Community Epidemic and Pandemic Prepairedness Program (CP3) Project Officer

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

As part of the Africa Region, the Cluster Delegation for Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Liberia facilitates sub-regional cooperation for ongoing emergency operations, development programmes, and provide direct support to these National Societies. The Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Program (CP3) is a global initiative that currently covers 7 countries with possible further expansion. The program focuses on building epidemic and pandemic preparedness at the community level to ensure early detection and early action to public health threats. The project also builds capacity within the National Societies of the Red Cross/Red Crescent to ensure local action and collaboration with government, ministries of health, the United Nations, and other civil society partner.

Job Purpose

The Program Officer will support the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme CP3 Delegate in the implementation of the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Program activities in Guinea, Conakry.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Program management

• Report to IFRC CP3 Delegate based in Guinea in collaboration of the CP3 Program Coordinator of the Guinean Red Cross Society.
• Support in program planning, follow up of the community plan of action prepared by supervisors and volunteers in each sob-prefecture.
• Work with the NS Program coordinator to coordinate activities of staff and volunteers involved in the program;
• Ensure quality implementation according to the agreed timeline.
• Support program accountability through tracking program implementation and budget utilisation;
• Supervise procurement and service contracting processes for the program;
• Ensure the proper use of the resources;
• Ensure efficient and timely budget reporting to avoid delays in the disbursement of funds;
• Support the preparation narrative reports for the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, the Federation and other stakeholders;
• Ensure information management (backup and organization of data, photos, documents)

Technical support

• Contribute to technical support for the implementation of the program;
• Contribute on learning and tool development;
• Plan and oversee education and community-based surveillance activities; serving as the focal person for all Community Based Surveillance (CBS) activities within the National Society
• Responsible for data management for CBS activities, as well as providing analytical support to branches and partners for CBS data
• Ensure the integration of epidemic risk into National Society scenario planning and contingency plans;
• Work closely with Guinea Red Cross (GRC) departments (e.g. disaster risk management, organizational and volunteer development, communication, M&E, Information Management) to develop or strengthen a holistic risk management preparedness approach;

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

External coordination and partnership development

• Health inter-agency or coordination meetings;
• Represent the program on behalf of IFRC with USAID, and with other partners;
• Collaborate with other Red Cross partners implementing projects, and identify synergies between CP3 and other GRC initiatives;
• Collaborate with key partners such as Ministry of Health, WHO, USAID, CDC, IOM, and FAO for further harmonization of community-based surveillance and systems;
• Advocate for community and civil society involvement in epidemic and pandemic preparedness.

Education

A university degree in Public Health / Community Health or related field of study (Required)

Advanced university degree in public health or equivalent; (Preferred)

Diploma in Epidemiology/Community Health with ten years working experience. (Preferred)

Experience

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in public health/community health in the humanitarian field. (Required)
• Experience in strengthening or monitoring health systems and community-based programming. (Required)
• Extensive Knowledge and experience in participatory methods, community. mobilization and capacity building, epidemic preparedness /response, and a good understanding of community-based surveillance with NGOs/ government. (Required)
• A minimum of five years of experience in project management, supervision and financial management. (Required)
• Proven ability to train and provide ongoing technical support to staff and volunteers. (Required)
• Professional experience with humanitarian or development organizations. (Required)
• Prior experience with Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement. (Preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Integrity, professional credibility, ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization. (Required)
• Results-oriented. (Required)
• Proven ability to multi-task across various planning and implementation processes within a highly demanding environment. (Required)
• Excellent networking, advocacy, communication and negotiation skills. (Required)
• Ability to work in a multicultural, multilingual and multidisciplinary environment. (Required)
• High degree of discretion, tact and sensitivity in approaching internal and external clients, and partners at all levels. (Required)
• Demonstrated experience in innovation, contribution to a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing. (Required)
• Trainings in community health and early response at community level is an asset. (Required)

Languages

• Fluent in written and spoken English and French.
• Good command of French is essential

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability

Communication; Collaboration and Teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust