Save the Children Employment Opportunities

Save the Children is the world's largest independent organization for children, making a difference to children's lives in over 120 countries. We deliver immediate and lasting improvements to children's lives worldwide.

Save the Children listens to children, involves children and ensures their views are taken into account. Save the Children secures and protects children's rights to food, shelter, healthcare, education and freedom from violence, abuse and exploitation.

Our vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Save the Children has been operational in Kenya for more than 20 years, working on four core thematic areas: right to health, right to freedom from hunger, right to education and right to protection.

We provide support through both longer term development work and humanitarian relief. Currently faced with serious food crisis hitting the Horn of Africa and in particular North Eastern Province where we work, we are seeking qualified candidates to fill the following positions:

1. Technical Support Manager - Maternal, Newborn, Child Health
(1 year contract)

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Area Manager and with technical support from the Health and Nutrition Advisors, the Technical Support Manager will be responsible for timely, effective and efficient implementation of the project while ensuring programming objectives are successfully achieved.

Key Responsibilities

The position holder will be embedded into the government health system working from “within” to provide technical leadership to the district/county health teams to ensure quality assurance of the project deliverables and ensure value for money programming while remaining responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries, ensure all projects are complementary to each other and are contributing to the overall goal in Wajir county, engage with the county health sector actors to strengthen the local health systems including leadership and governance, health financing and resources allocation, human resources management system, supplies and logistics system, health management information system and the quality of care and identify capacity-strengthening needs of partners, DHMTs, health workers and project staff and develop widely-accepted capacity building strategies and plans.

The incumbent will also undertake Stakeholders’ coordination and representation while ensuring the involvement, participation and support of all stakeholders (including the beneficiaries) in project planning and implementation, Supervision of the Community Health Field Coordinator and Training Coordinator, Provide ongoing training and mentorship to project staff both within Save the Children and partner organizations and Monitoring, evaluation and reporting of program activities in liaison with DHMTs, ALDEF, WASDA, and Save the Children Advisors to develop and implement monitoring and evaluation plans for the project.

Person Specification

• Medical Doctor with Masters degree in Public Health with previous work experience in both government and NGO/FBO sectors will be an added advantage
• At least five years of experience in Maternal, Newborn and Child survival at a senior position preferably in Kenya
• Strong capacity building skills and proven success in training mid and senior-level Ministry of Health personnel
• Strong report writing skills, including experience in writing funding proposals and donor reports
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and negotiate clearly and effectively at all levels; Tact and diplomacy are essential.
• Knowledge and understanding of SPHERE Standards and other principles of humanitarian work
• Experience in promoting and mainstreaming Child Rights Based programming in health programme design, implementation and evaluation
• Extensive experience in data management including data collection, data quality checks and analysis.

2. Consortium Manager - Drought Response and Disaster Reduction in Northern Kenya

(1 year contract)

Job Purpose

The incumbent will be responsible for the successful establishment, management and development of the SCUK led consortium to undertake humanitarian response and risk reduction programming in Northern Kenya, ensure all consortium activities are implemented in line with approved donor agreements, (including budget and timescale), are of a consistently high quality and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place to monitor their impact.

Key responsibilities

The incumbent will ensure design and operations of all consortium members are well defined and facilitate successful implementation as per the contractual obligations of the donor and sub-agreements with Save the Children, ensure there is a clear monitoring matrix developed and implemented in consultation with all consortium partners, Governments authorities and other stakeholders to support harmonization of monitoring indicators and mechanisms that support improved humanitarian and DRR responses, directly supervise the Consortium County Co-ordinators (Wajir, Mandera and Marsabit) and the SCUK quality and monitoring teams and ensure they have clear workplans and objectives.

She/he will be responsible for; maintaining realistic budgets; authorising and monitoring expenditure in line with donor budgets and guidelines, SCUK grant management and financial guidelines, initiate any project modifications, amendments or extensions which require donor consent and approval. Regularly undertake high level representation and advocacy with Government partners and donor representatives to ensure the Consortium develops protocols for communication and management arrangements with partner agencies and Community Representation.

Person Specification

• At least 3-5 years management experience of development programmes with INGOs in a relevant sector of humanitarian response (e.g. WASH health, nutrition, food security, cash transfers)
• Ability to analyse information, evaluate options and produce well judged solutions and to think and plan strategically
• Excellent project management experience including management of consortium or multi-agency programme in an emergency or DRR context.
• Substantial experience and knowledge of effective financial and budgetary control and securing and managing large donor grants
• Leadership skills with proven previous experience of managing and developing teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Experience of and commitment to participatory management and to the capacity building of staff and partners
• Understanding and commitment to principles of child rights and child protection
• Knowledge and particular interest in pastoral development
• Knowledge of Somali and Swahili languages is an added advantage.

3. Blanket Supplementary Feeding Programme Coordinator
(4 positions, 5 months contract)

Job Purpose

The Incumbent, under the general supervision of the health and nutrition programme manager will be responsible for the delivery of the blanket supplementary feeding programme in the respective districts (Wajir East, Wajir South, Mandera central and Mandera west districts).

He/she will work closely with WFP and its lead agencies (CoCoop, ALDEF and WASDA) to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Key Accountabilities

The incumbent will coordinate implementation of the BSFP project according to the approved donor agreements, design and guidelines, Coordinate closely with the Nutrition Coordinator the program linkage to the targeted supplementary feeding and ensure all the referrals are captured and followed up in-case of defaulting, Liaise with other implementing partners and local authorities to maximize collaboration and ensure proper coordination of activities, supervise and capacity building of BSFP team, Carry spot-check supervision during the distribution, post distribution for the effective implementation of the BSFP to ensure goals and objectives of the programme are being met.

He/she will ensure timely data collection and reporting including producing monthly reports and end of program evaluation report and fulfill all grant compliance requirements in coordination with Programme Manager, Work with all programme teams to ensure that information relating to Save the Children and our activities is shared widely within communities in which we are working and provide for their participation and feedback in line with relevant guidelines and frameworks, coordination meeting in the district and link where necessary other stakeholders.

Person Specification

• BSC degree in Nutrition sciences, Public health or Food security with proven experience in implementing food aid programmes.
• Project management skills in development and emergency programming.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Skills
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Analytical, communication and advocacy skills
• Computer skills, including statistical software packages
• Excellent report writing abilities

4. Blanket Supplementary Feeding Programme M & E Coordinator
(6 months Contract)

Job Purpose

The incumbent will coordinate with WFP/UNICEF/MoH and partners, to lead in the set up and day to day monitoring system and analysis of the blanket supplementary feeding programme in 6 districts in Northern Kenya.

Key Accountabilities

He/she will lead a team of 3 BSFP M&E Officers to set up a comprehensive process monitoring system across 6 intervention districts and partners, supervise BSFP M&E Officers implementing distributions to consistently and regularly monitor activities, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data, co-ordinate post distribution monitoring activities, undertake regular visits to the field to support monitoring and accountability processes, spot check data collection, data entry for quality, analysis, reporting on programme progress and at the end of the 4 distribution cycles.

The incumbent also work with programme teams to ensure that information relating to Save the Children and our activities is shared widely within communities in which we are working and provide for their participation and feedback in line with relevant guidelines and frameworks, facilitate M&E meetings, share M&E guidance and deliver training and capacity building in order to ensure that monitoring activities are conducted effectively and according to agreed guidelines and procedures and lead in information sharing within the Nutrition Technical Forum/WFP/UNICEF/MoH

Person specification

• MSc degree in health/nutrition/social sciences/another relevant field with experience running blanket feeding programmes.
• Experience working in emergency nutrition
• Experience in conducting nutrition assessments
• Substantial experience in programme monitoring and evaluation
• Excellent data collection, analysis, interpretation and report writing.
• Excellent diplomacy, facilitation, coordination and team leadership skills
• Strong organisational and analytical skills, and ability to work under pressure
• Excellent computer skills, particularly with Excel and analysis software
• Willing and able to travel regularly within remote areas where basic services are limited.

5. Training Coordinator
(1 year contract)

Job Purpose

The incumbent, under the supervision of the Technical Support Manager- Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) will be responsible for planning and delivery of high-quality training of formal health workers and community health workers in Wajir County, through effective liaison with accredited trainers.

Key Accountabilities

The incumbent will Conduct training needs assessment identifying gaps in knowledge and skills of health workers and CHWs, Work with Master Trainers to ensure that training of health workers is appropriate to the needs of the trainees and that each training module is appropriate to the needs of the participants, Take lead in developing/ adopting training modules, manuals, handouts and other materials ensuring their appropriateness to the needs of the target trainees and coordinate the scheduling of trainings and ensure that trainings occur according to pre-agreed training calendar.

He/she will monitor the effectiveness of training methods and processes and evaluate the outcome of health workers trainings, ensure that delivery of trainings planned in the project proposal is of high quality and meets pre-defined training objectives and outcomes, work with trainers and the DHMT to ensure that all planned trainings adhere to standards including meeting criteria for selection of training participants, use of participatory methods, emphasis on training outcomes, use of evaluations and certification, and effective employment of lessons learned from previous trainings, participate in knowledge management processes, including the contributions to project publications and documentation and establish and maintain database of accredited trainers and trainees who qualify from Save the Children supported training programmes.

Person Specification

• Degree in Public Health or equivalent with at least three years of hands-on experience in training Ministry of Health staff and community health workers in an INGO will be an added advantage
• Excellent understanding of the Community Health Strategy
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels, taking into account cultural and language difficulties.
• Strong capacity building skills and proven success in training formal and informal health workers
• Strong report writing skills
• Experience of training community health workers in a pastoralist population.

6. Community Health Field Coordinator
(1 year contract)

Job Purpose

The incumbent, under the supervision of the Technical Support Manager- Maternal, Newborn, Child Health (MNCH) will be responsible for planning, supervising and monitoring of community level delivery of maternal, newborn and child health services through trained and supported level-1 structures including Community Health Workers (CHWs), Community Health Committees (CHCs) and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs).

Key Accountabilities

The incumbent will participate in development of detailed project implementation and M&E plans, Responsible for the day to day implementation of the community health strategy as per the project plan and in liaison and consultation with the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation and partners, Participate in training of Community Health Workers (CHWs), community health committees and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and provide regular support and mentorship visits to the targeted health facilities, community health workers and community units.

He/she will Participate in organizing regular supportive supervision visits with the district health management team to health facilities and supported community units and organize regular meetings with community health committees, CHWs and health facility committees to review progress and refine plans, supervision and mentorship to Community Healthy Workers in close liaison with CHEWs, responsible for all community level reporting including distribution of reporting tools to CHWs and CHEWs, ensuring timely and accurate reports are submitted by CHWs to their link health facilities.

He/She will responsible for ensuring regular update of the programme database to enhance accurate monitoring and progress tracking, Support community health workers and community health committee to plan and undertake community dialogue and action days, responsible for distribution of community health worker kits, monitoring their appropriate utilization and lobbying health facilities for ongoing replenishment of consumable items in the kit, lead public consultation exercises and facilitate community participation, using a variety of techniques to ensure the involvement of the community and resolve conflicts of interest, build consensus and keep communities informed and enthusiastic about the project.

Person Specification

• A Bachelors degree in Public Health or Nursing or in lieu a Diploma in Public Health/ Community Health/ Kenya Registered Community Nurse with extensive field experience in INGO will be an added advantage
• At least three years of hands-on experience in implementing community level health programmes and working with community health workers
• Good understanding of the concepts and principles of Community Health Strategy
• Excellent spoken and written English and Swahili. Ability to speak the local dialect will be an added advantage.
• Must be computer literate and show proficiency in report writing skills
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Understanding rights based approaches and participatory concepts and practical experience in similar context. .
• Experience of working at community level in a pastoralist population, preferably in North Eastern Kenya.
• Experience with Child Survival and Safe motherhood programming.

7. Blanket Supplementary Feeding Programme M & E Officer
( 3 Nairobi based positions, 6 months contract with extensive travel to the Field)

Job Purpose

The incumbent, under supervision of BSFP M&E Coordinator will run day to day monitoring and evaluation process of the blanket supplementary feeding programme in 2 districts in Northern Kenya.

Key Accountabilities

The incumbent will assist staff implementing distributions to consistently and regularly monitor activities, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data monitor post distribution monitoring activities, spot check data collection, data entry, analysis and management for quality. He/she will collate accurate and timely output data from all programmes (to feed into central data base), ensure that key documents and programme information is centrally saved and available to all staff and partners and support field staff with data analysis and reporting on programme progress.

Person specification

• University degree in health/nutrition/social sciences/another relevant field with experience running blanket feeding programmes
• Experience working in emergency nutrition
• Experience in conducting nutrition assessments
• Experience in programme monitoring and evaluation
• Excellent data collection analysis, interpretation and reporting
• Excellent training skills
• Strong organisational and analytical skills, and ability to work under pressure
• Highly motivated, and flexible.
• Excellent computer skills, particularly with Excel and analysis software
• Willing and able to travel extensively to remote areas, where services are limited.

8. Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
(1 position, 8 months contract)

Job Purpose

Organise M&E activities and assist in the management of monitoring information, in order to support the delivery of high quality, effective programmes as stipulated in the Save the Children UK M&E Policy.

Key Accountabilities

The incumbent will support the development and implementation of clear, practical M&E plans, establish data collection systems within programmes/review existing data collection tools and systems, undertake regular visits to the field to support monitoring and accountability processes, participate in the development of templates and guidelines for data gathering, collation and reporting in liaison with programme managers and coordinators and provide technical support to programme teams to do monthly analysis of output data.

She/he will improve gathering and use of qualitative data through use of case studies, participate in the design and execution of surveys and other assessments, set in place Data Quality dimensions to ensure that data used for analysis is of high integrity, collate accurate and timely top-line output data from all programmes (to feed into central data base), work with programme teams to ensure that information relating to Save the Children activities is shared widely within communities in which we are working and provide for their participation and feedback in line with relevant guidelines and frameworks and facilitate M&E meetings, share M&E guidance and deliver training and capacity building in order to ensure that monitoring activities are conducted effectively and according to agreed guidelines and procedures.

Person specification

• University degree in Social sciences/Statistics/Computer Science/another relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• Training in Monitoring and Evaluation
• Three or more years experience in data collection, collation, analysis, and report writing.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills and ability to work well under pressure and with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and community mobilisation skills.
• Highly motivated, and flexible.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English and Kiswahili.
• Excellent computer skills particularly in Access, SPSS, EPI Info and Excel
• Willing and able to travel regularly within remote areas where basic services are limited.
• Demonstrated understanding of emergency response activities, and of the role of monitoring and evaluation in humanitarian programmes

Application process:

If you meet the above requirements, please send your cover letter indicating your expected salary and detailed CV with current contacts of three referees including immediate supervisor addressed to:

Head of Human Resources & Administration,
Save the Children UK, Kenya Programme
Email: jobskenya@scuk.or.ke

not later than 22nd July, 2011.

Quote the job title on the subject line.

Due to the urgency to fill these positions, short listing will be done as applications are received.

“Candidates from North Eastern Province are strongly encouraged to apply”

Save the Children (UK) recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to equal employment opportunities and the protection of children from abuse