Save the Children (SC) is an international organisation that has 27 member organisations across the globe. In November, 2009, the three SC offices in Southern Sudan (Sweden, USA, and UK) combined managerial systems to provide a Unified Presence in Southern Sudan. This structure is known as Save the Children in South Sudan (SCiSS), and programmes will be managed by Save the Children Fund (SCUK). The integration is Save the Children’s global strategy to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of SC programs thereby magnifying the impact on the lives of children, mothers and their caregivers. SC has a presence in all ten states of southern Sudan and operates through 18 field sites across these states. Through its years of operations in South Sudan, SC’s health programmes have significantly improved the health status of women, children and their families and have recorded significant gains in expanding health care service coverage and responsiveness. Currently, through multiple funding sources, SC supports: • the management of 62 primary healthcare facilities in 11 counties of 5 states; • 56 of these clinics are directly implemented by ten indigenous NGOs through sub- grants from SC the delivery of a community case management programme extending access to primary health services to nearly 125,000 children under-five in the catchment areas around these clinics. • 12 sites providing community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) and plans to extend CMAM throughout the SC-support network of primary health care facilities.
SC’s widespread evidence-based programming foundation positions us strongly to engage with national level policy dialogue. In 2010 alone we have participated in the development, finalisation and rollout of GoSS guidelines on Nutrition treatment and the Nutrition Health Policy, we sit on the Health Sector Working Group, have chaired the Health Forum, a key coordination forum for all stakeholders, and acted as the NGO lead interfacing with GoSS for the development of the 2011 Ministry of Health budget. Furthermore, SC engages actively in issue-specific coordination mechanisms between the MoH/GoSS, INGOS and UN agencies including the RH Working Group, EPI Working Group, Nutrition Working Group and newly formed CCM Working Group.
Job Purpose To support the quality design, delivery and representation of Save the Children’s Health programming in South Sudan.
Key accountabilities
• Establish and lead the implementation of the Save the Children in South Sudan health strategy, consistent with organisational goals, resource constraints and the reshaping plan.
• Serve as the point of contact for all matters related to health issues, particularly the scaling up of the Save the Children International’s maternal, newborn and child health strategy and the broader primary health care approach in the programme, HIV & AIDS mainstreaming, integration of nutrition in primary healthcare programming, policy development and capacity building, health care financing advocacy, health information systems development and health education.
• Work at the policy level with high-level decision makers from the host government, participating in strategy development, policy making, and technical discussions, as well as negotiating to determine priorities for development.
• Advocate for reforms that will promote the effective implementation of Save the Children’s health strategy. Apply knowledge and advanced expertise in health policy and programmes to design and develop activities that promote health policy reforms/development.
• Promote the sharing of best practice and learning in relation to programming, advocacy and campaign activities amongst Area Programmes in the country, including among members of Save the Children International in the region
• Monitoring and evaluation; to ensure adequate ongoing monitoring and evaluation of any health programmes
• Human Resources: as part of the response work with human resources unit and the Response Team Leader in drafting job descriptions, targeting adverts, developing an organogramme, and interviewing candidates for the health sector
• Capacity building / technical support: To provide capacity building and technical support to health staff, partners and government authorities as required
• Coordination: to represent Save the Children at health cluster meetings, technical working group meeting, Ministry of Health meetings, and other relevant forums. To meet regularly and liaise closely with relevant authorities (i.e. District / National Ministry of Health / UN / WHO / other NGOs / Health Cluster)
• Provide technical support to and work in close partnership with the Child Hunger Advisor regarding nutrition treatment programming.
• Ensure integration and coordination among the various Save the Children projects contributing to the overall goal of the organisation.
• Keep abreast of international developments and debates regarding Health, HIV/AIDS and Nutrition in order to advise and assist Save the Children to effectively respond to developments and participate in debates.
• Serve as the principal health technical expert (advisor) for Save the Children, preparing briefing materials and reports on health sector development and primary health care for donors, SMT and visitors where necessary. Present clear and convincing reports as needed on health topics at workshops, meetings and other venues that demonstrate sound analysis and synthesis.
• Maintain focus, intensity, determination, and optimism, even under the adverse circumstances of a challenging environment, and help others find opportunities to effect positive change.
• Help to identify high value and high potential fundraising and mobilization opportunities for Health programmes working in close collaboration with relevant management staff, fundraising and Policy teams to ensure that new funding proposals are in accordance with country and global strategies and policies.
• Any other tasks as requested.
Working contacts • Internal (including Alliance): The post holder will be expected to work with senior management team, technical support, other sector Advisors and Area Programme Managers, Field Managers, Programme Managers & with staff throughout the programme. • External: The post holder will be expected to develop and maintain personal links and effective relationships with UN, NGOs, INGOs, Partners & Key stake holders, counterparts, donors, government Authorities.
Person specification Essential • Minimum 5 years international field experience in humanitarian work in health • A good degree in health or a related subject that affords an understanding of health management, financing and recovery is desired because of the complexity and technical expertise required in the health field. • Substantial progressive, professional-level experience at the management level with some background in health systems strengthening - transitioning health systems from relief to development and health program implementation, particularly both at the community and facility level, being an added advantage. • Proven experience of writing donor proposals, strategies and reports with various donors and understanding of the logframe or results framework. • Proven experience in emergency health assessments, health responses and maternal and child health programmes • Ability to make links between Health and nutrition interventions within the context of an integrated programme approach • A thorough knowledge of the concepts, principles, analytical techniques and operations of health systems, and health recovery/reform must be demonstrated. • An ability to effectively negotiate with prospective donors and a demonstrated ability to develop and write detailed technical project proposals meeting donor requirements, including budgets for the same • Ability to perform at a senior policy level must be demonstrable, and good communication, advocacy and leadership skills are critical. • The ability to liaise and effectively coordinate with government, local NGOs and community initiatives. • The ability to effectively influence health policy, reform and strategy with the Government of Southern Sudan, as well as key donors and UN agencies. • Experience with health programmes in the region is desirable. • A desire to learn about South Sudan, an interest in its political, social and cultural characteristics and how to apply that to programming. Have a broad appreciation for the issues and process of participatory development. • Proven experience of living and working in insecure environments • The ability to research and utilise existing local government and other technical expertise where applicable. • The ability to access community knowledge and values through approved techniques (PRA and PLA). • High level of computer literacy including experience using health and nutrition related statistical packages such as ENA or SPSS. • Ability and willingness to travel regularly into the field.
Desirable • Masters Degree in health • Knowledge of donor financial policies and guidelines • Patience and a sense of humour • Experience managing CMAM programming and the integration of nutrition in primary health care
To apply for this position, visit our website http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/jobs.htm, job reference number 6525.
Deadline for applications: 21st October 2011
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