Helen Keller International (HKI) is an international agency whose mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. HKI’s work in Tanzania is focused in the areas of nutrition and eye care. In nutrition, HKI works to strengthen micronutrient programs including the national vitamin A supplementation (VAS) program. More recently we have begun a new project focusing on homestead food production in the Lake Zone. In eye care HKI works on programs to alleviate the burden of neglected tropical diseases such as trachoma and cataract.
The Program Officer – Eye Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases reports to the Program
Coordinator- Eye Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases who is responsible for the oversight of all eye health and NTD projects. The Program Officer will collaborate with the National Eye Care
Program (NECP), Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW), Tanzania Institute of Education
(TIE), and Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) at the local government level.
Major Tasks and Activities:
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Monitor and supervise the implementation of HKI – supported eye health programs in the field.
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Maintain regular communication with government counterparts and other partners at the regional and district level.
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Represent HKI informal and informal meetings with government officials, international donor agencies, technical advisory groups, NGOs and other organizations at the regional and district level.
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Conduct, facilitate and supervise trainings in collaboration with Eye Health Coordinator and national, regional and district officials.
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Assist in the preparation of donor proposal and donor reports.
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Submit weekly updates/reports on activities to the Eye Health Coordinator.
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Manage the HKI Mtwara Office and supervise the HKI driver in Mtwara
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Participate in designing, organizing and implementing social mobilization campaigns
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Oversee logistics of medical supplies for surgery and sensitization.
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Ensure adequate utilization and monitoring and evaluation of the trachoma school health curriculum in the catchment areas.
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Maintain the trichiasis surgery database.
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Assist the project coordinator in budget forecasting for all activities.
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Plan advocacy meetings to bring on board other partners who work on hygiene and sanitation, such as Water Aid and the World Bank.
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Monitor and assess the NTD radio programs broadcast by community radios in the region.
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Assist in writing and dissemination of lessons learnt from program operations.
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Assist in conducting operational studies related to implementation of NTD programs.
Requirements:
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Degree/advanced diploma required with preference given to eye health, community development, public health or medical sociology.

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At least five years experience of progressive responsibility in public health or development programs.
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Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods.
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Ability to travel frequently and work with multidisciplinary teams.
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Excellent interpersonal, writing and communication and team building skills.
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Fluent in English and Kiswahili.
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Strong computer skills and experience in using software for database development and data analysis (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS Access, SPSS, STATA)
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Tanzanian nationals and those eligible to work in Tanzanian will be considered
HKI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified women, minority and disabled candidates. HKI has a smoke free working environment.
Terms of Employment: One year contract renewal upon mutual agreement.
Salary: Helen Keller International offers a competitive salary and conditions of employment.
To apply: Please send by email a cover letter, curriculum vitae and name and email contacts of three professional references to Melanie Cusens, HR consultant, at hki.hrconsult@gmail.com
Closing Date: 20 th May 2011
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted