CHAMPS Surveillance Coordinator At Crown Agents

About the role

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) site aims to determine and track the causes of under-five mortality and stillbirths through epidemiologic surveillance, including reporting within 24 hours, clinical sampling, and use of advanced laboratory testing and diagnostics across a network of international sites. The area selected for CHAMPS in Sierra Leone is Bombali Sebora and Bombali Siari chiefdoms in Bombali district (population 606,544). The site area has a population of 161,383 and is mostly urban, including the city of Makeni (population 125,970).

MAIN JOB PURPOSE

In this role, the incumbent will be responsible for setting up and implementing new surveillance systems in the CHAMPS catchment area, in collaboration with key stakeholders and implementing partners.

Core duties will include design and adaptation of study tools and standard operating procedures, submission of ethical review documentation for approval by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) and Sierra Leone Ethics and Scientific Review Committee, M&E, surveillance, Quality Assurance, data analysis and report writing, as well as coordination of implementing partners, stakeholders and the MOHS

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB

Project set-up

Review existing generic protocols and study tools and adapt them to the Sierra Leonean context
Design the surveillance system for each project, taking into account existing resources at the CHAMPS site and any gaps that may need to be filled for a successful start-up and implementation
Coordinate inputs from the MOHS, partners, key local stakeholders, the donors and other CHAMPS sites to ensure that the site SOPs are streamlined and aligned to project objectives
Lead the design of the resource requirements (human and technical resources, as well as funding resources) for the successful implementation of the surveillance activity

Monitoring and Evaluation

Establish a monitoring and evaluation plan for the project and report against pre-determined indicators
Communicate the predetermined indicators to the implementing partners
Lead baseline and periodic evaluations of the project for effective ongoing monitoring and for reporting to donors
In coordination with the leadership of CHAMPS-Makeni and Freetown, plan the delivery of the overall project and its activities and timelines, in accordance with its mission and goals

Project Management

Ensure that project activities operate within established policies and procedures and comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards
Ensure projects are managed to a high standard and meet internal compliance requirements (workplan, risk register, asset register, change tracker, etc)
Ensure all (implementing partner) staff members receive orientation, appropriate training and ongoing supportive supervision
Facilitate relationships between implementing partners and MoHS to ensure efficient delivery of surveillance goals and objectives.

Financial Management

In collaboration with the Finance and Grants Manager, the Team Lead/ Site Director, CA Project Manager and CA Project Accountant, ensure expenditure on pregnancy surveillance and HDSS activity is in line with budgets
Monitor the expenditure of implementing partner budgets, to ensure that it is in line with the approved budget
Contribute to the development of other subsequent budgets and operating plans related to pregnancy surveillance and HDSS and other CHAMPS workstreams

About you

Education:

Minimum requirement: Undergraduate degree in a clinical field, project management, data management, M&E, business, finance or related field;

Masters level in above fields a plus.

Experience:

Five years or more experience managing programs in challenging contexts
Health M&E or related development experience a plus
Work experience in Sierra Leone preferred, regional expertise a plus
Demonstrated success in project start up, M&E, training, and reporting of project outcomes

Knowledge:

Project management experience including grant management and disbursement assurances.

Abilities:

Fluent in written and spoken English
Ability to manage a complex programme
Advanced problem-solving skills
Responsibility and accountability
Must have strong computer skills and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Must be able to process written reports, use spreadsheets, and database software packages
Must have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work as a team member and to lead teams both on operational and research levels
Ability to speak local languages a plus

About us

You’ll be working with Crown Agents which is a high impact social enterprise passionate about transforming the future for millions of people. Since our creation in 1833 we have worked across the globe to improve public services and drive economic growth. Our expertise is finding new solutions to difficult problems for clients in the areas of health, governance, economic growth, humanitarian action and supply chain services. We work with and train leaders at local, national and international level to achieve lasting change drawing on our insight and experience.

Crown Agents is committed to diversity and will promote diversity for all candidates at all times as well as a business culture that reflects that belief. Crown Agents will treat everyone equally irrespective of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation, and places an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy. Crown Agents shall not discriminate unlawfully when deciding which candidates are selected for interview, or in any terms of employment, and will ensure that each candidate is assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role. Crown Agents is committed to being an organisation enhanced by diversity and encourages applications from anyone who shares our values and commitment to improving the lives of communities affected by poverty or conflict.