General information
Dark & Light in the Netherlands and Light for the World in Austria are two independent development organisations which support programs in the area of eye care and rehabilitation of persons with disability. In 2009, these two organisations have signed an agreement for strategic cooperation in Sudan. Dark & Light has taken up the role as the lead organisation. Light for the World is contributing in terms of strategic advice, technical advice and finances. We are now looking for a coordinator, mainly to strengthen the eye care projects supported by Dark & Light and Light for the World and to contribute to the national program for prevention of blindness.
Dark & Light will register as NGO in South Sudan in the near future.

History
In 2004 Dark & Light has started financing a trachoma project in Southern Sudan implemented by Christian Mission Aid. In 2006 we have developed this project into a comprehensive eye care project in Jonglei state together with the partner organisation. This project was financed by Dark & Light and Light for the World in Austria. In 2009 we have started with the second phase of this comprehensive eye care project. Further, we are supporting eye care projects in Mapuordit, in Nuba Mountains and in Khartoum. We have contributed towards the development of the national plan for prevention of blindness and we do cooperate with the Ministry of Health for the implementation of this plan. Besides the eye care program, we have initiated and are coordinating an inclusive education program in Southern Sudan, as well as a project in Community Based Rehabilitation.

Location
The Eye Care Coordinator will be based in Juba. He/she will share an office with the Inclusive education coordinator of Dark & Light and Light for the World. He/she will report to the program coordinator in the head office of Dark & Light in the Netherlands.

Role/ responsibilities
The Eye Care Coordinator will be responsible for networking, program monitoring and capacity building of partner organisations.

Networking

• To represent Dark & Light and Light for the World to the government of South Sudan, in particular the Ministry of Health.
• To become an active member of the national task force for prevention of blindness/Vision 2020 and participate in the meetings.
• To collect information on eye care and health related issues.
• To network with organisations and networks active in health and eye care.
• To manage relations with UN, EU and other institutional donors and explore funding opportunities.

Program management

• To facilitate the development of a plan for prevention of blindness for Jonglei State together with the State Ministry of Jonglei State and partner organisations.
• To contribute to the development of a plan for prevention of blindness for other states as per strategy of Dark & Light and Light for the World
• To identify potential eye care projects and support their development
• To negotiate a strong partnership between partners in the field and local governments.
• To perform field visits to partner organisations.
• To assist eye care partner organisations in developing annual plans and budgets.
• To coordinate narrative and financial reporting of eye care partners to Dark & Light.
• To coordinate evaluations of the eye care program.
• To facilitate financial audits of partner organisations.
• To facilitate exchange amongst local partner organisations (active in education, rehabilitation and eye care).
• To assist partner organisations in developing new eye care project plans.

Capacity building

• To identify gaps in capacity of partner organisations and local government.
• To coordinate processes of capacity building.
• To support activities undertaken by consultants.

Public relations

• To inform media, donors, government officials, NGO’s about eye care in Sudan.
• T0 assist Dark & Light and Light for the World in gathering information relevant for fundraising and PR in the Netherlands/Austria and Europe (human interest stories).
• To assist staff members of Dark & Light and Light for the World in preparing and during project visits.

Requirements
We are looking for a person who:

• has an academic background in public health or a related field,
• has several years of experience in program management in the health sector,
• is able to build a relationship with staff of governments, non governmental and faith based organisations on an equal basis,
• is proactive,
• has project cycle management skills,
• is fluent in English

Preferred

• knowledge of eye care,
• originating from Sudan or the East-African region.

Application Instructions
Applications and an updated CV should be sent to k.hol@darkandlight.org before 16 October 2009. For telephone inquiries, please contact Ms B. Bos at telephone no. +31 (0)318 787382.