Health Program Officer at the International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Health Program Officer

Requisition ID: req52283
Location: Gusau, Zamfara, Nigeria
Sector: Health
Employment Category: Regular
Employment Type: Full-Time
Open to Expatriates: No
Work Arrangement: In-person

Job Overview / Summary

• Under the direct supervision of the Health Manager based in Gusau, Zamfara this role serves as the Administrative and Integral/Power BI focal point for IRC Health Implementation in the northwest.
• req52283The incumbent will oversee project implementation, assist in organizing and coordinating capacity-building activities for the health program, and close collaboration with program officers and sector managers is essential for addressing health sector daily administrative issues.

Major Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate effective and well-organized meetings and training sessions for program staff, ensuring that objectives are clearly defined, materials are prepared, and logistical arrangements are in place.
• Oversee the proper storage of procured health program items in the warehouse. Ensure compliance with storage guidelines, including proper labeling, organization, and inventory management. Collaborate with warehouse staff to conduct regular stock checks and maintain accurate records.
• Collaborate with the Health manager to develop budget, spending plans aligned with department budget priorities and concept notes and engaging in strategic financial planning, forecasting, and modeling to ensure sustainable financial health.
• Regularly monitor and track expenditures against the budget to identify variances and take corrective actions when necessary.
• Prepare and present Health financial reports to the health manager and deputy team leader highlighting budget performance, trends, and areas needing attention. And Implement cost-control measures to optimize resource utilization and enhance overall cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate the release of items from the warehouse based on program needs and implementation plans. Ensure that the correct quantities and specifications are provided for program activities.
• Raise procurement requests in accordance with the health program's needs and requirements. And clearly outline specifications and quantities required for medical supplies, equipment, and other necessary items.
• Work closely with the supply chain team to ensure timely and efficient sourcing of requested items. 
• Provide necessary documentation and information to facilitate the procurement process.
• Collaborate on market assessments and supplier evaluations to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Work closely with senior medical and outreach officers to address any discrepancies or urgent needs during implementation.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure that procured items meet required standards. collaborate with program officers and supply chain teams, to address any issues related to the quality of procured items. Monitor and evaluate supplier performance to inform future procurement decisions.
• Evaluate the need for Health budget revisions considering changing priorities, funding alterations, or unexpected circumstances. Ensure strict adherence to financial regulations, donor requirements, and internal policies throughout all aspects of budget management. Identify potential financial risks and implement proactive risk management strategies to address and mitigate challenges associated with the budget.
• Collaborate with health program manager and medical supervisors to develop project work plans with clear targets and achievement benchmarks based on project indicators. Contribute to design, planning, drafting new proposals and donors’ reporting whenever necessary.
• In collaboration with Health Managers, develop and expenditure plan, review budget vs. actual expenditure for health grants monthly and take necessary actions.
• Ensuring budgets are used appropriately and efficiently and spending is in line with the IRC financial procedures and donor requirements.
• Ensure data collection, data compilation, timely preparation and submission of all internal reports including weekly and other associated monthly, quarterly, donor and special reports.
• Communicate budgetary guidelines, policies, and financial information to the department staff, fostering transparency and understanding. Continuously assess and improve budget management processes, incorporating lessons learned and

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development:

• Develop and implement remote management capacity building approaches to build the strengths of the team in Zamfara state and Northwest region Nigeria.
• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff.
• Look for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate. As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identify, train, and develop capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment.
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures and communicate through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Approve and manage all time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.
• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, at least monthly.
• As required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.

Research, Learning and Analysis:

• Monitoring health program implementation:
• Oversee project implementation, conduct on-spot support for field teams, analyze and review health program data, take follow-up actions, provide technical oversight for data interpretation, and promote integrated programming for enhanced community-level impact.

Key Working Relationships

• Position Reports to: Health Manager
• Indirect/Technical Support: Deputy/ Consortium Team Leader Northwest
• Position directly Supervises: Assistants

Key Internal Contacts:

• Country Program: Deputy Director Program, Finance Manager, Supply chain Manager
• Region/Global:   

Key External Contacts: 

• INGO Partners in Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto

Qualifications
Education:

• Social science professional (BSc in Finance, Admin or Business management, BSC Nursing)
• Certificate or equivalent in computer science or Diploma in Computer applications

Work Experience:

• At least 3 years’ experience in implementing health humanitarian related projects.
• Ability to work procurement and finance management software.
• Experience in financial report writing and budget development.
• Women are encouraged to apply.

Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:

• Skills and experience of remote management
• Flexible, diplomatic and have the ability and willingness live and work under pressure of workload

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply