POSITION DESCRIPTION — PROGRAM OFFICER

Family Care International (FCI) ( http://www.familycareintl.org ) is a non-profit organization working to improve women's reproductive health and rights in developing countries, with a special emphasis on making pregnancy and childbirth safer. FCI's Africa Program provides technical assistance to government agencies and non-governmental organizations in designing, implementing and evaluating reproductive health programs and strategies. We also develop training and education materials that our partners can use to strengthen education, communication and training, particularly for women and adolescents.

FCI is currently recruiting for a Program Officer for its Africa program. The job will be based in FCI's New York office, with travel to Africa (about 30% of the time). The main focus of the position is on Anglophone Africa, but it will also include work in French-speaking West Africa.

Working under the supervision of the Africa Program Director, the Program Officer will provide technical assistance to FCI’s partners in selected countries; coordinate the preparation of national and regional health education and training materials; and provide backstopping to FCI offices in Africa. Specific responsibilities will include:

1. Providing technical assistance to NGOs and government agencies in selected countries, in the design, implementation, and evaluation of reproductive health projects and programs, including the implementation of a focused program to promote skilled care at childbirth.

2. Coordinating the development and production of reproductive health education and training materials on safe motherhood, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and other reproductive health issues.

3. Backstopping FCI’s country offices in Africa, including general communication and financial oversight.

4. Project development and proposal preparation, including generating program and technical assistance opportunities in conjunction with local partners (government, intergovernmental and NGO).

5. Liaison with technical and funding organizations, including representing FCI in workshops, meetings, and other fora; these may include making presentations and speeches, as appropriate.

6. Administrative and financial management, responsibilities will include ensuring that narrative and financial reporting requirements for grants and contracts are fulfilled.

Desired Qualifications:

Ø Masters degree in public health or related social sciences area.

Ø At least 5 years relevant work experience in women’s reproductive health, in particular in adolescent sexual and reproductive health and/or safe motherhood, including the areas of project development, fundraising and evaluation; field experience in Africa strongly preferred.

Ø Fluency in French and Swahili preferred, fluency in French required.

Ø Excellent analytical and writing skills; strong organizational and interpersonal skills; Personal initiative, resourcefulness and ability to work independently and in a team are essential.

Period of Service: One year from August 2001, with possibility of extension

Salary: Competitive and depending on experience.

Interested applicants should send a resume and writing sample to: Ellen Themmen, Director, Africa Program, Family Care International, 588 Broadway, Suite 503, New York, NY 10012. E-mail: ethemmen@familycareintl.org