Maternal Child Health and Nutrition (Mchn) Manager-Mother Care Groups Needed at Mercy Corps

Organisation :Mercy Corps

Position : Maternal Child Health and Nutrition (Mchn) Manager-Mother Care Groups

Deadline :Monday, 31st December, 2018

Duty Station:Kampala, Uganda

Date Posted: 13 December 2018,

Employment Type: Full-Time

JOB DETAILS:
Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Operating in Uganda since 2006, Mercy Corps has field offices in Kitgum, Gulu, Kotido, Moroto, Arua, Yumbe, Amudat and Kaabong and implements programs that cover a wide variety of program sectors including food security, health/nutrition, water/sanitation, peace building, youth, agriculture, and econ development.

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary focus of the MCHN Project Manager for the Mother Care Groups (MCGs) will be to adapt and scale the MCG strategy to the four districts Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong and Amudat in collaboration with local government. The MCG Manager will be responsible for oversight of quality activities and coordination between the Community Behavior Change (CBC) sector and among partners related to the nutrition objective, including Save the Children and Whave. The MCG Manager will work with staff to capture learning from the field and to support strategy and make tactic adjustments as needed. The Manger will frequently write project reports, analyze data, capture stories and other learning to articulate the work of Apolou in the health and nutrition sector.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Program

Develop effective work plans and ensure the MCG activities are implemented according to agreed annual, quarterly and monthly plans and budgets; delivering against timeframes, output and outcome targets
Provide leadership and daily oversight for planning and implementation of activities including; mentorship, support supervision and managerial support to all the MCG staff, spending approximately an equal amount of time between the northern and southern project areas
Develop and adapt maternal child health & nutrition programming operational procedures, policies, lessons and systems to the context and needs of the MCG project in Karamoja
Develop, pilot, modify and scale IEC materials for behavior change
Work in liaison with the MCHN Manager, provide MCG project progress updates highlighting any deviations against plans and budgets with suggestive corrective actions to ensure overall compliance, integrity and success of the program.
Strengthen MCG registration systems to ensure active integration of first time mothers and very young mothers into the Care Groups
Oversight of the training of community members-promoters, lead mothers and ultimately, neighbour women to mitigate losses in the cascade of information and ensure quality control
Recommend program priorities and explore, evaluate and present new opportunities that have high potential for impact in the area MCHN
Advocate at local and district level to increase interest in adopting the Care Group model as a cost effective health and nutrition promotion platform and to assure functional handover of the Care Groups.
Ensure an integrated approach to program implementation with CBC Manager other Apolou sectors and the Apolou consortium to maximize resource utilization and synergy Partnership Management:
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with Whave and Save the Children, working together to develop complementary monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management structures wherever possible
Develop and manage partnerships with the Local Governments and other partners to coordinate and maximize influence at local and regional forums
Represent the MCG project and actively participate in district technical working groups and other relevant forums as well as coordination structures with Government, donors and NGOs, including the District Nutrition Coordination Committees
In liaison with the MELC team and MCHN Manager, prepare advocacy and communication materials such as success stories, case studies, newsletters, etc Leadership and Management:
Oversee team growth to Apolou program areas, lead recruitments, trainings and capacity building of Community Behaviour Change (CBCA) project staff as per programmatic/ operational needs and requirements in accordance with Mercy Corps’ performance management system
Provide strategic support to team members, establishing an effective supervisory structure to help them deliver their activities as per agreed work plan and achieve scale
Participate on the Country Coordination Team (CCT), program managers’ meetings and MCHN team meetings as key platform for collaboration and coordination of core functions
Ensure MCG project compliance with procurement and financial regulations are in accordance with the field procurement policy and procedure manual, field finance manual, work plans and approved project expenditure

ETHICS AND INTEGRITY:
All Mercy Corps staff are expected to behave ethically and demonstrate highest integrity in their professional and personal life. Mercy Corps has zero tolerance to any form of fraud, corruption, abuse, harassment or exploitation. Any breach of our policies or misconduct will lead to disciplinary action or may lead to termination.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or related field with Master’s degree a plus.
At least 6 years of related professional experience, with minimum 2 years’ management experience.
Demonstrated analytical skills and dexterity in data collection, verification and documentation.
Experience in developing BCC materials and curricula.
Proven skills in networking, team-building, community consultations and organizational development.
Proven skills as a trainer of trainers, with experience in gender training a plus.
Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills.
Intimate knowledge of the social and economic context of Karamoja, with a specific understanding of the Ugandan health system and health challenges of Karamoja
Willingness to consider new perspectives, promote gender equality and engage in advanced gender training
Fluency in Nga’ Karimojong is a plus

Job application procedure
Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Human Resource Director, Mercy Corps Uganda. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates.

Deadline for Submission:

Close of business on Monday, 31st December, 2018. Subject of email should include the position you are applying for. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.