Program Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:

Partners in Health (PIH) is a non-profit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Through service delivery, training, advocacy and research, PIH works globally to bring the benefits of modern science to those most in need and to serve as an antidote to despair. PIH has programs in Haiti, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kazakhstan and Boston.

PIH began working in Malawi in 2007, where today we support the Ministry of Health (MOH) to serve a catchment area of 165,000 through 12 health centers and two hospitals in partnership with our sister organizations. Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU) has its headquarters in Neno District with operations across the country.

We therefore seek to recruit suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the following position:

Post: PROGRAM OFFICER
Reports to: Infrastructure Manager
Commitment: Full Time (Monday-Friday)
Working Hours: Regular Office Hours (40Hrs/Week)
Location: Neno District, Malawi

Post Summary

The Program Officer will support the Infrastructure Manager in the planning, execution, and completion of infrastructure projects. This role involves coordinating project activities, managing documentation, and ensuring projects meet deadlines, budgets, and quality standards. The Program Officer will act as a liaison between stakeholders, project teams, and the Infrastructure Manager, contributing to the successful delivery of infrastructure initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Infrastructure Program Management

• Work in liaison with the Infrastructure Manager in the implementation of PIH’s Non-Negotiables Phase 2 Program for multi-year infrastructure investments and operations and maintenance systems.
• Provide technical guidance for performing facilities needs assessments, support the project selection process, and collaborate with clinical teams and Ministry of Health colleagues to define project scopes of work (SOWs).
• Provide technical leadership in the design, installation, maintenance, and repair of WASH infrastructure at health care delivery sites. This scope of work includes but is not limited to: wells/boreholes, submersible and booster/lift pumps, water filtration and treatment systems, and water storage and distribution infrastructure.
• Support all aspects of facility-scale potable water and waste management projects, including scope of work development, needs/sizing model development and calculations, budgeting, procurement and contracting, and
  site supervision.
• Prepare system specifications and drawings, bills of quantity, and other technical documentation. Support PIH site teams in managing contractors and ensuring WASH project success (safety, quality, budget, schedule).
• Conduct borehole capacity tests, calculate sufficient water supply + reserve on-site based on facility consumption projections, develop and train team on potable water treatment procedures (testing/chlorination), and procedures for monitoring, recording, and correcting levels of free residual chlorine. Establish system for periodic laboratory microbial analysis of raw and treated water.
• Support PIH’s WASH professionals in developing and implementing WASH standards and protocols at healthcare delivery sites with a particular focus on potable water supply, wastewater processing, and medical waste management.
• Develop an implementation strategy for selected projects, including a formal scope, budget, and timeline for each project.
• Monitor projects’ progress and budget, identify and proactively communicate potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Enable the project designing, procurement, and construction process (EPC).
• Assist with assessing and selecting qualified vendors.
• Manage the work of vendors and external contractors, including engineering review, change management, quality control, and contractor supervision.
• Support planning for long-term, post-project operations and maintenance (08M).
• Provide technical guidance and costing estimates during the annual and multi-year budgeting process for facilities
  maintenance.
• Support the development of a maintenance plan for each project and integrate into CMMS system.
• Gather, analyze, and archive project data, 0&M and CMMS data to support the reporting process. Support existing O&M efforts as required
• Support Infrastructure Manager in Identifying needs and recruiting skilled technical staff based on staffing requirements for the Non-Negotiables Program.
• Support the site Infrastructure Team in the interviewing, selection, and on-boarding process.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of project professionals in implementing infrastructure investments and/or 0&M systems and procedures.
• Ensure staff have clear responsibilities; help manage workloads and identify and remove obstacles to achieving goals.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to team members to enable their professional development and support them in achieving their professional goals.
• Identify capacity-building opportunities for infrastructure staff.

Qualifications, Experiences and Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering field/Hydrogeology/ Hydrogeological Engineering/Architecture /Construction Management/Facilities Management, or equivalent combination of training
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to potable water supply, wastewater processing, and solid medical waste management.
• 5 years’ relevant and recent experience in technical management of Wash projects, infrastructure capital projects e.g. construction projects, major renovations, or facilities system installations
• Proven experience in managing complex projects will be an added advantage.
• Experience using cloud-based information systems and operations management software tools and proven ability
  to learn new systems/processes quickly
• Demonstrated on-premises, hands-on work experience in resource-scarce environments
• Service-oriented mindset and strong communication skills
• Ability to work well with a diverse team, honoring the concerns and priorities of various stakeholders including clinical staff and national Ministry of Health partners
• Experience in managing operations and maintenance of facility-scale mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or medical gas equipment
• Experience implementing infrastructure projects at health facilities in resource-scarce environments
• Experience managing contractors

Personal Attributes

• Detail oriented
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Analytical skills
• Proficient in written and oral English language
• Exemplary interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively with culturally diverse teams across departments and countries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Benefits & Remuneration

An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidates commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Qualified and interested persons should apply strictly to the email address below, enclosing their cover letter; copies of relevant certificates and curriculum vitae indicating three names of traceable referees with valid telephone numbers and email addresses not later than Friday, 25th October, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Email: apzuhr@pih.org with the title of the position indicated on the subject of the email addressing;

The Director of Human Resources and Administration
Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU)
P.O. Box 56
NENO

NB: Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU) is is an equal opportunities employer, so, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, tribe, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU) is committed to safeguarding staff, children and communities with whom we work with. We are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including our patients, families and community members – as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and are protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. Therefore, any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks.

The Organisation does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. If you are asked to make a payment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact vgondwe@pih.org and speakup@pih.org.