Project Support Intern

Amref Health Africa was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become the largest African-based international health development organization, currently implementing more than 180 programs, reaching more than 40 million people across 35 African countries, and a staff complement of over 2,000. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref Health Africa has offices in ten African countries – Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea (Conakry), Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. An additional eleven advocacy and fundraising offices are located in Europe and North America.

Amref Health Africa is driven by its vision of ‘Lasting health change in Africa’ and its mission ‘To catalyse and drive community-led and people-centred health systems while addressing social determinants of health.’ We believe that the power to transform Africa’s health lies within its communities and therefore strive to ensure that health systems are not only functional but communities are empowered to hold these systems accountable for delivering of quality and affordable health care.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To support the implementation of sustainable WASH interventions in vulnerable public primary schools and communities. The Intern will play a key role in improving health outcomes through preventive and promotive health strategies in intervention sites.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Intern will report to the Project Officer and work closely with other team members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In consultation with the Project Officer and Project Associate, the intern will be responsible for the following.

1. Community Health

• Facilitate selection of community wells and longitudinal water quality testing.
• Support training of Water Management Committees.
• Facilitate Community Dialogues in targeted villages.

2. School Health promotion in targeted schools

• Support behaviour change interventions in targeted schools.
• Support training of targeted school Boards of Management on WASH and school health promotion.
• Seek innovative behaviour change strategies as per the WHEEL project model.
• Support in the mapping of WASH school needs.
• Work closely with school leadership structures to ensure project sustainability.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Conduct needs assessment and support selection of beneficiary schools targeted with WASH outputs.
• Spearhead longitudinal water quality testing in project sites.
• Conduct monitoring visits to project schools.

4. Community Mobilization

• Engage communities for project entry and implementation success.
• Support training of community groups on WASH.

5. Other Tasks

• Support project, departmental and organizational duties as and when needed, in line with professional growth.

Qualifications

Educational Background

• A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Community Health, or a related field.

Experience

• Should have not more than 1 year of experience.

Key Skills and Competences

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good communication skills (oral and written).
• Good understanding of Microsoft Office tools for knowledge work.
• Versatility.      
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and excellence oriented.
• Self-driven professional.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Socio-cultural Context

• The job requires a deep understanding of socio-cultural context of communities living in the Kenyan Coast for successful project implementation.

Environment

• Normal office environment at the workstation. Extensive field work in the hot and sunny climate of Kilifi County. Travel beyond project area (Kilifi County) is minimal.

Hours of work

• Under special circumstances, the job holder may be required to work outside normal work hours.