The Regional MNCH Strengthening in Tanzania project, also known as Mama na Mtoto (MnM), aims to contribute to the reduction of maternal, child and newborn deaths in Lake Zone of Tanzania through strengthening systems for health service delivery and increasing demand for health services from community to regional levels. The project is being implemented in Misungwi and Kwimba Districts of Mwanza Region. Activities include: (1) provision of technical assistance to and capacity building for regional and local level health management teams and health service providers on improved planning and delivery of health services; (2) training health providers and community health workers (CHW) on delivering culturally-appropriate health services that meet international quality standards; (3) equipping and supplying health facilities (HFs) with the essentials they need to deliver key MNCH services; and (4) working with community leaders and local committees to improve health-seeking behaviour around MNCH, including promotion of male involvement.
Mama na Mtoto is being implemented by a coalition of partners led by the University of Calgary and including Agriteam Canada Consulting Ltd, the Catholic University of Health and Allied Science (CUHAS Bugando), Save the Mothers, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and the Canadian Paediatric Society in partnership with Mwanza Regional and Misungwi and Kwimba Council Health Management Teams (CHMTs). Funding for this project is provided by Global Affairs Canada. The project has a main office in Misungwi with satellite offices located in Kwimba district and within the CUHAS campus in Mwanza. The HF Construction Project Officer will be based at the Misungwi office.
Thematic Focus and Scope of Work
The HF Construction Project Officer (HFCPO) will be responsible for managing the implementation of renovation and construction activities at health facilities, as part of efforts to strengthen service delivery at the facility level. The successful candidate must therefore have strong project management skills, previous experience with coordinating construction projects, and a relevant educational background. In 2018, approved construction and renovation activities are planned for a number of facilities, including construction of an operating theatre block, and interior/exterior structural and non-structural renovations. In addition, several more facilities have been identified for renovation activities, and the project is required to submit detailed proposals for approval by the donor. It is expected that most of the small-scale renovation and construction works will be carried out in collaboration with the Districts of Misungwi and Kwimba, using a “force account” method of selecting and contracting companies to do the work.
The HFC Project Officer will report to the Health Facility Strengthening Coordinator. The HFC Project Officer will be a key member of the Field Office Team and is expected to contribute to an office environment characterized by a high-performance, collaborative, results-based culture. The HFC Project Officer will be expected to work closely with the Misungwi and Kwimba CHMTs, District Environment Officers and District Engineers.
Roles and Responsibilities
Agriteam and Misungwi District will jointly provide oversight of the identified renovation and construction works. Agriteam will manage and directly contract and fund all works. The District Engineer will monitor progress and quality of construction, signing off on the completion of each stage and verifying the completion of renovation and construction works. In addition, the District Engineer must approve any changes required to the plans or identified during the construction process to assure the quality of construction and finished works. Agriteam will sub-contract an engineering firm to advise it on technical and contractual matters and support quality control of construction. The subcontracted Engineer will serve as an independent Competent Authority, and as such will review reports from the District Engineer and from the contractors in order substantiate progress and advise Agriteam regarding the release of payments to contractors.
Working for Agriteam’s Tanzania office, the Project Officer’s duties will including the following:
• Prepare any required MoUs and contracts with all parties to renovation and construction works, including the Misungwi and Kwimba District Councils, construction contractors, and other sub-contractors;
• Organize, support and document the process of selection of construction contractors for planned health facility renovations;
• Support preparation and implementation of required Environmental Management Plans;
• Liaise with district officials regarding contractor selection, contractor management, district oversight of construction, environmental assessments and management plans, and other District responsibilities related to construction and renovation;
• Manage relationships with contractors during all stages of construction and renovation;
• Working closely with the District Engineer and third-party competent authority, ensure the full implementation of quality control measures, and monitor renovation and construction works for adherence to plans, schedules and contracts;
• Monitor the situation at renovation/construction sites for compliance with safety and occupational health standards;
• Provide or arrange on-site supervision of construction activities during critical stages of work;
• Assist in site assessments, identification of renovation priorities, and preparation of proposals for additional renovation works in Misungwi and Kwimba Districts.
Additional Responsibilities
• The HFC Project Officer will also support other health systems and health facilities strengthening activities as and when required, including but not limited to the following:
• Support the planning and implementation of health facility strengthening activities such as assessments, procurement and trainings, in collaboration with the Health Facility Strengthening Coordinator;
• Contribute to annual work planning processes;
• Contribute to timely and accurate preparation of project progress reports using resultsbased management approaches;
• Contribute to maintenance of proper and up-to-date project documentation and records;
• Frequent day trips and some overnight visits to facilities within Misungwi and Kwimba Districts;
• Any other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor or the Field Manager.
No relocation or transportation benefits are included in the remuneration package – applicants already residing in the Misungwi/Mwanza area are therefore preferred.
Education and Experience
Candidates for the Project Officer, Health Facilities Construction position must demonstrate their ability to understand the specific issue areas and undertake the general tasks described above. Ideally, all candidates will also have:
• Post-secondary education in a relevant field such as Project Management or a technical area related to construction (Diploma or Advanced Diploma preferred)
• Demonstrated skills in relationship-building, team-work, and collaboration, within the public and/or non-profit sectors;
• Strong project management skills, with ability to keep projects on-schedule and on-budget;
• Prior experience with coordination of construction activities in the public sector in Tanzania;
• Strong communication skills in Kiswahili and English;
• Must be comfortable and willing to work in rural areas;
• Must be able to ride a motorcycle – those who already carry a license are preferred;
• Must be able to work independently and in a small multi-cultural team environment;
• Must thrive in a busy and demanding work environment;
• Previous experience working on donor-funded projects, especially health projects, is an asset.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications for the job (education and experience), as well as a current and up-to-date resume to info@agriteam.co.tz by the deadline. Please include the following subject line (including your own name) in your email: Project Officer, Health Facility Construction – [YOUR NAME].
Only those candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted.
