Health Program Officer

at  International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
The IRC has been present in Nigeria since 2012 when the organization responded to flooding in Kogi state. In February 2014 the IRC moved into Adamawa State in NE Nigeria to provide humanitarian interventions through a multi-sectoral, integrated approach for conflict affected populations. IRC Nigeria now operates a country office in Abuja and field offices in Mubi and Yola of Adamawa State, Maiduguri and Monguno of Borno state and Damaturu of Yobe State. In 2022, the IRC began operations in Northwest Nigeria and intend to open a new office in katsina city, Katsina state to oversee the Northwest program. Currently, IRC Nigeria implements programs primary health care, nutrition, environmental health, women’s protection and empowerment, protection, child protection, education, food security & livelihoods.

JOB OVERVIEW/SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Health Manager based in Gusau, Zamfara this role serves as the Administrative and Integral/Power BI focal point for IRC Health Implementation in the northwest. The incumbent will oversee project implementation, assist in organizing and coordinating capacity-building activities for the health program, and close collaboration with program officers and sector managers is essential for addressing health sector daily administrative issues.

EDUCATION:

• Social science professional (BSc Finance, Admin or Business management, BSC Nursing)
• Certificate or equivalent in computer science or Diploma in Computer applications

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• At least 3 years’ experience in implementing health humanitarian related projects.
• Ability to work procurement and finance management software.
• Experience in financial report writing and budget development.
• Women are encouraged to apply.

COMPUTER/OTHER TECH REQUIREMENTS:

• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Add position-specific (e.g. accounting software, statistical software, Power Bi etc.).
  Ability to Travel: 5 % of time if applicable.
  Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons, and several others.
  Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
  Working Environment IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
  Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
  Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures

• Plan and coordinate effective and well-organized meetings and training sessions for program staff, ensuring that objectives are clearly defined, materials are prepared, and logistical arrangements are in place.
• Raise procurement requests in accordance with the health program’s needs and requirements. And clearly outline specifications and quantities required for medical supplies, equipment, and other necessary items.
• Work closely with the supply chain team to ensure timely and efficient sourcing of requested items.
• Provide necessary documentation and information to facilitate the procurement process.
• Collaborate on market assessments and supplier evaluations to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee the proper storage of procured health program items in the warehouse. Ensure compliance with storage guidelines, including proper labeling, organization, and inventory management. Collaborate with warehouse staff to conduct regular stock checks and maintain accurate records.
• Coordinate the release of items from the warehouse based on program needs and implementation plans. Ensure that the correct quantities and specifications are provided for program activities.
• Work closely with senior medical and outreach officers to address any discrepancies or urgent needs during implementation.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure that procured items meet required standards. collaborate with program officers and supply chain teams, to address any issues related to the quality of procured items. Monitor and evaluate supplier performance to inform future procurement decisions.
• Collaborate with the Health manager to develop budget, spending plans aligned with department budget priorities and concept notes and engaging in strategic financial planning, forecasting, and modeling to ensure sustainable financial health.
• Regularly monitor and track expenditures against the budget to identify variances and take corrective actions when necessary.
• Prepare and present Health financial reports to the health manager and deputy team leader highlighting budget performance, trends, and areas needing attention. And Implement cost-control measures to optimize resource utilization and enhance overall cost-effectiveness.
• Evaluate the need for Health budget revisions considering changing priorities, funding alterations, or unexpected circumstances. Ensure strict adherence to financial regulations, donor requirements, and internal policies throughout all aspects of budget management. Identify potential financial risks and implement proactive risk management strategies to address and mitigate challenges associated with the budget.
• Communicate budgetary guidelines, policies, and financial information to the department staff, fostering transparency and understanding. Continuously assess and improve budget management processes, incorporating lessons learned and
• Collaborate with health program manager and medical supervisors to develop project work plans with clear targets and achievement benchmarks based on project indicators. Contribute to design, planning, drafting new proposals and donors’ reporting whenever necessary.
• In collaboration with Health Managers, develop and expenditure plan, review budget vs. actual expenditure for health grants monthly and take necessary actions.
• Ensuring budgets are used appropriately and efficiently and spending is in line with the IRC financial procedures and donor requirements.
• Ensure data collection, data compilation, timely preparation and submission of all internal reports including weekly and other associated monthly, quarterly, donor and special reports.

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development:

• Develop and implement remote management capacity building approaches to build the strengths of the team in Zamfara state and Northwest region Nigeria.
• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Approve and manage all time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.
• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, at least monthly.
• As required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff.
• Look for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate. As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identify, train, and develop capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment.
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures and communicate through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.