Project Assistant

Job description

BACKGROUND

Orbis International Zambia works to support the Ministry of Health in providing quality eye care to prevent avoidable blindness through training for eye health staff, support for equipment and medical supplies as well community engagement. The programmes are implemented in Lusaka, Eastern, Southern, Copperbelt and North- Western provinces.

Orbis International Zambia has been implementing the Scaling up Eye Health Care Capacity in Zambia’s Lusaka, Copperbelt, Southern and Eastern Provinces: Phase III. The project aims to support training and comprehensive eye health services in Lusaka, Copperbelt and Eastern provinces.

JOB SUMMARY

The Project Assistant will work closely with the Eastern Province Project Officer to support the implementation of project activities including outreach, procurement, organising training and partner meetings and workshops on the Scaling up Eye Health Care Capacity in Zambia’s Lusaka, Copperbelt and Eastern Provinces: Phase III. The Project Assistant will be based in Chipata and will travel to Orbis project locations in Eastern Province.

REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Project Assistant reports to the Project Officer, based in Chipata, Eastern Province and collaborates with the Zambia programmes, administration and finance staff. They also liaise with the Monitoring and Evaluation team to ensure implementation of data collection tools and effective reporting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Support procurement of consumables and equipment for supported sites.
Spearhead the distribution of consumables and equipment and update the inventory.
Ensure supported facilities and donated equipment are well branded, and all donation documents are completed and filed.
Spearhead logistical arrangements for all training, workshops and meetings.
Contribute to project reporting by supporting data collection and compilation, including stories and photos from facilities. Further complete activity reports and ensure lessons and action points are documented
Keep an up-to-date database of all training participants supported by the project.
Participate in project coordination meetings, planning meetings and site events.
Participate in regular visits to project sites to monitor project progress.
Provide technical support to Ophthalmic staff in utilization of learning resources on Cybersight and the Women Leaders in Eye Health platform
Any other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

University degree or higher Diploma in a relevant field of social science, development, Public Health.
Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience working in Project/Program management of international organizations or government agencies.
Experience with project planning, budgets, monitoring and evaluation and partner engagement.
Experience working with the Ministry of Health at different levels
Experience working in eye care will be an added advantage

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Skilled in, and committed to, community participation/interaction, field visits and presence in project areas
Proven project management skills, including finance, logistics and procurement management skills.
Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills with a customer-centered approach and the ability to maintain strong relationships with various stakeholders with different backgrounds.
Excellent spoken and written English language competence is essential
Strong writing skills are essential
Excellent organizational & planning skills: ability to effectively multi-task and manage a broad spectrum of responsibilities with the appropriate sense of urgency.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Highly functional in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Flexible, pro-active, and open-minded work style: the ability to work productively both independently and in a team-based environment.
Fluent in English (verbal and written).
Willingness to travel locally.