Organization Overview

VSO is the world’s leading international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty. Working in 24 countries around the world, our unique role in international development is to place committed volunteers with carefully selected organisations where their skills can have the greatest impact. As a VSO volunteer you’ll live and work in some of the world’s poorest communities. By sharing your unique skills and experience you’ll help generate new ideas and new ways of doing things, helping the communities you work in lift themselves out of poverty. We’re not about delivering quick fixes, but instead, we focus on long-lasting, sustainable change, that will impact generations to come. Join us as a VSO volunteer and help us work towards our vision of a world without poverty.

Role overview

The Kila Mtoto, Kila Mama project aims to save the lives of vulnerable mothers and new-borns in the Mtwara region of Tanzania. Focusing on strengthening both the supply and demand side of maternal new-born and child health (MNCH) continuum. 
In collaboration with RHMT, lead an assessment to identify the needs of mothers especially those most at risk of not being able to access lifesaving MNH care services. Jointly with RHMT design a and roll out a strategy for community engagement; including male engagement; awareness raising as well as training/coaching of nurses and the community health care workers to create demand for MN health care services and preventative care at community level. 
If you are passionate about making a difference for marginalised mothers and babies, giving them a voice, this is your job!

Skills, qualifications, and experience

Qualifications (essential): 

• Degree in Community Nursing or other relevant degrees

Experience

• Minimum five years of professional experience, of which at least 2 yrs. in maternal/neonatal care and some experience in department management 
• Experience in conducting workshops, training, and seminars
• Proven coaching and mentoring skills
• Teamwork, with the ability to work collaboratively in diverse multi-cultural groups.
• Ability to work in an institutional environment, - hospital and health facility settings - as well as in the community setting
• Effective communications skills (report writing, verbally)
• Fluency in Swahili and English and ability to communicate with different stakeholders on different levels within organizations
• Experience of community engagement approaches

Desirable:

• Experience of developing communication materials 
• Experience of conducting assessments
• Interest/experience in social and gender inclusion; social accountability
• Prior experience in Mtwara region is an added advantage

Personal Qualities

• Professionalism
• Conceptual and analytic thinking
• Relationship management
• Initiative, Self-motivated, driven
• Ability to perform under pressure
• Flexible to travel to community setting; long working days

Competencies and Behaviour

At VSO we believe progress is only possible by working together. Whether you want to join us as an employee, or as a volunteer working in your own country, overseas or online, our selection process includes an assessment based on these core competencies: 

• Ability to be open-minded and respectful
• Ability to be resilient and adaptive to new situations
• Ability to facilitate positive change and build sustainable working relationships
• Ability to seek and share knowledge 

Equal Opportunities

VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce.

Note: This national Volunteer role, eligible for Tanzanians only.

Allowance

As a VSO volunteer, you will be sharing your skills with local communities on a full-time basis. VSO will cover your travel, vaccinations, accommodation, and medical insurance costs, along with a local living allowance which will be paid in local currency. This allowance meets reasonable living expenses in the country, but will not be enough to send money home. You will also receive some financial support to contribute to your on-going expenses at home.

Accommodation

VSO works with some of the poorest communities in the world which mean accommodation varies and will be basic.