Senior 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 ABI Project Manager

Job Summary
Reporting to the ABI Project Manager, The position assists the ABI Project Manager in designing, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of the ABI project activities to achieve stipulated objectives in Northern project provinces (Ha Giang, Thai Binh and Hai Duong), in line with FHF values, strategies, and policies.

Main tasks & responsibilities
1. Planning, Operation and Management
- Assist the Manager in creating logical frameworks, monitoring and evaluation plans, and plans of actions to articulate project design.
- In consultation with the Manager, work closely with concerned local partners to prepare an annual work plan outlining specific activities, performance indicators, timelines & budgets.
- Together with the team, implement the designed activities in a manner that ensures the attainment of the defined objectives, goals and impact.
- Define monthly work objectives. Track the progress towards achieving project goals.
- Assist the Manager in identifying problems, concerns and issues in the project areas, and work with team members and others as necessary to identify appropriate solutions.
- Regularly communicate with project people in remote locations to keep abreast of project realities, foresee potential problems, and influence team members to achieve proactive solutions.
- Organize workshops, training, and other capacity building activities as necessary.
- Assist with internal and donor reporting (financial and narrative) within agreed timeframe.
- Review project reports offering analytical advice and recommendations for quality improvements.
- Document project activity and prepare case stories which show how FHF’s assistance has made a positive impact on the life of individual beneficiary.
- Provide strategic input into the development and expansion of program activities.
- Oversee financial and budget processes for projects. 

2. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Monitor the progress of the project activities, including verifying and visiting project activities at least weekly to ensure objectives of the project are being met.
- Ensure that monitoring information is accurate and appropriate, and is communicated to appropriate persons so that corrective actions can be taken in a timely manner.
- Assist the Manager with preparation and implementation of project mid-term and final evaluations which will give an accurate picture of progress against objectives.

3. Co-ordination and Relationship
- Coordinate local Project partners in implementing the project activities.
- Assist the Manager in building and nurturing effective working relationships with province, district and community officials and members of the Project Management Board.
- Develop and maintain external working relationships with officials from multilateral and bilateral agencies, and local partners.
- Under supervision of the Manager, interact with other Eye care NGOs in the project areas to build coordination and avoid duplication of project efforts.

4. Team Building Initiatives
- Contribute and provide support to team members on proposal and project management activities to build internal capacity as requested by Country Manager
- Involve others in formulating recommendations and solutions, share knowledge to foster effective team building and enhance corporate performance.
- Manage organizational risk by ensuring adequate preparation and planning of new initiatives.
- Maintain a supportive relationship with the rest of the team.
- Contribute to overcoming barriers to change and innovation.  

5. Project Writing
- Assist the Manager in writing project 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.

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 4 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: 2 years   
Workbase: Ha Noi City, with frequent travel to project sites in Northern Vietnam
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  30 Jan 2010
Contact details: Email to: [email protected] or cc: [email protected]
Salary scale: negotiated