Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day coordination and execution of project activities in accordance with approved work plans and donor requirements.
- Ensure delivery of project milestones across three key outcomes in collaboration with research consultants or consultancy firms and research manager and TA: Generation of evidence through implementation research, development of a national roadmap for Indigo Backpack scale-up, and oversight of foundational capacity building and establishment of an implementation research agenda by consultants / consultancy firm in collaboration with research manager.
- Coordinate the timely procurement, importation and deployment of Indigo Backpacks in collaboration with IRC Supply Chain and MoH, MoF, EFDA, EPSS counterparts.
- Collaborate with MOH in site selection, distribution plan development, deployment of the device and joint post-deployment assessment in line with an initial agreed criterion.
- Monitor progress against deliverables, ensure compliance with timelines, and produce high-quality reports and documentation.
- Organize and facilitate launching, co-creation, validation and dissemination workshops with MoH, EPHI, Donors, other key partners, and other stakeholders.
- Maintain comprehensive project records, meeting minutes, and decision logs for reference and reporting.
- Conduct periodic field visits to monitor the outreach service that is being provided using Indigo device by healthcare workers in the selected deployment sites.
- Serve as the focal point for communication and coordination with MoH (EPI Directorate), EFDA, EPSS, EPHI, regional health bureaus, and research partners.
- Closely work with existing platforms mainly E-NITAG for the co-creation, project monitoring and result dissemination.
- Facilitate regular coordination meetings and ensure alignment between government and implementing partners.
- In collaboration with the Research Manager, liaise with the contracted research institution or consultants to synchronize study design, timelines, and deliverables.
- Promote shared ownership, transparency, and accountability across all collaborating entities.
- Oversee the preparation and approval of Terms of Reference, study protocols, and ethics submissions by research partners in collaboration with research manager.
- Coordinate and oversee project-related operational research, market analyses, and cost-effectiveness assessments in collaboration with research manager.
- Ensure quality assurance mechanisms are established for data integrity, study implementation, and partner deliverables.
- Oversee and support translation of research findings into national immunization strategies and MoH operational guidelines.
- Provide technical support to MOH to support the pilot deployment of Indigos with a clear transition plan to MoH’s ownership upon completion of the project.
- Facilitate and support dissemination of study results through policy briefs, technical forums, and publications.
- Collaborate with Finance and Grants teams to ensure budget utilization, compliance, and proper documentation of project expenditures.
- Support budget tracking, forecasting, and periodic expenditure reviews to maintain financial accountability.
- Contribute to the preparation of timely donor reports and ensure linkages between financial and technical progress.
- Coordinate with the MEAL Manager and research partners to ensure data quality, timely submission, and appropriate documentation.
- Contribute to the development of project dashboards, performance summaries, and learning reports.
- Participate in data review meetings and contribute to adaptive management decisions.
- Document key learnings, challenges, and best practices to inform future scale-up initiatives.
- Support the implementation of client feedback and accountability mechanisms in compliance with IRC standards.
- Identify potential risks related to project delivery (e.g., import delays, regulatory barriers, or operational challenges) and propose mitigation measures.
- Ensure adherence to IRC policies, donor regulations, and national research ethics requirements.
- Maintain project risk logs and ensure systematic follow-up on mitigation actions.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in public health, Nursing, Medicine, or a related field with Master’s degree in public health or related field.
- Minimum of 6 years (BSc) or 4 years (MPH/MSc) of progressively responsible experience in project coordination within international NGOs, preferably in cold chain, vaccine management, and immunization-focused health programs.
- Demonstrated experience in immunization systems strengthening, effective vaccine and cold chain management, or implementation research.
- Proven record in coordinating multi-partner initiatives, supervising field teams, and managing logistics for large-scale health interventions.
- Strong background in project planning, reporting, monitoring, and partnership management.
- Experience working with Ministry of Health and its structures, its agencies, research institutions, and international partners on donor-funded projects (e.g., Gavi, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID).
- In-depth understanding of Ethiopia’s national EPI system, vaccine and cold chain logistics, and health system structure.
- Familiarity with government procedures for import licensing, and project coordination.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize and deliver on time.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and report-writing abilities.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with project management tools.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within diverse, cross-functional teams and to manage change proactively and positively.
- Fluency in English and Amharic (written and spoken).
Nice to Have
- Knowledge of additional local languages is an asset.
Team
Structure: Reports to Health and Nutrition Coordinator; collaborates with RMEAL Manager, Gavi REACH and other immunization projects, Grants, Finance, Supply Chain, and Partnerships Teams.
Additional Information
- Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
- Applications will not be returned.
- IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.
- Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be shortlisted and contacted.
- Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.
- IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.
- Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct: Integrity, Service, and Accountability.
- IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons.
- Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. Benefits include parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances.
- Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct: Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.