Working in 52 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas, Plan aims to reach as many children as possible, particularly those who are excluded or marginalized with high quality programs that deliver long lasting benefits by increasing its income, working in partnership with others and operating effectively.

Plan International has been implementing grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, since Round 4 in various roles of Principal Recipient (PR), Sub- Recipient (SR) and Sub Sub-Recipient (SSR). Covering countries like, Benin, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Cameroun, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, El Salvador, Thailand, Togo and Zimbabwe.

Plan International has been awarded GC7 TB/HIV/RSSH grant from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Plan International Liberia been selected to as PR to implement the grant with multiple partners including MOH as SR/SSR/SP (Service Provider).

This post is needed to ensure quality and compliance with programmatic and financial indicators of Sub Recipients, through on-going support to field work in research, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

ROLE PURPOSE

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to join our team as the Program Officer for Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health. This position is for an initial one-year term, with the potential for extension up to three years under a grant funded by the Global Fund in Liberia. The RSSH Program Officer, based in Monrovia is responsible for providing technical and operational support to the implementation of the RSSH component of the Global Fund TB/HIV project in the country. The RSSH Program Officer will work closely with the Deputy Chief of Party TB/HIV, Deputy Director Procurement and Supply Management, TB/HIV/RSSH Specialist, Ministry of Health Departments and other ancillary entities to support the strengthening of governance, management and systems, making sure that the RSSH interventions are aligned with the approved grant objects.

The Project is led by Plan International Liberia, the Principal Recipient (PR) for the HIV and TB grant under the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) to support National Aids Control Program response to AIDS epidemic and National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NLTCP) towards TB elimination.

Dimensions of the Role

• This position is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the approved RSSH activities within the TB and HIV grant of the Principal Recipient organization. Specifically, the RSSH Program Officer will lead in the technical assistance and guidance on the design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the RSSH component of the project.
• Coordinate and facilitate the further development and implementation of the RSSH work plan and budget, ensuring that the activities align with the approved strategy and budget.
• Preparation and submit the RSSH progress reports, work plans and budgets.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor and supervise the implementation of the RSSH activities, identify challenges and bottlenecks, and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement and corrective actions.
• Document and disseminate the best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from the RSSH component of the project and contribute to the knowledge management and learning initiatives of the project.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication with the Ministry of Health, the National TB and HIV Programs, National Laboratory and other relevant stakeholders, and represent the project and the organization in relevant meetings, workshops, and forums related to RSSH.

Accountabilities

Operations and project management

• Implementation of approved activities that directly contribute to strengthening the national laboratory governance and management structures and improving the laboratory network and quality assurance.
• Enhancing the health financing data and analytics and conducting district-level joint on-site data verifications for analyses, evaluations, reviews and data use.
• Supporting the health products management systems, supply chain information systems, and warehouse management systems to improve the quality and utilization of supply chain data reported.
• Setting up a Pharmacy and Therapeutical Committee to monitor pharmacy and medical practices at health service delivery points and supporting relevant MoH departments to develop quality management guidelines on medical devices and new technologies in Liberia.
• Providing technical assistance to support the development of an electronic regulatory information system (eRIS) for pharmacovigilance, quality control laboratory, reporting, and feedback from pre- and post-market surveillance, and strengthening the regulatory framework for medical devices.
• Supporting the quarterly sampling, packaging, documentation, and quality control/quality assurance testing for private and public health sectors products at central and regional levels.
• Leading the revision of TB data collection and reporting tools based on the grant and the revised health policy and strategic plan.
• Facilitating the training and mentorship, task shifting and health management information system related activities.
• Collaborating with programs and M&E teams to support the piloting and scaling up of DHIS2 eTracker that collects and follows HIV and TB care and treatment.
• Strengthening blood safety preparedness and response and supporting the National Blood Safety Program and the hospital-based blood banks.

Program development

• Undertake a technical review of chosen strategies and interventions to ensure that they are technically sound and in line with WHO normative guidance, feasible to implement and will achieve the grant outcomes.
• Develop and oversee the detailed strategies, operational and financing plans, as well as risk assessment and mitigation plans specific to RSSH interventions and sub-interventions.
• Collaborate with the PSM team on health product management, supply chain and systems strengthening.
• Develop training, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation and activity protocols for RSSH activities.

Program management

• Ensure timely financial and programmatic delivery of interventions under RSSH in line with the approved workplans and budgets.
• Ensure timely identification of issues affecting implementation of RSSH, promptly propose appropriate remedial actions and implement them accordingly.
• Coordinate the analysis of underlying causes of implementation underperformance by SRs and identify strategies and interventions to address these bottlenecks.

Other key deliverables

• Lead in compiling the best practices in implementing RSSH and ensure that they are disseminated internally and externally.
• Develop knowledge products based on lessons learned, experiences and data generated through the RSSH activities implementation.;

Child Protection & Gender Equality Mainstreaming

Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Dealing with Problems

• Ability to think strategically, recognize program and persuade colleagues of TB/HIV program opportunities that Plan should exploit.

• High degree of capacity to resolve a wide range of challenges related to TB/HIV programming.

• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, health systems, health management, or a related field. Master’s degree is a desirable.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the design, implementation, and management of RSSH projects or programs, preferably funded by the Global Fund or other major donors.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the RSSH concepts, principles, and approaches, and their application to the TB and HIV responses in the country and the region.
• Familiarity with the national health policies and strategies, the Global Fund guidelines and requirements, and the TB and HIV epidemiology and programmatic situation in the country and the region.
• Experience in providing technical assistance and guidance to the Ministry of Health, the National TB and HIV Programs, and other partners on RSSH issues and interventions.
• Experience in developing and managing RSSH work plans, budgets, and reports, and ensuring their compliance with the donor and project standards and formats.
• Experience in conducting field visits, monitoring and supervising RSSH activities, and providing feedback and recommendations for improvement and corrective actions.
• Experience in documenting and disseminating the best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from RSSH projects or programs, and contributing to the knowledge management and learning initiatives.
• Ability to work with sub-recipients (SR) teams, communicate and coordinate with government departments and other agencies at various levels.
• Experience in financial, budget and administrative management or related issues.

• Knowledge of strategic planning processes and theories of child-rights programming; working on a health project especially TB/HIV as a desirable option.

Skills

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant software.
• Excellent networking and partnership building skills;
• Research, analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to read, understand and analyse budgets
• Strong negotiating, strategic thinking and influencing skills;
• MS office skills.

Behaviours

• Be committed to the welfare of children and able to adhere to the vision and mission of the Plan, including commitment to gender equality;

• Demonstrates clear respect to all and especially children without discrimination;
• Ability to develop, motivate and coach and mentor others;
• Promotes high quality TB/HIV programs;
• Having initiative and able to work independently;
• Promotes innovation and learning within the TB/HIV field;
• Communicates clearly and effectively on TB/HIV program issues;
• Confident in taking initiative and exploring new opportunities;
• Assertiveness and shows cultural sensitiveness.
• Ensure excellent level of confidentiality with SRs teams/Key Populations etc, throughout the project life span

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

• Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
• Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
• Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
• Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
• Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people

We strive for lasting impact

• Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
• Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
• Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
• Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

• We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential
• We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace
• We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives.

Location: Country Office, Monrovia

Department: Program Department

Reports to: TB/HIV /RSSH Program Specialist

Closing Date: 12th December 2023

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Global Safeguarding policy. Plan follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity welcoming applications from all especially women and people living with disability. As an international child centred community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realisation of children’s rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for. Our organisation is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas. We will provide equality of opportunity and will not tolerate discrimination on any grounds. We foster an organisational culture that embraces and exemplifies our commitment to gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion while supporting staff to adopt good practice, positive attitudes and principles of gender equality and inclusion.

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates