Technical Advisor, Public Health

Adeso, formerly known as Horn Relief, is an expanding and vibrant African-based international organization, working with communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive.

We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.

Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming.

Adeso has been strengthening rural livelihood and delivering innovative humanitarian aid and development programs for the past 20 years. Currently, we have programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan.

Our present donor portfolio includes the European Commission, USAID, SIDA, and UNICEF, among others.

Adeso is an exciting, dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. Employment with Adeso offers opportunities for personal growth and development.

The core objective of the two-year WASH program is to assist the Kenyan government and drought-prone communities to increase resilience to drought and flash floods while increasing access to improved water supply and sanitation services, and improving hygiene for poor and vulnerable populations in the arid counties of Turkana, Marsabit (including Moyale District), Garissa, Isiolo, and Wajir in Kenya.

Position Summary

The Technical Advisor for Public Health will provide technical and programmatic guidance related to public health, more specifically related to water-related diseases.

The TA will develop and design interventions through appropriate household hygiene and through community strategies near water sources.

S/he will be responsible for strategy development, activity design, project implementation and interaction with communities on WASH Health related activities.

The Technical Advisor for Public Health for this Program is responsible for leading and managing an experienced team focusing on these key objectives:

• Increase water storage capacity in arid lands, through improving natural and artificial storage.
• Improve WASH conditions at health facilities and nutrition centers frequently utilized during emergency response.
• Improve access to safe drinking water sources, improve access to and usage of point of use water treatment products, promote good hygiene behaviors and use of sanitation facilities as a means of reducing diarrheal disease in areas with recurrent emergency levels of malnutrition and around areas of improved water storage.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, and implements program activities that affect health and hygiene of targeted communities. Activities include health promotion and behavior change communication; assessing gaps in applied research; interacting with related government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community members, other program partners, think tanks; assessing capabilities and identifying various organizations to serve as change-agents.
• Participates in assessments of community public health projects and programs, and carries out analyses, feasibility studies, and recommends actions appropriate to improved health, hygiene and sanitation in project zones.
• Reviews project plans and prepares or oversees project research, agreements, contractor selection and approval, invitations for bid, plans, and specifications for professional services.
• Represents the WASH Program as an expert advisor and technical authority on public health programs/projects for program-wide application.
• Provides technical liaison with other related organizations to coordinate their efforts with the WASH programs, policies, and approaches in the region.
• Manages and evaluates program activities in the area of public health to ensure that they are consistent with international, national, community led health strategies.

Skills and Qualifications

The successful candidate will have “not-for-profit” experience, and/or development partner experience.

The ideal candidate will have experience developing, managing and implementing projects, including partnering with like-minded organizations on the definition of objectives and deliverables and monitoring and evaluation of results.

S/he will have a strong record of progressive responsibility and a demonstrated record of service.

• Advanced degree In Health related sector is required;
• A minimum of 10 years progressively responsible experience, with at least 5 years in leadership positions developing and managing policy and advocacy organizations, programs or initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in advising complex multi-stakeholder programs funded by development partners essential, USAID preferred;
• East African experience in the field and working with governments and multilateral organizations, private sector and civil society;
• Strong people management skills with experience in complex organizations and managing teams focused on a broad range of strategic initiatives and programs and demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships inside and outside of the organization;
• Demonstrated ability to set goals, develop budgets, measure results and develop and motivate new leaders;
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills, in positions requiring communication with a broad and diverse audience;
• Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, enthusiasm, and diplomacy both individually and as part of a complex team effort;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and financial applications such as sun systems;
• Knowledge of local and regional laws and statutory requirements

Application Process

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional.

If you would like to join this dynamic team and help contribute to better resilience and economic growth for African communities, please submit your application to jobs@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position in the email subject matter, by August 22nd 2012.

Each application should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager and include the following:

• • An updated CV; and
• • An application letter which should include remuneration requirements and contact information for three work-related referees.

Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.