BACKGROUND

Orbis International Zambia works to support the Ministry of Health in providing quality eye care to prevent avoidable blindness through training for eye health staff, support for equipment and medical supplies as well as community engagement. The programmes are implemented in Lusaka, Copperbelt, North Western and Eastern provinces.

Orbis International Zambia will be implementing the Qatar Creating Vision (QCV) Phase II in Zambia project from July 2023 to 2026. The project aims to support the delivery of comprehensive paediatric eye health at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of care on the Copperbelt province. This will be done through capacity building of eye health staff and health facilities, systems strengthening of the referral network as well as community outreach and awareness.

JOB SUMMARY

The Project Officer – Copperbelt (QCV) is responsible for coordination and implementation of Orbis’ eye care project activities on the Qatar Creating Vision (QCV) Phase II in Zambia project. The Project Officer will be based in Ndola and will travel to Orbis project locations in all the districts in the Copperbelt province for partner engagement and implementation of project activities.

REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Project Officer reports to the Senior Programmes Manager, based in Lusaka, and collaborates with the Zambia programmes, admin and finance staff. They also liaise with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) team to ensure implementation of data collection tools and effective reporting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Implement project activities through close collaboration with project partners including Provincial and District Health Offices, as well as local Ministry of Education offices.

Serve as liaison between Orbis Zambia, provincial and district health offices and the Ministry of Education regional offices.
Work closely with provincial and district health offices, hospitals, and health facilities in the province to execute project activities in line with the project plan and budgets; and ensure that project outputs are delivered timely.
Lead the procurement and distribution of medical equipment and supplies.Further develop an inventory of all equipment distributed and ensure they are appropriately branded.
Organise and coordinate training of teachers, health care workers and community health workers in primary eye health.
Facilitate and support mentorship and interaction between CHWs and Ophthalmic staff.
Facilitate project coordination meetings, planning meetings, site events, consultation meeting and awareness raising sessions, together with project partner and local authorities.
Conduct regular visits to project sites to monitor project progress and reports.
Identify barriers to implementation and develop strategies for addressing any identified barriers.
Monitor the project budget by tracking project expenditure and ensure cost effectiveness and adherence to the approved budget, as well as compliance with Orbis and donor guidelines.
Lead project reporting and data collection by collecting and compiling project data regularly, including case studies, success stories and photographs of project facilities.
Ensure data quality through proper data entry and regular quality checking and updating of the data recorded.
2. Participate in M&E activities as necessary under the guidance of the MEL team.

3. Coordinate and lead monitoring visits to partner facilities.

Monitor project related risks and challenges and report to management.

Any other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

University degree in a relevant field of social science, development. A graduate degree in Medical or Social Public Health field is preferable.
Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience working in Project/Program management of international organizations or government agencies.
Experience with project planning, monitoring and evaluation and partner engagement.
Experience working with the Ministry of Health at all levels.
SKILLS & ABILITIES

Skilled in, and committed to, community participation/interaction, field visits and presence in project areas.
Proven project management skills, including finance, logistics and procurement management skills
Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills with a customer-centered approach and the ability to maintain strong relationships with various stakeholders with different backgrounds.
Excellent spoken and written English language competence is essential.
Excellent organizational & planning skills: ability to effectively multi-task and manage a broad spectrum of responsibilities with the appropriate sense of urgency.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Highly functional in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outloo
Flexible, pro-active, and open-minded work style: the ability to work productively both independently and in a team-based environment.
Fluent in English (verbal and written).
Willingness to travel locally.