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Cholera Operations Manager

About the Organization

The Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is a Humanitarian Organization established in 1966 by an Act of Parliament CAP 307 of the laws of Zambia as an auxiliary institution that augments government’s efforts in developmental works and humanitarian assistance. ZRCS is part of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). In line with its mandate, ZRCS partners with the Government of the Republic of Zambia in responding to both man-made and natural disasters, including epidemics.

Currently, ZRCS is part of a consortium of actors that has joined hands with the public authorities in Zambia through a multi-sectoral approach in responding to the cholera epidemic. The National Society is scaling up the operation and has taken a multi-pronged approach in its response to impactfully contribute to the end of the outbreak. To beef up existing staffing and much the scope of the operation, ZRCS is inviting applications from dynamic, qualified, and experienced individuals to take up the position of Cholera Operations Manager for immediate placement.

Duration: 1 year

Station : Lusaka (HQ)

When required: Immediately

Reporting to;

• Director Programmes /Acting Secretary General/CEO

Supervisory Responsibilities

• WASH Assistant,  Health Promotion Officers, NDRTs, etc.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: IFRC Operations Delegate, Partnering National Societies, surge staff, Health and Care Manager and other Heads of Department

External: Partners such as UNICEF, WHO, Line Government Ministries/departments e.g. MOH/ZNPHI, DMMU, MWDS, MLGRD, MoE,  representatives from  NGOs, and other stakeholders

Job Summary

The Cholera Operations Manager will manage, supervise, and coordinate all program activities related to ZRCS’s cholera response in Zambia.

Leadership and Representation

Provide direction and leadership to the ZRCS Cholera Operation team.
Represent ZRCS and the cholera operation at all relevant donor and stakeholder meetings.
Act as the primary program contact to donors and other local and international stakeholders.
In collaboration with the Health and Care Manager, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
In collaboration with Communication Manager, oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements as well as ZRCS marketing and communication procedures.
As requested, maintain, and or/develop productive relationships and communication with key individuals in relevant Government Ministries and Departments, partner organizations, international and community, Cholera Task Force, and relevant donor representatives

Quality and Management

Oversee the planning and implementation of Cholera Response activities and set high quality performance targets ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices, and donor guidelines.
Establish tracking system providing daily/weekly updates on the evolution of the epidemic.
Analyze and improve the response activities as necessary and in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure appropriate capacity building in staff and volunteers involved in the cholera response to ensure that the operation is able to rapidly adapt to the evolution of the epidemic.
Ensure strong communication and coordination with and between all partners as a means to effectively achieve program objectives.
In collaboration with the PMER Manager, direct the measurement, documentation, analysis and reporting of project performance and outcomes; ensure implementation of strong M&E systems to maximize impact of ZRCS Cholera operation.
Coordinate development of donor reports, M&E plan and workplans.
Coordinate Project evaluation and lesson learnt  with the project team and partners.
Ensure that ZRCS program quality standards, particularly integration of PGI,
Budgeting, Financial Planning and Compliance

Ensure project compliance with ZRCS and IFRC/PNs/donor regulations.
With support from the finance team, prepare donor finance reports as per donor requirements.
Check  project expenditures, carry out regular budget tracking and take the lead on official requests for modifications when needed.
Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status, review actual financial performance against the budget, and explain variances on a regular basis.
Ensure staff compliance with all ZRCS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.

Coordination and Communication

Maintain regular and strong communication with all partners, with in-country external stakeholders and with other ZRCS colleagues and regional staff, including technical advisors, as appropriate.
Ensure participation of all partners in relevant coordination meetings
Work closely with relevant support teams to ensure systems are in place that will enable timely receipt and distribution of all project materials and supplies.
Coordinate closely with the Cholera Task Force and any other national/sub-national fora for cholera coordination as necessary particularly the Health and WASH sectors. Ensure that cholera activities and results are up to date in national reporting mechanisms.

Supervision

Mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
Ensure staff compliance with all ZRCS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
Lead, manage and supervise ZRCS and partner staff to meet operational objectives.
Evaluate, motivate, and challenge staff to improve performance and overall commitment to project quality and innovation.

Program Management Competencies

Sets clear goals and manages toward them.
Manage financial resources with integrity.
Nurtures, Leads and Manages People
Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness
Works Collaboratively with others
Builds and maintains partnerships.
Innovates and Embraces Change
Manages ambiguity and complexity.
Applies program quality standards to project design and organizational learning.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Essential: An advanced degree in Development Studies complemented by specialized training in Public Health, Global Health, or related field
Desirable: Specialization in emergency and/or humanitarian response; training or studies in leadership or management.

Experience.

At least 8 years of proven experience in public health in the field of emergency operations in response to epidemic events, outbreaks and other public health emergencies combined with leadership and managerial experience, with at least three years’ experience in coordinating large scale public health projects in developing countries, with knowledge of inter-agency mechanisms in the area of preparedness for and response to health emergencies.

Experience in rapid response cholera programs, especially Case Area Targeted Interventions (CATI), is an asset.

Understanding and prior experience with the Red Cross Movement is an added advantage.