Consultant - Community Health

Background of the Project:

Foundation for Health and Empowerment (F4HE) is a multi-year initiative being implemented in selected districts of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral. F4HE reaches and serve rural and marginalized communities in project geographies for reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) and nutrition services. Support non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like breast and cervical cancer and mental health issues in marginalized communities. Through ECD Programming it enables parents, caregivers, and health care providers to support and promote child development and integrated programming approach is aligned with the health and education sector policies and strategies of Pakistan.

Position Overview:

The Community Health Consultant is responsible for implementing the F4HE project initiatives providing technical support to implementing agencies AKRSP, AKHSP, Government health care providers and community-based health workers.  Support timely implementation of approved work plan interventions. Consultant will be based in AKFP office Islamabad report to project manager F4HE with frequent travel to the target districts in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build relationships and maintain coordinated communications with Health department, AKDN implementing agencies and other local partners in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
• Provide support to the Government BEMONC health facilities for the round the clock availability of skilled care, quality assurance. identify evolving needs and discuss during health facility management committee meetings.
• Provide support to F4HE hub and spoke target health facilities for the staff trained in thematic areas of newborn care, mental health, breast cancer screening and ensure post training course correction.
• Facilitate project community-based health initiatives and support community health workers (LHWs).
• Provide overall guidance, oversight, quality control to community health workers in conducting nutrition education sessions and growth monitoring.
• Train and mentor community health workers and volunteers.
• Analyze project performance data related to the important indicators to improve operations to meet objectives.
• Analyze, synthesize, and articulate the lessons, field implementation challenges, and risks emerging from the project and integrate these into project planning and implementation.
• Coordinate the planning and execution of regional events and workshops together with the F4HE implementing agencies and local Government administration department.
• Organize F4HE project coordination meetings with District Health Officer and with other relevant departments at district level, prepare meeting minutes, and program analysis for a variety of audiences as needed and assigned.
• Organize workshops and training sessions on health-related topics.
• Prepare and submit regular reports to the F4HE grant manager.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in nursing, Public Health, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience of working in community health and providing technical support to health care providers.
• Experience of working in rural or underserved communities is an advantage.

Skills:

• Strong clinical skills and knowledge of primary healthcare practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and organizations.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis.
•  Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

Duration of Consultancy: The consultancy is initially set for a duration of six months, with the possibility of extension based on performance. The assignment will commence in November 2024.

AKF (P) offers a competitive remuneration package & conducive working environment. The recruitment, selection policy &procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity &the safeguarding of children, vulnerable adults, beneficiaries, partners, community members &employees in accordance with AKF(P)’s Safeguarding policy & AKDN Code of Ethics. Females are encouraged to apply.

The deadline for the applications is December 1st, 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.