SILAS OTIENO OKUMU

Tel.: +254724155015/+254736425513
E-mail: silokumu68@gmail.com, health.somalia@intersos.org
Nairobi, Kenya
Gender: Male
Nationality: Kenyan
Marital Status: Married

QUALIFICATIONS

2016 :(On going); PhD candidate in Strategic Management, Jomo Kenyatta University of
agriculture and Technology; Nairobi, Kenya.

2012- 2014: Masters of Science in Project Management, Jomo Kenyatta University of agriculture
and Technology; Nairobi, Kenya.

2006-2010: Bachelors of Science (B.S.C), in Food Science, Health and Nutrition, First Class
Honors degree Moi University; Eldoret, Kenya.

2001-2004: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, 2004, Mean Grade B+ [plus], Agoro Sare
High School, Kenya.

1992- 2000: Kenya Certificate of Primary Education-KCPE]-Marks scored 515/700.

CAREER OBJECTIVES
To work in the Fields of Public Health and Nutrition within Humanitarian programming in conflict
settings, contributing to the improvement of health, nutrition and social conditions of crisis
affected populations. I intend to achieve this through implementation, management and monitoring
and evaluation systems, Health System Strengthening, Health and Nutrition projects and strategic
plans for prevention and treatment of diseases, targeting women and children.
To be involved in humanitarian work that promotes fundamental human rights by alleviating
human suffering, improving livelihoods, health and reducing extreme poverty and hunger in
developing countries.

COMPETENCIES
I am a result oriented community development practitioner experienced in provision of technical
guidance to health and nutrition projects. I have also been able to provide technical advice to and
recommendations of appropriate interventions according to the changing context. I am very
knowledgeable in: designing and coordinating evidence based health and nutrition interventions
fundraising and resource mobilization.
I have been involved with in implementation of Health and Nutrition projects in Somalia for 3
years focusing on EPHS, Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM), Health and Nutrition
Advocacy, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, High Impact Nutrition Interventions (HINI),
Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Interventions.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1. INTERSOS- Health and Nutrition Coordinator

Period: January, 2016 to date:
Summary of Responsibilities

Designing, coordinating, implementing and monitoring of primary and secondary health

and nutrition interventions in South Central Somalia targeting particularly women and
children aged below 5 years.
Robustly involved in capacity building and training related activities for Health and
Nutrition project staff.
Contributes to the technical definition of Health and Nutrition project strategies and to the
elaboration projects finalized to the health strategy implementation.
Actively participates in fund raising activities through proposal development.
Maintains effective relationship with donors and to remain informed about decisions,
developments and initiatives of Health and Nutrition projects
Directly responsible for preparation and submission of inception and end of project report
reports.
Prepares monthly, quarterly and end of project reports as required by Donors.
Strives to the achievement of the objectives of INTEROS health and nutrition projects in
Kenya and Somalia either by direct supervision or remote control management.
Manage human resources within Health and nutrition projects, coordinating and
motivating personnel, encouraging continuous update and training on the job.
Maintains the relationships between INTERSOS and other health and nutrition partners
and the donors as well.
Achievements
Coordinating, with overall management responsibility of 7 Health and Nutrition projects
(budget > 2 M USD, employing over 100 staff members including expats) reaching
approximately 200,000 beneficiaries. Fully developed and proposed 9 new Health and
Nutrition projects. I have developed and strengthened relations with current and potential
donors and strengthened INTERSOS position within all relevant coordination mechanisms
(clusters, Health Sector, Health cluster Nutrition cluster)
2. Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli (CISP)The International Committee
For the Development of Peoples
Title: Assistant Health and Nutrition Programme Manager (Kenya and Somali
Programmes)
Period: January, 2015 to December, 2015
Major responsibilities/Achievements
 Providing Technical Leadership to all CISP Health and Nutrition projects in Kenya and
Somalia.
Overseeing the development of Maternal Infant and Child Health and Nutrition
proposals.
Supervises the implementation of EPHS- Essential Package of Health Services in
Somalia.
Reviewing and documenting expenditures for Global Fund, TB, HIV and EPHS and
OCHA emergency projects for South Central Zone, Somalia.
Prepares timely, quality project reports in accordance with the donors and internal
guidelines for Global Fund, UNICEF and OFDA.
Prepares documents for logistics, procurements and other administrative activities
including TORs for consultants to be hired.
Preparation and submission of materials for communication and accountability to be
uploaded on the website.
Collaborates in the development of proposals for donors
Contributes in the preparation of regular or ad-hoc documents eg sheets, bronchures,
for dissemination at MoH , DHB or cluster level.
Compiles EPHS, Global Fund, HIV and TB reports for donors.
Represents CISP in all National meetings, creating and sustaining healthy and useful
relationships between CISP and other Civil society organizations within Health/
Nutrition and Food Security sectors.
Networks and collaborates with donors during negotiation of grants
Recruitment of staff in the department, preparation of their job description and
contracts for review by HR.
Training all CISP staff in both Kenya and Somali in Advocacy
Training County TOTs in Kwale, Kilifi and Kitui counties in Advocacy and social
mobilization.
3. Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) under Research, Care and Treatment Program.
Period: 7th August, 2013 to 30th December, 2014.
Title: County Nutrition Coordinator ICCM and MNCH programme (Homa Bay
County-Kenya) For Integrated Community Case Management for Pneumonia, Malaria,
diarrhea and Malnutrition. This is an implementation Research/Study that sought to
determine the extent to which iCCM could reduce morbidities and mortalities associated
with pneumonia, malaria, diarrhea and malnutrition in children aged below 5 years. MNHC
leveraged on iCCM to contribute towards improving child survival in the county.

Major Responsibilities/Achievements

With the support of the county Coordinator, I coordinated the implementation of the iCCM
and MNC programme in Homa bay County by KEMRI, MOH and other partners to
 improve the accessibility, utilization and quality of child health services at the community
level.
I tracked Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS), and coordinated all the project VAS
activities in the county and participated in VAS events in the county including MALEZI
BORA.
Coordinated initial and ongoing countywide training, refresher trainings and On the Job
training (OJT) of the primary health workers on iCCM and MNCH in Homabay County.
Coordinated project supplies including ordering, distribution and monitoring of
consumption and monthly reporting on consumption.
Participated in the development of health and Nutrition promotion-related materials (IEC)
in liaison with the relevant partners.
Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual reports relating to the project and assisted in
preparation of quarterly project work plans and progress reports in line with donor
requirements.
Provided continuous guidance and technical support on all aspect of nutrition to the project
and MOH staff in project area.
Coordinated all community-based activities including, Community dialogue days and
encouraged community participation in monitoring and demanding for quality health
services.
Contributed to documentation of the project lessons to enable learning from the action.
Networked and collaborated with donors (WHO and UNICEF), Ministry of Health, County
authorities and other existing partners and ensured their involvement in the project
activities.
Designed several Quality Check/Control tools for entire iCCM and MNCH activities
including SOPs.
Participated in designing and executing data capturing system for m-iCCM and MNCH
with various validation checks.
Installed m-iCCM and MNCH application in mobile phones to enhance accurate reporting.
Participated in data cleaning before analysis.
Participated in concept and proposal development for new studies.

4. MERCY USA FOR AID & DEVELOPMENT

Title: Program Coordinator, (Health and Nutrition) Kitui and Kwale Counties

Period: 20th September, 2011- 12th, June, 2013

Major Responsibilities/Achievements

(a) Program Design and management

Led in project design and work plan development of the identified interventions.
Generated quality monthly and quarterly reports on progress and analysis of program
results and accomplishments.
Reported on lessons learned from failed interventions identified as innovative in the design
stage.
 Ensured that a holistic & community driven approach to the interventions was employed.
Ensured that interventions were closely coordinated with other Mercy USA programs
(WASH, FSL, Education and Health, HIV/AIDS).

(b). Coordination of Nutrition Activities

Monitored, guided and supported the work of the Field officers and other members of the
Nutrition team for quality programming.
Conducted regular visits to field sites allowing monitoring of implementation of activities
and worked with core staff in developing solutions to problems that arose.
Maintained regular communication with Nutrition staff in the field, Nutrition Advisor and
Mercy USA management.
Received regular and timely reports from Nutrition officers, WASH officers and
mobilizers and took appropriate action on issues raised.
Facilitated team work and problem solving skills.
Carried out work with respect to Mercy USA security concerns, protocols and established
policy.
Protected all staff and beneficiaries from any form of exploitation including sexually
exploitative relationships.

(c). Budget and Grants Management

Planed, Monitored and reviewed program expenditure on a monthly, quarterly & annual
basis.
Tracked and reported on program indicators at both national and field levels to ensure that
program implementation met donor requirements and Mercy USA internal control
procedures and that program deliverables were met.

(d). Record Keeping/Reporting

Developed M&E best practices and metrics in collaboration with the M&E team.
Oversaw the establishment of an efficient and effective system for recording and reporting
on program activities, overall statistics and materials ordering, distribution and use.
Ensured program data was updated accordingly and information used for learning.
Ensured that there was nutrition database in place for timely and accurate analysis of the
information.

(e). Training

Led Nutrition core staff in identifying training needs and developing capacity building and
training programs and packages required in areas like HINI, MIYCN, Nutrition and
HIV/AIDS.
Participated in conducting formal and informal training sessions/seminars and capacity
building activities as was appropriate.
Led field team to develop and execute appropriate training and capacity building measures
to support community structures and partners.
(f) . Liaison

Coordinated with the relevant actors such as local authorities, agencies, national and
international NGOs, donors, community leaders and other beneficiaries to further the work
of the Mercy USA programs.
Participated in discussions with relevant stakeholders to familiarize them with the
respective nutrition projects and ensured understanding, cooperation and backing from the
start.
Attended other key meetings that had impact on Mercy USA nutrition program.

5. International Rescue Committee ( Dadaab Refugee Camp, Kenya Somali Border)

Title: Nutrition Program Officer.
Period: 29th, July, 2011- 15th September, 2011

Major Responsibilities/ Achievements

With the support of nutrition team, ensured smooth implementation of a home-based

Therapeutic Feeding Program (CMAM) in host community.
Supervised and worked in strict collaboration with the nutrition team in the screening
activities of severely malnourished children.
Trained the nutrition team in case detection and home-based care.
In collaboration with the Nutrition Manager and the logistics officer followed-up food
provision.
Assisted the nursing staff in the implementation of TF activities within the pediatric
ward (SC) and ensured the management of the commodities (food, drugs and
equipment) was done professionally.
Trained and supported the pediatrics (SC) staff in severe malnutrition case management
according to international guidelines.
Ensured proper communication, coordination and harmonization of tools with the
different stakeholders involved in food/nutrition activities.
Participated in the conduction of studies and surveys;
Trained and mentoredMoH staff and other key stakeholders in GMP, Nutrition in
HIV/AIDS, IYCF, MNDC, IMAM and Dietetics.
Implemented comprehensive IYCF program with strong BCC and BFHI approaches.
Ensured dietetic management of patients with nutrition related medical conditions.
Enhanced integration of Nutrition activities with other key health programs.
 6. Samaritans Purse International Relief, West Pokot, Kenya

Title: Nutrition Officer

Period: 3rd, April, 2010- 30th, May, 2011
Major Responsibilities/Achievements

Trained health workers in facilities through on job training and mentoring on therapeutic
feeding, Supplementary Feeding Program, micronutrient supplementation, infant and
young child feeding hygiene and sanitation, infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS.
Trained and supported facilities offering maternity services in readiness to be accredited
Baby friendly hospital initiative.
Trained and supported health workers on collection, handling, analysis and reporting of
data related to screening, admission and patients follow-up.
Trained health workers on supply request and stock management.
Offered technical support on medical and anthropometric screening of malnourished
children and pregnant and lactating mothers.
Offered technical support at the stabilization centers in attending to and monitoring the
admitted children using the national protocol on integrated management of acute
malnutrition.
Offered technical support to facilities to carry out nutrition surveillance of all children less
than 5 years old; pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in Therapeutic feeding program and
Supplementary feeding program; and participated in the nutrition surveillance in the
general population as well as active screening.
Assisted in developing formal and informal training materials to build the capacity of the
host population in health and nutrition education.
Supported social mobilization at community level to increase consumption of nutrition
services at facility and community level.
Trained community health workers on screening of beneficiaries, defaulter tracing, health
education, premixing of CSB and vegetable oil as well as distribution.
Supported health workers to improve the provision of quality nutrition counseling and
education in the hospital and other entry points in the health and nutrition programs.
ADDITIONAL TRAININGS

Nutrition Advocacy TOT Training by Kenya Scaling up Nutrition, Civil Society Alliance
Chapter, in collaboration with AMREF, October, 2015.
Gender Integration and Womens Empowerment Course, The Hunger Project (Online) ,
May, 2014
Monitoring and Evaluation of Malaria Programs, MEASURE EVALUATION/USAID,
April, 2014.
IMCI- Integrated Management of childhood illnesses, KEMRI, February, 2014
(TOT)Integrated Community Case Management for Pneumonia, Diarrhea, Malaria and
Malnutrition. (ICCM) and Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH), KEMRI,
December, 2013.
Monitoring and Evaluation, MEASURE EVALUATION/ USAID, KENYA, September,
2013

Advocacy Expertise
- Media Advocacy
- Policy formulation and Analysis
- Writing Position papers
- Planning and executing campaigns

Publications
Factors Affecting, Performance of Donor Funded Nutrition Projects. A case study of MERCY
USA Nutrition Project, Kenya. Available on
http://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/html/10.11648.j.ijefm.20150305.26.html

LANGUAGES
Excellent level in both written and spoken English
Excellent level in both written and spoken Kiswahili
Excellent level in both written and spoken Dholuo
Intermediate level in both written and spoken French
ICT/ COMPUTER SKILLS
Excellent Microsoft Office skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), excellent internet browsing
and research skills.
Familiar the following data analysis software with SMART, EPI INFO, SPSS, STATA and
SAS
REFERENCES

(1) Andrea Martinotti

Head of Mission, INTERSOS, Tel 0734 000710, E-mail, Somalia@intersos.org

(2)Erick sakwa
Head Of Programs, CISP-Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli. Tel number:
+254725234074: Email- sakwa@cisp-nairobi.org

(2). Elijah Asadhi

KEMRI- ICCM - Research Care and Treatment Program- Study Coordinator/ M&E- Tel
+254720655366, E-mail:asadhielijah@yahoo.com

(3). Mrs. Merab Opondo-

Nutrition Technical Manager; Mercy USA for Aid and Development

Tel +254721124727, E-mail; mapondi@mercyusa.org.

(4). Mrs. Elizabeth Ndiwa

Programme Manager Samaritans Purse International Relief in West Pokot.

Tel- +254720889838, E-mail:echerop@spkenya.org/ elizacherop@gmail.com.