RECRUITMENT NOTICE: VAS PROJECT ASSOCIATES needed at Helen Keller International

RECRUITMENT NOTICE

TWO (02) “VAS PROJECT ASSOCIATES” FOR THE REGIONS OF

NORTH AND FAR NORTH CAMEROON

Helen Keller International is a non-profit International Non-Governmental Organization, present in Cameroon since 1992 and therefore the mission is to save the sight and the life of vulnerable and most disadvantaged populations. In Cameroon, the mortality of children under five remains high with 71 deaths per 10,000 live births in 2019. Micronutrient deficiency is a public health concern with a significant prevalence for certain micronutrients such as vitamin A which affects approximately 35% children under five years old. Among the strategies for combating the mortality and morbidity of the latter is vitamin A supplementation (VAS) via mass distribution campaigns and during routine activities within health facilities.

This year, Helen Keller International is providing support for the organization of the VAS campaign for children aged 6 to 59 months by the Ministry of Public Health in eight (08) regions, namely Adamaoua, Center, East , the Far North, the Littoral, the North, the West and the South.

This support has been provided since 2021, as part of the GIVEWELL project on Vitamin A Supplementation, through financial, material and technical assistance provided to the Government of Cameroon with a view to implementing mass distribution campaigns for vitamin A capsules. vitamin A during SASNIM and JNV in the Centre, Littoral, East, West, Adamaoua and South regions. The objective is to reach every child and obtain convincing results during these campaigns. Helen Keller Intl has also provided human resources support to the said regions with the recruitment and provision of staff responsible not only for supporting them in the coordination, monitoring and implementation of campaigns,

In order to meet the expectations of officials in the North and Far North regions following the request from the MINSANTE for additional support to support the implementation of Vitamin A supplementation activities in the said regions, Helen Keller International – Cameroon is launching a call for applications for the recruitment of two (02) “VAS Project Associates” based respectively in the North and Far North regions .

1. Main objective

The objective of this project is to improve the coverage of Vitamin A Supplements (VAS) in children aged 6 to 59 months during SASNIM/JNV and in the period between the two campaigns through VAS activities in routine in the regions concerned.

Job Title: VAS Project Associate

Location: Garoua in the North region and Maroua in the Far North region

Supervised by: VAS Project Manager

Type of contract : Fixed-term contract

Duration : 01 (one) year renewable

1. Brief summary of job duties:

Under the technical supervision of the VAS Project Manager, the VAS Project Associate will be responsible for supporting the development, management and implementation of project activities that achieve the expected results in accordance with the standards of quality required.

His/her role is to assist the VAS Project Manager in:

• Steering of all technical, administrative and financial activities to ensure effective operational implementation of the project in the Region of assignment;
• The mobilization and strengthening of the partnership with the Regional Executive teams (DRSP, GTR PEV, PF Nutrition, Data Manager, etc.);
• Ensuring coordination and synergy with other donors and project stakeholders.

1. Description of the main responsibilities of the position:

Under the technical supervision of the VAS Project Manager, the VAS Project Associate will be responsible for:

• Develop an effective partnership with MINSANTE teams at the intermediate and operational level as well as all stakeholders to develop, support and monitor technical and programmatic activities, and ensure proper coordination of project activities;
• Develop the detailed project implementation plan in collaboration with the Regional Framework Team (DRSP, GTR PEV, Nutrition Program, Data Manager, Accounting Manager, etc.) and provide good quality periodic activity reports, ensuring compliance with strategic objectives and the accuracy of data;
• Contribute to the preparation of reports for donors;
• Ensure compliance with the planned schedule and prepare reports, work plans and budgets in advance to obtain the necessary approvals;
• Obtain appropriate technical assistance for the design and implementation of quality integrated services in the field of family health;
• Initiate and facilitate the holding of regular technical meetings with the Regional Nutrition Program, and the GTR PEV and the districts in order to monitor the proper implementation of the project and identify the measures which make it possible to avoid bottlenecks and improve service quality
• Ensure communication with the various ministries and partners for the organization of meetings and joint activities;
• Identify the interest of launching awareness-raising actions by Helen Keller Intl and ensure their continuity;
• Constitute a base of information and follow-up of activities, communicate and ensure good visibility of the achievements of the project;
• Represent, upon request, the project in meetings and other workshops at national and regional level;
• Accomplish, within the framework of his skills, any other mission and activity according to the needs of the project entrusted by the direct supervisor.

1. Qualifications and Skills:

• Hold a higher degree (at least BAC+4) in Nutrition, Public Health, Community Health, Development Project Management, or any other related field deemed relevant;
• Have at least three (03) years of proven professional experience in public health and/or vaccination, nutrition, awareness;
• Have a good command of data processing software: SPSS, Epi-Info; STATA
• Have skills in capacity building, communication, and knowledge transfer, which are key elements of the programs and projects supported by Helen Keller Intl;
• Have a good knowledge of issues related to child health and on the topics of nutrition, vaccination and awareness on health topics;
• Have excellent writing and communication skills, master basic computer software (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, PowerPoint), and be comfortable using the Internet;
• Have an excellent level in French and a good level in English (read, spoken, written)
• Have experience working with DRSPs/Districts/Health Areas and with communities in the field of health/nutrition;
• Pay close attention to detail;
• Be of good character;
• Good ability to communicate, understand and adapt;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Interpersonal skills.