Project Officer

Organisational profile
The Fred Hollows Foundation in Vietnam is the country’s leading eye care NGO. They support the goals of VISION 2020 to eradicate avoidable blindness by 2020, and are committed to working with partners to bring about change that is sustainable and reaches even the most vulnerable communities.
Position type: Full time contract as negotiated
Relationships: This position reports to and is supervised by Operations Manager

Job Summary
Senior Project Officer (SPO) of The Blinding TT Elimination Support Initiative in Vietnam project; is responsible for the management and development of the Trachoma elimination Project (TRAEP) hereunder called “the trachoma project”, with the support of FHF VN Operations, in line with FHF values, strategies, and policies. The SPO will ensure the project activities are well coordinated and managed to ensure strongest progress towards the project goal and objectives, and most efficient use of resources. The SPO will support the Operations Manager in providing strategic directions to the project team (Including the relevant partners-such as VNIO, and Eye care providers from the project provinces) and work with the team to design and develop project plans, implement project activities to achieve stipulated objectives.

Main tasks & responsibilities
General management:
A. Leadership:
- Lead the Trachoma elimination program in planning, implementing, and monitoring program activities, in order to achieve the desired impact in the trachoma intervention aspect – improvement in beneficiaries’ quality of life.
- Provide strategic direction for the development of the team to ensure team members are capable of carrying out quality work.
- Promote effective teamwork and a positive work environment amongst the team members
- Identify problems, concerns and issues in the program and work with team and others to identify appropriate solutions.
- Provide the Operations Manager with accurate, up-to-date advice of developments and issues in the program implementation together with necessary recommended solutions.
- Develop and manage effective partnerships for strong program outcomes.

B.Planning, Operation and Management:
- Read research papers, reports and other materials pertinent to program design, planning, and technical areas as appropriate, to become proficient in program design and implementation. 
- Work closely with the project partners and other stakeholders to prepare the annual action plan in accordance to the approved project design.  
- Coordinate the program in an efficient and systematic manner to ensure smooth running of all activities.
- Oversee project activities, management and reporting in accordance with work plans and budgets and in line with FHF policies and procedures and requirements of the donor.
- Together with M&E specialists, develop, coordinate and undertake comprehensive project monitoring, evaluation and reporting and ensure recommendations for changes are shared and implemented.
- Adjust project design during implementation when necessary, with proper documentation.
- Act on information generated from monitoring and evaluation to improve the project.
- Facilitate periodic and regular meetings with PMBs where appropriate, to discuss problems, issues, etc., and seek solutions.
- Interact with other NGO’s in target areas in order to build coordination and avoid duplication of project efforts. 
C. Monitoring and evaluation:
The SPO will work with the Operations Manager and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to develop guidelines and minimum standards for simple and effective systems for measuring quality outcomes of activities especially surgery. Guidelines should be relevant to the trachoma program but also inform efforts by the team to encourage partners to measure outcomes of cataract surgery throughout the program.
Hold information sessions and training for FHF team members to develop their understanding of Trachoma and blinding Trichiasis. Training should include how staff can actively promote provinces to understand the National commitment to eradicate blinding trachoma by 2012 and what we can do to support them.
Support FHF VN to document all related documentations including best practices and lessons learned relating to trachoma for future use, new activity design and advocacy work.
Under the Leadership of The OM, SPO will support advocacy and coordination efforts to promote efforts of FHF, government and other NGOs towards meeting the Vietnam Government’s target of eliminating blinding trachoma by 2014.  
D. Financial Management and budgeting:
Be aware of and follow all the financial policies and procedures and liaise with the Finance Department to ensure the integrity of financial documents, procedures and reports.
Oversee management of project funds as outlined in project work plans and budget with technical support from FHF VN Finance Team.
Ensure effective reporting including providing regular periodic budget and financial reports to FHF Australia and other stakeholders as required.
Ensure with the Operation Manager and finance team the maintenance of FHF financial management and accounting systems for all activities and assets.
Monitor finance reports and use them as management tools for evaluating program progress.
Development of program budgets as required by FHF annual budget process
E.Proposal Writing
Assist the Operations Manager in writing program proposals, ensuring appropriate and adequate research is undertaken and accurate analysis of criteria and key issues.  
Provide technical support and advice in proposal components including approach, methodology, risk management, work plans, financials and annexes where appropriate.
F.Other duties
Other duties as may be directed by Operations Manager.
Understand and comply with FHF Vietnam HR policy.

Selection Criteria and Qualifications:
The following knowledge, skills and abilities may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, or on the job training:
Committed to The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Mission and Values
University graduate in any field, preferably in public health /primary eye health care and/or social work.
At least 2 years relevant work experience in community development including demonstrated capacity in program management.
Well developed planning and negotiation skills.
Experience in program implementation and participatory approach.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with a minimum of supervision, exercise judgment, meet deadlines and work under pressure.
Fluency in English and Vietnamese languages.
Good computer skills (word processing, excel and power point).
Experience of working with ethnic minorities and gender issues will be helpful.
Willingness to travel internally and externally and to undertake professional development and training as required.

Duration of contract:    3 years   
Workbase:            Hanoi, with frequent travel to project sites
Aplications should:
Include a resume (no more than 4 pages) summarising qualifications and experience
Address the selection criteria in a covering letter (no more than three pages)
Provide at least three work referees and contact details.
Submit applications by  13 Oct 2010
Contact details: Email to: [email protected] or cc: [email protected]
Salary scale: negotiated