Hypertension Project Coordinator

Africa Advocacy Foundation is a registered charity established in 1996 that promotes better health, education and other life opportunities for disadvantaged people (primarily African communities) through practical support, advocacy, policy work campaigns, information, advice, and training. We work with marginalized communities and in particular black African and Caribbean communities’ migrants at risk and those diagnosed with infectious disease and long-term conditions. AAF also works to support those affected by violence and harmful cultural practices in the UK and the European region.

Africa Advocacy Foundation (AAF) is seeking a proactive and dedicated Project Coordinator to lead the implementation of a Hypertension Awareness Project in the London borough of Lewisham. This initiative is commissioned by the South East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) to enhance awareness, education, and early detection of hypertension within local communities, particularly among high-risk groups in the Core 20+5 and Black African and Afro-Caribbean communities. The project will be delivered in partnership with King’s College London (KCL) and other key stakeholders.

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for planning, delivering, and monitoring project activities, ensuring engagement with local stakeholders, and driving positive health outcomes.

• Project Management: Develop and implement a detailed work plan, ensuring project milestones and objectives are met on time and within budget.
• Targeted Outreach: Utilize AAF’s established community networks (e.g., barbershops, salons, faith-based spaces, cultural centres, food markets, food banks, Beacon Hubs) to engage high-risk populations.
• Community Engagement: Build partnerships with local community groups, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to promote hypertension awareness and encourage participation in screenings and educational activities.
• Culturally Relevant Information: Work with KCL partners to co-create relatable resources addressing hypertension symptoms, prevention, treatment, and self-management practices.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with Primary Care Networks (PCNs), pharmacies, NHS clinicians, and community leaders to integrate hypertension awareness into broader public health strategies.
• Training & Volunteer Coordination: Recruit, train, and support community champions, peer mentors, and faith leaders to assist with healthcare access and awareness campaigns and carry out Blood Pressure tests with patients.
• Event Coordination: Organize community-based blood pressure screenings, workshops, and mobile clinic sessions in collaboration with local partners.
• Referral Pathways: Establish and manage referral systems to ensure individuals identified through community outreach are efficiently connected to health checks and primary care providers.
• Cultural Competency Training: Facilitate training sessions for community stakeholders, NHS staff, and local authority representatives to improve service accessibility and cultural sensitivity.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Collect data, track project impact, and report outcomes to the South East London ICB and other relevant bodies.

Proven experience in project coordination, preferably in public health, community health, or health promotion. Strong understanding of hypertension and other long-term conditions (e.g diabetes, COPD) and its impact on health inequalities and public health, particularly within African and Caribbean communities. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to plan and manage events, workshops, and outreach activities. Experience in monitoring and evaluation, including data collection and reporting. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Familiarity with the Lewisham borough community and existing health initiatives is an advantage.

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Public Health, Community Development, Project Management, or a related field.
• Experience working with NHS or other public health bodies.
• Knowledge of digital health promotion strategies, including social media campaigns.

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their suitability for the role to jobs@africadvocacy.org by 28 February 2025. Interviews will be held on 6th and 7th March 2025.

For any inquiries about this post, please contact Denis Onyango at denis@africadvocacy.org/+447577353535.