Program Officer (6 positions, 1 for each district)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Summary:

The International Rescue Committee is initiating a short-term nutrition focused project funded by UNICEF. The initial duration of the project is 4 months with possible further extension. The project will contribute to improving the nutrition service delivery and outreach in seven districts of Punjab province.

The Program Officer will serve as the district-level program focal point and will be responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising, reporting and monitoring implementation within the assigned district. The Program Officer will be based in respective districts and will report and provide overall support to the Program Manager for day-to-day project management of the nutrition program. The position will supervise the three-member outreach teams comprising a Nutrition Facilitator, IYCF/ECD Counselor and Community Outreach Worker, coordinate with LHWs, CHIs, supported OTP/service points and district health authorities, and ensure timely reporting, data quality, referrals, follow-up and community engagement.  The Project Manager will keep the project on track by ensuring work plans and spending plans are updated, conducting regular check-ins with the team, leading progress reviews, and carrying out field visits.

Major Responsibilities:

Project Management and Implementation

• Provide overall support to the Project Manager for management of the nutrition project.
• Ensure implementation of project activities is on track, in line with approved work plans and timelines.
• Identify implementation gaps and bottlenecks, and propose practical solutions to keep the project on track.

Team Supervision

• Supervise respective field teams, including Nutrition Facilitators, IYCF Counselors, Community Outreach Workers.
• Conduct regular check ins with field teams to review progress, address challenges, and provide guidance.
• Organize regular review meetings among field staff for progress updates and experience sharing.
• Assess training needs of field staff and coordinate relevant training or refresher sessions as needed.

Planning and Monitoring

• Ensure work plans are updated regularly and reflect actual project progress.
• Ensure spending plans are updated and tracked against project budget, flagging any deviations to the Program Manager.
• Lead regular progress reviews with the team against project objectives and indicators.
• Conduct regular field visits to OTP sites/ Health Facilities and outreach areas to monitor quality of implementation and provide on site support.

Reporting

• Prepare and submit regular progress reports to the Program Manager on project implementation status, achievements, and challenges.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting from field teams is consolidated and shared as required.
• Support the Program Manager in preparing donor or internal reports as needed.

Coordination

• Coordinate with MEAL and MIS functions to ensure data and monitoring findings are used to inform implementation decisions.
• Liaise with health facility staff and other stakeholders at field level to support smooth project implementation.
• Support the Program Coordinator in coordination with other sectoral teams and stakeholders as required.
• Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by the Program Coordinator.

Key Working Relationships:  Position Reports to Program Manager at Multan.  It directly supervises Field Teams (Nutrition Facilitators, IYCF Counselors, Community Outreach Workers). The position closely coordinates with the finance and supply chain functions and MEAL and MIS.

Job Requirements:

Education:

Minimum Bachelors, Master’s degree will be advantaged in social sciences, Public Health or related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum 3 years of working experience with NGOs, INGOs. Experience of working in South Punjab particularly target districts will be preferred. Experience supervising large field teams and managing day to day project implementation.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Strong project management skills, including work planning, budget tracking, and progress monitoring.
• Excellent report writing skills in English.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and team supervision skills.
• Computer skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem solving and self-initiative abilities.
• Willingness to travel frequently to field locations for supervision and monitoring visits.

 Skills

• Local languages along with good Urdu speaking and English.
• Familiarity with the South Punjab districts dynamics including culture, administration, health systems and local development stakeholders will be an advantage

Note: Only Short-listed candidates will be called for an interview, and the interviews will be conducted on rolling based.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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