documenting processes.
- Ensures project implementation adheres to company strategy and remains technically sound.
- Handles any sensitive information relating to EVD affected families in adherence with FHI 360 and OFDA data safeguarding practices.
- Conducts analysis of program implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategy and guidelines.
- Responds to requests and inquiries from internal and external staff.
- Prepares reports and papers summarizing project results. Delivers presentations at professional meetings and conferences.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Problem Solving & Impact:
- Works on problems of diverse scope that require analysis or interpretation of various factors.
- Exercises judgment within selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.
- Builds productive working relationships with internal and external staff.
- Decision may affect a work unit or area within a department.
- Working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures with providing technical support for research studies.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors and prepare reports.
- Ability to problem solve and implements corrective action as needed.
- Typically requires 5-8 years of managing data collection and technical assistance experience.
- Proven experience in an Ebola Context implementing activities, preferably for a non-governmental organization (NGO) or government agency.
- Social mobilization interventions designed to influence perceptions and practices around adoption of protective behaviors; health and care seeking behaviors; safe and dignified burials and identifying, and fostering community support mechanisms for the affected families
- Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
- Mapping of and engagement with stakeholders including thought leaders, armed groups, and other community based and government structures
- SOPs that are adapted to the context and aligned to MoH and WHO guidelines
- Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required. Requires specific ability to manage a database of sensitive information of suspect/probable/confirmed or dead cases in compliance with data safeguarding practices
- Protection, GBV and social inclusion mainstreaming interventions
- Capacity building training for community and government offices
- Media engagement
- Articulate and professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive fashion with clients and staff.
- Supply of items to EVD affected households including NFIs, food rations, etc. an asset
- Sound understanding of project cycle management and hands-on skills
- Proven track record of managing internal and external coordination
- Proficient in spoken and written French and English
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