Job description
PATH’s approach to integrated ECD focuses on reaching the youngest children (0-3 years) and their caregivers with ECD counseling messages, as well as screening children for developmental milestones and making referrals in case of developmental delays. ECD content is integrated into health system “touch-points,” including antenatal care, childbirth, postnatal care, routine child health services, play sessions in health facility waiting areas, and home visits by community health volunteers (CHVs). In the early years, the health system is often the only means to reach children and their caregivers on a regular and consistent basis. PATH works closely with government and builds capacity of existing service providers such as nurses, clinical officers, and CHVs. Such an approach favors sustainability and scale and puts government in the driver’s seat. PATH’s ECD portfolio currently covers Kenya, Mozambique, and Zambia. In Kenya, the program is currently being implemented in Siaya County, with national-level policy and advocacy activities taking place in Nairobi. At the policy level, PATH is working nationally in Nairobi to introduce/reinforce ECD content in multiple health policies and guidelines that are currently up for review and will increasingly focus its attention on introducing/reinforcing ECD content in pre-service training curricula for government health service providers, as well as on reporting and tracking ECD indicators through the health management information system.
We seek to recruit FOUR Temporary Mentor Coordinators who will participate in Community Health Volunteers, Community Health Assistants (CHAs), and Health Care Workers’ review meetings to monitor integration of ECD into existing services, document project activities by taking photos, taking videos, conducting interviews, and collecting human-interest stories for quarterly briefs. S/he will work with community and facility-based forums and service providers to establish, equip and operationalize play corners in health facilities. S/he will assist with data collection i.e. quantitative data (e.g., supervision checklists, household visit forms) and qualitative data (e.g. observations of service delivery and interviews with project beneficiaries), by working closely with Ministry of Health stakeholders. The Mentor Coordinators will be based in Siaya County.
Responsibilities
In partnership with designated government supervisors, provide supportive supervision and mentorship, and on-the-job training to trained service providers and Community Health Volunteers; observe facility-based providers in their daily routine and CHVs during play box sessions.
Support facility based Continuous Medical Education (CMEs) sessions as necessary.
Participate in CHVs, Community Health Assistants (CHAs), and Health Care Workers’ review meetings to monitor integration of ECD into existing services.
Work with community and facility-based forums and service providers to establish, equip and operationalize play corners in health facilities.
Assist in disseminating Projecting Health videos on positive parenting at designated sites in the Community and in Health Facilities.
Assist with data collection i.e. quantitative data (e.g., supervision checklists, household visit forms) and qualitative data (e.g., observations of service delivery and interviews with project beneficiaries), by working closely with Ministry of Health stakeholders.
Assist with monthly data summaries at facility level and ensure timely onward data transmission to PATH and relevant MOH offices.
Document project activities by taking photos, taking videos, conducting interviews, and collecting human interest stories for quarterly briefs.
Participate in sub-county-level forums as needed.
Work in close collaboration and maintain excellent working relationships with MOH staff at various levels, PATH and other stakeholders.
Required Skills
Required Experience
Bachelor’s degree/Diploma in Nursing, Nutrition, or Clinical Medicine.
Excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills, capable of directing and managing change, effective delegation, inspiring teamwork and motivating staff and partners to achieve results.
Research and proposal writing will be a distinctive advantage.
Ability to work in a complex project implementation environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines and intense pressure to perform.
Ability to work with a multi-sectoral team and support collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
Ability and willingness to learn.
Excellent facilitation, mentorship, team building and coordination skills.
Field oriented and comfortable with a team approach to programming.
Experience in working with Ministry of Health systems.
Registered with the relevant professional body.
You must currently have legal authorization to work in Kenya.
PATH is dedicated to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.
