Job Description

Posted on March 15, 2022

Job Description for the Solar Programme Co-ordinator 
Reporting to the Country Director 
Location: Livingstone 
Salary: 20,000
Contract: 12 months
Background 
On Call Africa was set up by a group of doctors and international development experts, all with a shared desire to improve access to healthcare and health outcomes within rural communities. In particular looking to support communities with traditionally poor access to medical professionals and amenities – Zambia was selected due its low ratio of doctors to people. Following a consultation with the Ministry of Health, the Southern Province was selected as the starting point.
Our work in Zambia 
On Call Africa collaborate with the Community Health Unit, supporting the achievement of their strategic objectives. During Covid-19 in 2020 our volunteers supported the development of national protocols for Community Health Workers, ensuring the safe continuation of services. Guidelines for the continuation of TB services have also been developed and we are currently supporting the development of community guidelines for palliative care. Throughout 2022 our aim is to support the Community Health Unit with the development of a model rural health service package. As well as ensuring community health data is available to inform decision making and address the fragmentation of Community Health Worker programmes in Zambia. We work with the Southern Province Health Office to identify Districts that are most in need of support and capacity building. We also work in close partnership with District Health Offices to identify Rural Health Facilities that will benefit from our programmes and support strategic planning sessions with the Districts.
We also work in Western Province, in partnership with WaterAid and district teams in Sesheke and Mwandi, to improve WASH in healthcare facilities, bringing them up to newly developed national standards.
Purpose 
On Call Africa is looking for a Solar Programme Co-ordinator for its Building a case for the electrification of rural healthcare facilities (HCFs) Project. The aim of the project is to provide off grid electricity to three rural HCFs in Kazungula District, and to introduce a low-cost chlorine production system to the District Health Office to promote improved hygiene at facility and community level, and sustainability of the project.
Project Outcomes
Project vision: Build a case for national investment in the electrification of rural healthcare facilities to help the coalition to build a case for wider investment in off grid solar solutions for RHFs. Build evidence for how solar power can complement and enhance impact of other health interventions.
Project aim: Improve the functionality, quality of care and hygiene for three rural health systems in Kazungula District, through the provision of solar power, alongside complementary WASH and health interventions.
Outcome:1: Improved quality of care at 3 rural healthcare facilities  
1.1 Improved access to power and lighting
1.2 Improved medical equipment at the facility
1.3 Health facility staff report improved ability to deliver care
1.4 Patients report improved care available at the facility
Outcome 2: Improved hygiene at 3 rural health facilities, and within the communities in their catchment areas  
2.1 Facilities have improved access to chlorine, and demonstrate improved hygiene practices
2.2 Reduction in waterborne and hygiene related diseases at community level through improved access to low-cost chlorine
Outcome 3: Access to solar power contributes towards improved functionality of 3 rural health facilities  
3.1 Increased functionality of 3 health facilities, against the national standards for rural health facilities
3.2 Increased scoring from community scorecards (MoH developed scorecard to enable community feedback on health services)
3.3 Evidence built for the involvement of HCCs in supporting the sustainability of solar installations
3.4 Improved functionality of HCCs and NHCs.
The main activities 

Identification of target facilities through consultation with District Health Office (DHO) and assessments to verify need and suitability
Work with solar consultants and DHO to carry out in depth needs assessments and solar system design to meet facility current and future needs
Procurement for solar installation and low-cost chlorine project
Work with DHO to design low-cost chlorine production and distribution
Work with DHO, facility staff and Health Centre Committees (HCCs) to co-design business plans for each HCC
Train HCCs and NHCs to implement project
Provide ongoing support and training to HCCs and NHCs
Train facility staff and community volunteers to maintain solar equipment
Monitoring, evaluation and learning
Sharing learning through MoH, partners and the coalition for electrification of HCFs in Zambia

Main Duties of Solar programme co-ordinator 
The Solar Programme Co-ordinator will be expected to lead on efforts of project planning, co-ordination and management with support from the programme and meal lead and construction manager.
The Solar Programme Co-ordinator will be responsible for;

Managing relationships with DHO, HCF staff, HCC, NHCs and community leaders:
Lead on co-design of business plans and training materials:
Deliver agreed training packages to relevant teams in partnership with DHO;
Annual planning and budgeting processes for the project;
Ensuring an integrated way of working with other programmes through development of clear working modalities for information sharing and support;
Co-ordinating facility assessments and facility selection processes;
Putting out calls for tender and managing procurement processes in line with OCA procurement manual;
Ensuring all stakeholders have clear roles and responsibilities, and that they have adequate resources and support to carry out their roles’
Ensuring the appropriate collection of all M&E requirements of the project and quality checking all required data;
Establishing realistic and optimal project and implementation plans in collaboration with the implementing partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries;
Building and nurturing effective and efficient partnerships with implementing partners, contractors, stakeholders and beneficiaries;
Managing the project implementing partners in accordance with the requirements as outlined by OCA;
Coordinating, documenting and disseminating the experiences of the project including successes, challenges, issues and resolutions;
Contributing to project implementation technical discussions with OCA and other stakeholders;
Engaging in regular communications and meetings both internal and external of the organisation;
Ensure timely reporting within internal management structures, and providing detailed reports for funders.
Experience and Technical Skills
A Degree in Development Studies or public health from a recognized University, or professional qualifications in or other related discipline required
A minimum of five years’ experience in programme planning, development and management at officer level or above in the health sector
Experience in participatory monitoring and evaluation approaches and proven experience in rural health systems in the Zambian context.
Experience in developing and co-ordinating projects, including budgeting and budget management
Experience of stakeholder management and co-ordination, preferably with government departments
Experience of managing procurement processes
Experience of managing contractors and consultants
In-depth knowledge of participatory approaches, facilitation and training techniques
Experience of delivering effective training to community groups
Sound knowledge of hygiene promotion and sanitation issues
Computer-literate (word processing & spreadsheet packages including power point)
Skills and Abilities
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
Numeric Literacy
Ability to schedule and manage tasks effectively, setting priorities and meeting deadlines including working under pressure and prioritising workload according to the changing needs of the programme
Strong leadership ability including conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills
Excellent writing and editing skills
Strong interpersonal skills including motivational attitude
Ability to work as a part of a team and as such will be required to collaborate with staff across the organisation
Fluency in English
Fluency in Tonga
Commitment to On Call Africa’s values and a working style that reflects these values

How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected] by 17:00 on 25th March. Please outline in your cover letter why you want the role, why you would be a good fit for the position and what relevant experience you have.
We aim to complete shortlisting within two weeks of the application deadline. Due to the volume of applications received I am afraid we are unable to contact unsuccessful applicants.

To apply for this job email your details to recruitment@oncallafrica.org