CAFOD is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Programme Manager
2.) Nutrition/Health Officer

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) Programme Manager

Job Description

Organization: The Sisters of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HMS)

Salary: SLL6,500,000 gross per month

Closing Date: 29th April 2022

Contract Duration: 1-year with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding

Job Overview: Based in Pendembu, Kailahun District, with frequent field visits to project communities in Upper Bambara, Mandu and Dea Chiefdoms. The Programme Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation, oversight and monitoring of the various community health, nutrition and food security projects being implemented by The Sisters of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HMS) in partnership with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD). S/he will also support partner engagement and coordination, planning and reporting, as well as proposal development. The successful candidate will be a degree holder in Development or Social Work with significant experience working in rural areas in Sierra Leone and managing teams. Ideally, the candidate will have some technical expertise in agriculture and sustainable farming practices, but this is not mandatory.

Supervising: Project Officers and Field Officers

Specific Responsibilities:

• Organize and lead the implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the project proposals and in line with programme quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and best practices.
• Develop detailed workplans and use planning tools to keep track of all activities to ensure the project activities, outputs and outcomes are achieved in a timely manner.
• Organize and lead external and internal assessments, trainings, awareness-raising sessions, and monitoring visits.
• Monitor and support Field Officers and the mobilization and sensitization of communities on key project strategies to ensure community ownership.
• Coordinate and oversee working relationships with all stakeholders and serve as the liaison between them and the project team.
• Support and coordinate capacity-strengthening and technical support to ensure assigned project activities are implemented per project guidelines and standards.
• Ensure project documentation for assigned activities is complete and filed per donor requirements.
• Prepare and share regular case studies.
• Liaise with external stakeholders – namely the Government Line Ministries, International Non-Governmental Organisations, local partners, private sector service providers, community members etc. to ensure effective communication and project implementation.
• Represent the organisation in various forums (relevant sector working groups, government meetings, civil society events, etc.).
• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation processes against project objectives.
• Lead the development of narrative and financial reports, progress reports and other communication materials.
• Carry out other assignments as requested by the line manager.

Requirements

• A University Degree in Agronomy with specialization in agricultural extension and training, agriculture, agricultural economics or equivalent
• At least 5 years in experience in agricultural extension / value chain development in rural areas
• Experience with agricultural projects and working experience with international donor agencies.
• Proven experience in project cycle management in an NGO setting
• Experience working with community groups, participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Staff supervision experience a plus.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and critical thinking, coordination and writing skills.

• Proven knowledge and experience in the Village Savings and Loans (VSLA) model.
• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
• Excellent skills in leadership.
• Ability to manage and prioritise multiple tasks.
• Flexible work schedule to include some weekends.
• Possession of a driver’s license and proven ability to ride motorbike in difficult terrains.
• Readiness to travel and work in remote areas.

Language Required

Fluency in English, Mende and Krio.

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

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

Safeguarding for young People and Vulnerable Adults

We recognise the personal dignity and rights of young people and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect. We required that all our staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in their power to create a safe environment for young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. We are committed to acting at all times in the best interests of young people and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount. Any candidate offered a job with us will be expected to adhere to our Safeguarding policy as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provision of this document. This post involves responsibility for people who will have contact with young people and vulnerable adults and applicants will be subject to specific checks related to safeguarding issues.

Interested candidates should send a covering letter and updated CV to sr.antoekong@gmail.com

2.) Nutrition/Health Officer

Job Description

Contract Duration: One (1) year

Salary: SLL4,950,000 gross (per month)

Report to: Programme Manager

Supervises: Field officer

Location: Pendembu

Position Summary:

The Handmaid Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus based in Pendembu Kailahun District has secured funding from the Vastenactie (Dutch Lenten Campaign) to implement a project title “Reducing Preventable Deaths Caused by Malnutrition and Infectious Diseases” in the Kailahun District. In that light, the Handmaid Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus is looking out to recruit a Nutrition/Health Officer to support the Programme Manager in the implementation of the Project. He/she will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring nutrition and health activities of the project. He/she should be result driven, experienced, diligent, talented, resourceful, and highly organized.

• Manage and supervise the Field Officers in the implementation of the project activities, including conducting team meetings, annual appraisals and where necessary disciplinary procedures.
• Monitor the implementation and progress of the project against it set aims and objectives and advise on the implementation changes as requires in corporation with donors
• Coordinates all trainings, workshops and ensures all training materials are prepared, participants are informed, and logistical arrangement are made and report to the Project Manager.
• Lead in the development of the system and tools for monitoring and evaluation of the project, supporting measurement impact and changes related to the project aims and objectives as laid out in the proposal and log frame.
• Identify training needs for project staff and assist in the organization of the training.
• Submit monthly situation reports and bi- monthly project progress report to the program Manager and the team.
• Responsible to write and report the quarterly report to the programmers Officer for the organization
• Also oversees all the activities of the Field Offices in the project and report to the project Manager and Programmers Officer.
• Conduct training on caring practices, knowledge on nutrition, breastfeeding, practical Demonstration on Nutritious Food.
• Maintain active record of Malnourishment cases (Mothers and Babies) in project communities
• Form caregiver clubs in targeted communities made up of mothers, especially young and Pregnant and Lactating Mothers (PLMs), fathers, and other vulnerable caregivers.
• Facilitate a Training of Trainers (ToTs) for CHWs on nutrition, growth monitoring and support and referrals for vulnerable caregivers, especially PLWs, to nutrition services.
• Facilitate cooking demonstrations for caregiver clubs focusing on nutrient-rich, healthy recipes.
• Conduct Community sensitization through town criers, radio discussions and jingle production on nutrition best practice.
• Support in the distribution of micro-nutrient rich seeds to caregiver clubs for vegetable gardening.
• Distribute Corn Soya Blend (CSB) and Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to caregivers of vulnerable and malnourished children under 5.
• Establish caregiver clubs as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
• Train and support CHWs to and conduct home health assessments for early detection and treatment of diseases, and referrals for psychosocial support.
• Distribute WASH kits to targeted caregivers and bed nets to the most vulnerable households.
• Conduct Community sensitization on common drugs, including dewormer, to targeted caregivers.
• Facilitate a ToT for CHWs on best health and hygiene practices, including prevention and management of infectious diseases and accessibility of health services and referrals.
• Community sensitization through town criers, radio discussions and jingles on infectious disease prevention and management and health and hygiene.
• Conduct regular monitoring visits to project communities.
• Monitor and supervise project activities in the field.
• Prepare quarterly progress, activity and project annual report.
• Assist the project in activity planning framework and strengthen the implementation of the target group including work plan preparation.
• Work with relevant colleagues to collect and compile all available data and information on the status, key threats, and issues related to project and present field data gathered for further analysis and for communications purpose.
• Undertake training, monitoring, annual project reviews, needs assessment, finance review as and when necessary.

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics or any relevant degree.
• Knowledge about infant and young child feeding, child growth, nutrition during the life cycle, acute malnutrition, chronic undernutrition, child development and micronutrient deficiencies.
• Excellent communication and training/capacity building skills.
• Proven organisation and planning skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a participative style within teams.
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Language Required

Fluency in English, Mende and Krio.

Interested candidates should send a covering letter and updated CV to sr.antoekong@gmail.com

Application deadline: 28th April 2022

Women are strongly encouraged to apply