HMIS Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a humanitarian organization that responds to the world's most severe crises, providing essential support to individuals and communities affected by conflict and disaster. Established in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC has grown to operate in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions of displaced individuals. The IRC has been active in Somalia since 2006, delivering vital services to communities impacted by conflict and natural disasters. Their interventions span various sectors, including Economic Recovery and Development (ERD), WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Governance, peacebuilding, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Nutrition, education, and health, reaching over 200,000 individuals affected by conflict and drought.

Job Overview:
The HMIS Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting health information management and ensuring the effective monitoring, evaluation, accountability, learning, and reporting of the UNFPA-funded Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) project in Puntland and North-East States. This position requires the individual to work closely with health facility staff, outreach teams, and various stakeholders to ensure accurate data collection, verification, analysis, and reporting. The HMIS Assistant will be responsible for maintaining data quality and supporting evidence-based decision-making, which is essential for the success of the health programs. The role involves collaboration with the Ministry of Health and IRC program teams to enhance data reporting systems and community feedback mechanisms, ensuring that the health information management processes are efficient and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HMIS Assistant's duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Health Information Management and Reporting: Supporting the collection, compilation, verification, and management of SRH project data from health facilities and outreach teams; ensuring timely submission of reports; reviewing facility reports for accuracy; maintaining project databases; assisting health facility staff with patient records; monitoring data flow; ensuring confidentiality of health information; generating data summaries and performance reports.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL): Implementing project monitoring plans; conducting routine monitoring visits; performing data quality assessments; tracking project indicators; supporting evaluations and surveys; documenting lessons learned; and assisting in beneficiary verification exercises.
• Community Feedback, Accountability, and Client Responsiveness: Implementing IRC's Community Feedback and Response Mechanism; collecting and tracking feedback from beneficiaries; maintaining accountability databases; analyzing feedback trends; and organizing community engagement sessions.
• Data Quality Assurance: Ensuring consistency between source documents and reports; conducting data verification exercises; identifying discrepancies; and developing data quality improvement plans.
• Capacity Building and Technical Support: Training health facility staff on HMIS tools and reporting procedures; providing on-the-job support; and promoting data utilization for decision-making.
• Coordination and Communication: Collaborating with Ministry of Health personnel and project teams; participating in coordination meetings; and supporting information sharing among stakeholders.
• Other Duties: Supporting project assessments and ensuring compliance with IRC policies and safeguarding standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in public health, health information management, or a related field. Additional training in DHIS2, Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Management, HMIS, or Public Health Information Systems is advantageous. The role requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in Health Information Management Systems (HMIS), Monitoring and Evaluation, or health data management. Experience in health, SRH, maternal health, or donor-funded health programs is highly desirable. Proficiency in using data management systems such as DHIS2, Kobo Toolbox, CommCare, ODK, and Excel is essential. Candidates should also have experience in routine monitoring, reporting, accountability, and data quality assurance activities, as well as familiarity with Community Feedback and Response Mechanisms (CFRM) or Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in public health, health information management, or a related field. Additional training in relevant areas such as DHIS2, Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Management, HMIS, or Public Health Information Systems is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in Health Information Management Systems (HMIS), Monitoring and Evaluation, or health data management. Candidates should have a proven track record of working within health, SRH, maternal health, or donor-funded health programs, demonstrating their ability to manage health information effectively. Experience with data management systems and supporting routine monitoring and reporting activities is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills are essential for effective collaboration with various stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to IRC's policies and safeguarding standards. The role may involve working in challenging environments, and the candidate should be prepared for potential travel within the operational areas. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad, but candidates can expect a competitive package commensurate with their experience and qualifications.