Volunteer Community Health Assistant (CHA)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Purpose/Objective

The Community Health Assistant (CHA) is responsible for supporting the delivery of primary healthcare services at the community level. This includes immunization, health promotion, maternal and child health support, disease prevention, and facilitating effective linkages between households and health facilities. The CHA plays a key role in coordinating and supervising Community Health Promoters (CHPs), supporting the implementation of the Kenya Community Health Strategy, and ensuring accurate reporting and data management. The position reports directly to the Health Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery and Health Promotion

• Provide basic health services including immunization, health education, and management of common illnesses such as diarrhea and malaria.

• Support maternal and child health, including promoting antenatal/postnatal care and breastfeeding.

• Educate communities on healthy behaviors, including hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, and water safety.

• Conduct household visits for health education, surveillance, and disease prevention.

• Facilitate community dialogue days, action days, and health campaigns.

• Promote the uptake of preventive health services such as family planning and safe water use.

Community Mobilization and Engagement

• Work with Community Health Committees (CHCs), CHPs, and other stakeholders to implement health strategies and work plans.

• Strengthen community participation in health programs and support referrals between communities and health facilities.

• Collaborate with local leaders, NGOs, and MOH structures to enhance health outcomes.

• Conduct routine follow-ups of patients defaulting on immunization, HIV, nutrition, and chronic illness services.

Supervision and Capacity Building

• Oversee and support the performance of CHPs, ensuring clear roles and household assignments.

• Organize and conduct training, mentorship, and on-the-job support for CHPs.

• Develop training curricula and contribute to training manuals in collaboration with the CHP team.

• Ensure annual training and biannual supervision of CHPs is carried out effectively.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of services delivered at the community level.

• Ensure timely and accurate data collection, compilation, and reporting using MOH tools and digital platforms.

• Analyze and utilize data for performance monitoring and decision-making.

• Submit regular reports to the health facility and relevant stakeholders.

Program Implementation and Coordination

• Support the rollout and implementation of the national community health strategy.

• Coordinate implementation of community health action plans and participate in program reviews and health surveys.

• Attend facility-level meetings and provide guidance on community health issues.

• Participate in camp-wide health surveys and intersectoral coordination meetings.

Other Duties

Undertake any other duties as assigned by the Health Manager or Program Manager to support health programming.

Key Result Areas

• Effective supervision and coordination of CHPs.

• Timely and accurate reporting of community health data.

• Increased community participation and improved health outcomes.

• Consistent training and capacity building of community health workforce.

• Strengthened linkage between the community and health facilities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Diploma in Community Health, Public Health, Environmental Health, or a related field.

• Registered with a recognized regulatory body.

Experience and Competencies:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in community health or public health.

• Experience working with or supporting the MOH in implementing the Kenya Community Health Strategy and Community Health Policy is a MUST have.

• Ability to design community engagement and BCC strategies to foster positive change and sustainable impact in the community.

• very good understanding of how the MOH and county health department’s function.

• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.

• Strong team player with cultural sensitivity and adaptability to challenging environments.

• Previous experience working in low-resource or refugee settings is an advantage.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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