Irene Achola

• Led and Supported formulation of Policy, four strategies and programs to accelerate private Sector development and participation and public-private partnerships in KCCA public health initiatives of epidemic/disease control and integration into operations of project.
• Led in formulating strategies and operational programs for private sector development and PPP promotion in City Divisions in coordination with health sector in consultation with government agencies
• Participated in preparation of KCCA partnership strategy and annual business plans and economic, thematic and sector work undertaken by sector divisions.
• Liaised with Directorate of Public Health and Environment in preparation of two private sector assessments for epidemic/Disease control and prevention for identification of common work initiatives.
• Conducted policy dialogue with Governments, development partners, private sector, and other stakeholders to identify and address challenges to scaling up private sector development and PPPs in KCCA in field of public health.
• Coordinated with Directorate of Public Health in Promoting sector strategies to facilitate five financing of PPP Epidemic/disease projects.
• Liaised and Coordinated with 15 Development Partners and Private Sector financiers on co-financing for PPPs.
• Promoted application of innovative PPP structures and approaches within Directorate of Public Health and Environment that would attract future collaborative venture in area of epidemic/disease control.
• Advised on financial risks in implementing PPPs and identify necessary mitigating and corrective actions.
• Acted as resource person for financial structuring related issues, including resolving complex financial structuring issues.
• Maintained knowledge of emerging best practices on enhancing private sector development and PPPs, including good practice examples, and guidelines through internal and external networks. Keep abreast of latest trends and developments in addressing PPP related issues. Ensure comparability of directorate’s best practices.
• Participated in and contributed to internal and external training programs and conferences on private sector development and PPPs.
• Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
• Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.

• Develop and employ Primary Health care strategies focusing on preventive and basic curative health like, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, Gender based violence and psychosocial support
• Employed three components for prevention of HIV/AIDS and these include, biomedical, Behavioral change and structural components.
• Ensured use of data collected in decision making and to help fight new communicable diseases
• Ensured regular updates with Government, UNHCR and other national and international NGOs during monthly meetings both at settlement and during national gathering/meetings in Kampala.
• Ensured information sharing especially on HIV/AIDS and this was during health campaigns, community dialogues and daily health information at health facilities
• Revived four existing structures to help in prevention.
• Coordinated activities with other UN agencies and Civil Society organizations
• Participated in recruitment of necessary staff.
• Represented organization in 30 technical Working group meetings at Ministry of Health
• Managed budgets and resources for educational programs.

Partnership and coordination

• Participated in Health and Protection 20 Sub-Working Groups and ensure integration of RH and SGBV priorities into humanitarian response plans and implementation.
• Participated and engaged in relevant Technical Working Group meetings.
• Coordinated, organized and engaged different 15 partners for Policy development
• Liaised with RH and SGBV staff from other agencies and organizations, including government, national and international NGOS and women’s groups to ensure coordinated response to RH and SGBV concerns or gaps identified.
• Liaised with 150policy makers to approve SRHR policies
• Provide substantial input to develop comprehensive RH and SGBV programme including referral and reporting mechanisms, information sharing, coordination, and monitoring/evaluation.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical support in relation to RH and SGBV in preparation of Regional Response Plans and other appeal processes and documents.
• Work with relevant partners to develop and/or revise training materials according to local context and implement relevant training sessions
• Updated online budget tracking tool and provide input and share experiences and lessons learned with other countries
• Provided technical input to development of relevant advocacy and policy documents to address RH and SGBV in context of broader gender inequality issues.
• Arranged for capacity building of partners to provide comprehensive RH and SGBV support services

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Developed plan of action and timetable for all monitoring activities to be undertaken
• Carried out regular visits to sites and to health units and service delivery points, to check main needs and to ensure that partners are implementing high-quality programs to respond to RH and SGBV needs of affected population
• Closely working with SRHR focal persons and program directors from different organizations
• Coordinated budget and Accountability project.
• Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Collaborated with finance department to budget and monitor program operations, ensuring sound fiscal and system management
• Analyzed internal reports to evaluate program effectiveness by using outcomes-based approach
• Provided key leadership to project managers, directors, and other team members

• I provided Technical Guidance and oversaw the implementation of all work support for Community Conversations on HIV & AIDS, in order to strengthen district and community responses to HIV & AIDS. This included working closely with selected NGOs and Civil Society Organizations, Religious Leaders and People Living with HIV & AIDS;
• Provided guidance on PEPFAR reporting and activities
• Actively involved in HIV/AIDS data cleaning and analysis and using the information to inform programing and provision of better services
• I ensured compliance of operations with organization rules, regulations and policies, implementation of project operational strategies and monitoring achievement of results;
• I established collaborative arrangements with project partners and appropriate operational partnership arrangements;
• I led the program planning, implementation, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation
• Ensured knowledge building and sharing with regards to management and operations of the project
• Represented the organization at different forums that address gender and other cutting issues such as HIV/AIDS and SRHR issues and participated in advocacy on gender issues
• Advocated for the streamlining of gender and sexuality issues such as sexual minorities and sex workers/ survival sex workers issues in refugee protection and assistance programs.

• Provided technical leadership and support to field team to ensure effective management and timely implementation of work plans and budgets as per project milestones.
• Participated with sub office management team in development of area strategy and associated project implementation plan, budgets and monthly cash flow forecast to achieve project output and objectives including monitoring and project review in accordance with donor requirements.
• Managed all detail project budgets in fulfillment of specified activities, output and objectives and supported provision of narrative and financial reports.
• Documented all cases for effective management at various referral points of contact.
• Actively participated in seven program operational planning and implementation processes in line with MTI strategy.
• Actively participated and contributed towards resource mobilization for three MTI programs.
• Offered technical guidance and input in production of BCC materials that focus on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.
• Built capacity of staff and implementing partners to enable them implement reproductive health and HIV/AIDS projects better
• Adopted/developed sexual reproductive implementation models that are context specific to different MTI projects.
• Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
• Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.

• Responsible for making travel arrangements for customers ( including hotel and cars)
• Responsible for large cash float.
• Collected, validated, and distributed information to employees.
• Computerized office activities, maintained customer communications, and tracked records through delivery.

• Created awareness in community about male involvement in maternal health and family planning services Eg. Promotion of vasectomy, tubal ligation, and distribution of condoms
• Carried out life-skills education/trainings in schools both secondary and primary schools, also involving out of school youth in activities that delay them from early pregnancy.
• Participated in Inter Agency Assessment Team;
• Identified future areas of intervention for MSU, drafted proposals for donors (including intervention budgets);
• Designed implementation plan for Child Protection Team in terms of psychosocial intervention and stress release for affected population ;( amongst our beneficiaries).
• Drafted activity reports, weekly, monthly and final narrative reports for my- supervisor.