Background: 

The CORE Group Polio Project (CGPP) is a consortium project of CORE Group NGOs awarded by USAID Global Health in 1999 to contribute to global polio eradication. The CGPP operational approach employs an implementing partner sub-granting model and sub grants to NGOs to implement the project. CRS Kenya is one of the implementing partners by supporting MOH in supplementary immunization Activities (SIAs), enhanced routine immunization, AFP surveillance, partner coordination, and the use of good data in Nairobi County and Marsabit County, in order to contribute to the ongoing outbreak response and to lay the foundation for outbreak prevention.

Job Summary: 

The Project Officer - CORE Group Polio Project (CGPP) will be responsible for the CRS scope of work for the Core Group Polio project. S/he will serve as the key technical link person for the project in Marsabit County and has the role of managing relations between CRS and the MOH to ensure the CGPP activities are implemented in line with international and national standards. The PO will ensure that the implementation is done through and with GOK structures at the county, sub-county, and community levels. The PO will also ensure that MOH is provided with appropriate technical assistance, mentorship, and support supervision to implement quality interventions as per the set guidelines.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist MOH in their efforts to reflect on project experiences, to share accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting MOH in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and tools.
• Collect information on staff capacity needs and technical assistance needs, and support MOH in their efforts to address capacity building and technical assistance activities to ensure effective impact.
• Compile and project documentation and technical support activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.
• Maintain working relations with relevant government line ministries and private sector/research institutions to coordinate the adoption of new approaches in polio eradication.
• Strengthen the capacity of the MOH and other stakeholders to enhance opportunities for shared learning with partners.
• Build the capacity of the County and Sub-County MOH on planning, implementation, management, and monitoring of the program.
• Stay abreast of new developments in Polio, Routine Immunization, and Disease Surveillance and Social and Behaviour Change Communications, and participate in relevant technical working groups and related forums.

Required Languages - Fluency in English required

Travel - 50% travel to field sites

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with the ability to make sound judgment.
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with MOH, local partners, and community members.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.

 Supervisory Responsibilities : None

 Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Health team Project lead, Program Manager-health, CGPP HOA Staff, as well as the CRS MEAL and finance teams
• External: CGPP Secretariat members, GoK (Marsabit County) staff on the Polio Project, polio project stakeholders, including community members

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Nursing or related field. A Master’s Degree in these fields or a graduate of the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) will be an added advantage
• Experience and practical skills in Disease Surveillance, Immunization, Zoonotic diseases, surveillance systems, outbreak investigation and control, and Social mobilization
• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
• In-depth knowledge and practical expertise in public health issues, epidemiological principles, and surveillance systems, techniques, and procedures. 
• Have a good understanding of GOK Health Policy and Guidelines, a good grasp of challenges working in insecure areas, and with the marginalized poor in Kenya.
• Experience in monitoring projects and collecting relevant data is preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability - Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others - Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn - Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change - Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others - Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhances team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset - Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Disclaimer: 

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

What we offer: 

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world. CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting men, women, boys and girls safe from abuse, exploitation, and harm.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for this position, especially those from marginalized and people with disabilities backgrounds 

Data Protection/Disclaimer: 

Catholic Relief Services is committed to ensuring the security and protection of the personal information that we process, and to provide a compliant and consistent approach to data protection. 

Recruitment Disclaimer: 

We wish to notify that CRS does not demand or charge any fee/charges from the aspiring candidates for considering their candidature, or at any time during the recruitment process, nor have we authorized any individual, agency or firm to recruit candidates for us. Any person seeking employment with CRS needs to be cautious and not trust any agency or individual claiming to be our representative and charging fees for providing/securing employment with us.

By applying this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect, and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.