Program Field Officer Coalition Health Zambia (Formerly John Snow Health Zambia Limited)

Coalition Health Zambia (CHZ)
Job Description
Position Title: Program Field Officer
Location: Kalomo (1) and Sinazongwe (1), Zambia
Reports To: Project Lead

Coalition Health Zambia (CHZ), formerly known as John Snow Health (JSH) is a Zambian company committed to working with governments, non-governmental entities, the private sector, civil society, and communities to improve the provision of public health services. We offer a full range of services, implementing public health interventions to improve individuals and communities’ health in Zambia and the region.

Job Summary:

The Program Field Officer will be responsible for implementing project activities under the Localize Global Health Security Activity project in Kalomo and Sinazongwe Districts. The project uses a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors to enhance disease prevention, detection, and response. This includes working with relevant ministries, leading community engagement initiatives, facilitating training preparations, establishing and strengthening Zoonotic Task Forces, and enhancing zoonotic disease surveillance and reporting. The role requires close collaboration with local health facilities, community structures, and veterinary officers to ensure effective zoonotic disease prevention, early detection, and response.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Community Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and District Agricultural Offices to implement project activities.
• Facilitate community engagement meetings to raise awareness about zoonotic disease risks and prevention strategies.
• Build relationships with community leaders, paraveterinarians, and district veterinary officers to foster collaboration on zoonotic disease surveillance.

2. Mapping of Community Groups and Awareness Channels

• Identify and map key community groups and existing awareness channels to effectively disseminate information on zoonotic disease prevention and control.
• Engage with community-based organizations, women’s groups, and other influential local entities to leverage their networks for health awareness and outreach.

3. Identification and Targeting of Large-Scale Animal Farmers

• Identify and engage large-scale animal farmers in Kalomo and Sinazongwe to raise awareness on the importance of zoonotic disease control.
• Develop tailored outreach strategies for engaging with animal farmers to promote best practices in animal health and zoonotic disease prevention.

4. Establishing and Strengthening Reporting, Response, and Feedback Pathways

• Establish and strengthen reporting, response, and feedback pathways for zoonotic diseases at the community level.
• Collaborate with local health facilities, community health workers, and veterinary officers to ensure the timely reporting of suspected zoonotic cases and community feedback on interventions.

5. Training Facilitation and Capacity Building

• Facilitate the planning and preparations for training sessions for community health workers, animal health auxiliaries, environmental health workers, and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Livestock to provide training on zoonotic disease prevention, detection, and response.
• Assist in the delivery of empathy-based training and community outreach to promote effective communication and collaboration.

6. Comprehensive Training Programs for Community Health Workers and Animal Health Auxiliaries

• Develop and facilitate comprehensive training programs for community health workers, animal health auxiliaries, and environmentalists.
• Ensure that training programs cover zoonotic disease prevention, outbreak response, community health surveillance, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

7. Zoonotic Task Force Development

• Establish and strengthen Zoonotic Task Forces at the district level, ensuring coordination among key community leaders, local government representatives, and health and veterinary officers.
• Provide ongoing support to Task Forces to enhance their capacity for rapid response to zoonotic disease outbreaks.

8. Surveillance and Data Collection

• Lead data collection activities related to zoonotic diseases, including early identification, prevention, reporting, and ensuring effective data sharing with relevant authorities.
• Work with community health workers and other local partners to enhance the detection and reporting of zoonotic disease cases.

9. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns

• Conduct outreach sessions across communities to educate residents about zoonotic disease prevention, early detection, and treatment.
• Develop and distribute educational materials on zoonotic disease risks, symptoms, and the importance of community vigilance.

10. Strengthen Early Warning Systems

• Enhance community alert systems through early identification, prevention, and reporting of zoonotic diseases.
• Collaborate with local health facilities and community structures to ensure timely reporting and treatment of any identified cases.

11. Build a Network of Trained Health Professionals for Multisectoral Collaboration

• Build and maintain a network of trained health professionals, community health workers, paravets, and other stakeholders to facilitate multisectoral collaboration on zoonotic disease prevention and response.
• Promote cross-sectoral communication and information sharing to ensure coordinated responses to health threats.

12. Collaboration with Local Health Facilities

• Work in collaboration with local health facilities to improve the integration of zoonotic disease management within the community health system.
• Ensure that community-level surveillance activities are effectively linked with health facility services, enabling a cohesive approach to zoonotic disease control.

Qualifications:

• Education: Minimum qualification of a Certificate in Animal Health; a Diploma in Environmental Health or Animal Health/Animal Science is an added advantage.
• Experience: At least 3 years of experience working in community health, public health, or veterinary projects, preferably with a focus on zoonotic diseases or infectious disease management.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of zoonotic disease prevention, detection, and response.
• Proven experience in facilitating community-based training and engagement.
• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills to work effectively with community members, leaders, and government representatives.
• Strong data collection and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently in remote areas with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and local languages.

Key Attributes:

• Community-Oriented: Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with community members and foster community ownership of health initiatives.
• Collaborative: Ability to work in collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local leaders, and other implementing partners.
• Problem Solver: Strong ability to identify challenges in the field and develop effective solutions for better project outcomes.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing environments and respond effectively to community health needs.

Working Conditions:

• The Program Field Officer will be based in Kalomo and Sinazongwe Districts.
• Frequent travel to communities, health facilities, and project partner offices is required.
• Ability to work under challenging field conditions, including in rural and underserved areas.
• Ability to ride a motorbike with a valid license.