LAMRN Project Coordinator Job in Kenya

Lugina Africa Midwives Research Network (LAMRN)

Job Description and Person Specification

Job title: Project Coordinator

Reports to: Project Lead & Chair of LAMRN
Hours of work: Full time
Contract duration: 1 July 2013 – 31 March 2015 (21 months maximum)
Location: Nairobi

Background Information

The Lugina Africa Midwives Research Network (LAMRN) project is funded for two years with monies from the Department for International Development (DFID) of the UK Government through the Health Partnership Scheme (HPS) Multi Country Partnership grant managed by THET, a specialist global health organisation.

LAMRN is a key project of the Global Women’s Health theme of The University of Manchester, UK:
http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/structure/crosscuttingthemes/globalhealth
The University of Manchester is leading this contract in a partnership with LAMRN Country Leads based in 6 countries in East Africa including Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
 

The goal of this multi-country partnership is to develop a thriving, collaborative and sustainable research network of midwives with the capacity and skills to strengthen evidence-based-practice, thus improving care for women and babies.

To support the development and operationalising of the project across the six partner countries. 

The project will operate and be delivered through a nominated Country Lead, usually a senior midwife, in each partner country.

Each Country Lead is supported in the delivery of local project outputs through a one-to-one mentoring relationship with an allocated UK based Research Mentor. Coordination and administrative support will be provided to LAMRN through a Project Coordinator position based in Nairobi.

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Project Coordinator will play a pivotal role in facilitating the successful delivery of the Lugina Africa Midwives Research Network (LAMRN) project. 

• Facilitation will include supporting the Project Lead and Chair of LAMRN;
  maintaining effective communication with key stakeholders in each partner country; 
• ensuring project activities are organized and delivered successfully; 
• coordinating travel and accommodation for project events in the region;
• supporting project monitoring, evaluation and reporting in accordance with the working protocol.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties

• The postholder will lead on key coordination and administrative aspects of the LAMRN project under the guidance of the Project Lead (UK) and the Network Chair (Kenya).
• The postholder will:
• Coordinate and manage the LAMRN Project against the project plan and budget to ensure compliance with THET requirements
• Organise and liaise with Country Leads and research midwives in the six partner countries including Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda Zambia, and Zimbabwe
• Develop and maintain a database of LAMRN members in partner countries
• Organise venues, travel, accommodation, per diems etc. for training workshops in the six partner countries and attend workshops as required
• Contribute to the development of management and steering group reports and also to reports for funders
• Organize steering group meetings as required
• Contribute to evaluation activities as required
• Respond to all information requests to LAMRN
• Coordinate development of LAMRN promotional materials and dissemination activities in accordance with an agreed communications strategy
• Coordinate the development and ongoing maintenance of a dedicated internet learning environment
• Provide administrative support to the development of funding bids and research applications to be submitted by LAMRN

Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Aptitude:

Education

• Educated to first degree level in a relevant subject (Essential)
• Educated to Masters degree level (Desirable)

Experience

• Working in a health or education related environment (Essential)
• Coordinating donor projects with multiple partners (Essential)
• Liaising with suppliers and coordinating travel and accommodation for workshops and events (Essential)
• Information management, storage and dissemination (Essential)
• Coordinating project finances and budget management (Essential)
• Preparation of project reports (Essential)
• Working on research projects including data collection and analysis (Desirable)
• Supporting the development of applications for research funding (Desirable)

Skills

• Excellent IT skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, and database packages (Essential)
• Excellent organisational skills including attention to detail and accuracy (Essential)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal (Essential)
• Networking skills and ability to work in partnership especially across different cultures (Essential)
• Ability to take responsibility for workload and to deliver in a timely fashion (Essential)
• Ability to plan project delivery with a focus on performance and output (Essential)
• Ability to maintain and update information on project web sites and other social media (Essential)
• Demonstration of a firm commitment to customer care and Equal Opportunities policy (Essential)
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods (Desirable)
• Knowledge of global maternity systems/care (Desirable)

Aptitude

• Communicates clearly and simply, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others (Essential)
• Values transparency and consistency (Essential)
• Understands the role of individual and collective accountability and the responsibilities of other colleagues on the project (Essential)
• Shares skills and knowledge (Essential)
• Respects the views of external stakeholders and treats all colleagues with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy (Essential)
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives (Essential)
• Flexibility in approach to working hours as occasional out of hours work may be required (Essential)
• Willingness to undertake some travel in the region as occasional visits to partner countries may be required (Essential)

Interested candidates are requested to email their application letter and CV to infor@amrnkenya.org before close of business on 30th, May, 2013. 

Only the short listed candidates will receive feedback thereafter