CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: Médecins du Monde
Country: Liberia
Closing date: 31 Oct 2014

For more than 30 years, Médecins du Monde, a campaigning medical organisation committed to international solidarity, has been caring for the most vulnerable populations at home and abroad. It has continued to highlight obstacles that exist in accessing health care and has secured sustainable improvements in health-for-all policies. Those working for this independent organisation do not solely dispense care and treatment but condemn violations of human dignity and rights and fight to improve matters for populations living in precarious situations.

MdM currently works in 46 countries across all continents where it focuses on 4 priority areas: caring for the health of migrants and displaced persons, promoting sexual and reproductive health, combating HIV and reducing the harm and risks associated with drug use, crises and conflicts.

Much of the legacy of Liberia in the world is related to the brutal string of civil wars between 1989 and 2003. Since the end of the war, the Government has been focused on increasing production and reducing poverty while creating an environment of good governance.
Between 2003 and 2013, Médecins du Monde (MdM) intervened in Bong County - north-central of the country - implementing a number of programs which contributed to improve access to health services for the general population and the expansion of the Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS). In 2014, MdM started a new programme in Monrovia (Montserrado County) aiming at ensuring the provision of health care, psychosocial support and access to rehabilitation services for marginalized people in the ghettos.
Since the beginning of 2014, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone are experiencing an unprecedented Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic. In Liberia, as of August the 28th 2014, a cumulative total (confirmed, probable and suspected) of 1590 cases including 896 deaths (CFR of 56.3%) have been reported. The distribution of cases shows that 2 Counties (Lofa and Montserrado) are the most affected with Lofa County being the epicenter of the epidemic. The government has instituted a 90 days state of emergency, and has closed borders and deployed its military personnel to assist in the containment of the epidemic.
The situation of EVD epidemic is gradually deteriorating to emergency humanitarian crisis.
MdM has developed activities since the earlier stage of the EVD epidemic to support Montserrado CHSWT/MOHSW.
Regarding the recent evolution of the uncontrolled spreading of EVD epidemic in Liberia, MdM has decided to scale up its support to prevent the transmission of Ebola and reduce morbidity and mortality due to EVD Epidemic in Liberia while ensuring maximum safety of MdM staff. The action aims at helping the MOHSW with provision of basic package of health services (BPHS) and trainings on infection control at health facilities and reinforcing its community based sensitization activities in order to prevent new cases among communities.
SPECIFIC SAFETY & SECURITY SITUATION:
While there is a great deal of media coverage about the risks of working in an Ebola affected country, both the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and WHO have stated that the highest risks remain for those directly treating Ebola patients which MdM does not do. Furthermore you will be working with a team of fellow international staff who continue to work confidently in the country, following MdM hygiene protocols to minimize any risk. At any point the position holder has the option to end the assignment should you feel unsafe in any way, with no repercussions in terms of employment in other MdM programmes.
All international Staff must comply with all MdM Liberia security policies and procedures.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As medical coordinator, based in Monrovia, you will be in charge of the implementation, follow-up and supervision of the different medical activities in Liberia in close consultation with the General Coordinator, mostly to implement the emergency response in Montserrado County. You will report to the General Coordinator.

More specifically, you:

-Monitor the EVD epidemic situation; update and adapt the emergency strategy according to the needs
-Manage all activities provided by MdM France, and supervise the activities are adapted to MdM/Country standards
-Manage national medical and psychosocial staffs
-Technically supervise, train and coach medical and community health teams
-Manage medical stock and logistic chain for medical purchase
-Coordinate with other health actors opportunities of cooperation/collaboration to cover need gaps
-Liaise with other health agencies and providers to ensure continuity of health care for the population with non-EVD diseases and ensuring maximum safety of health care workers
-Ensure the monitoring of activities and results through the data collection, indicators, and Monitool
-Represent MdM towards health and local authorities and national/international health partners
-Actively participate in the elaboration of MdM Country strategy and emergency and post epidemic response: need assessment, surveys, proposal, re-direction of medical activities, definition of the HR set-up needed
-Participate to the emergency preparedness through the review of the contingency plans
-Share information with the Head Quarters, in relation with the General coordinator (medical advisor and desk)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Starting: ASAP

Duration: 1 to 6 months months (renewable)

Contract : EMPLOYEE (French contract)

Fixed term contract

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

Medical Doctor or nurse with Master in Public Health. Proven experience in similar position of coordination.
Knowledge of epidemiology/data management
Experience in the Sub Sahara context
Experience in outbreak management and emergency response, surveillance system
Experience with reinforcing infection control in health facilities is an asset
Experience with primary health care and reproductive health programs
Experience in negotiations with local authorities, partners and staff in a critical and stressful context
Experience in capacity building & in working with national and international medical staff
Capacity to work in a constant changing environment with standards
Capacity to create relationships with the communities structures (community leaders and volunteers)
Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and conflicting priorities
Ability to take effective decisions according to the context
Ability to manage a team
Computer skills: Excellent proficiency (Microsoft office), Good level of: EPI-Info, Stata, SPSS
Patience, Flexibility
Ability to transfer competences and provide capacity building.
Reactivity, anticipation, adaptability and capacity to take initiatives to changing requirements
Organisational skills, rigor
Ability to synthesize
Listening and diplomatic skills
Good writing and communication skills inside the team and from widely-varied organizations and agencies
Team spirit
Interest for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law
Respectful of a traditional society

You will be committed to MdM’s values as an organisation and be motivated by its non-statutory, Not-For-Profit model

Languages: Fluent english (oral and written) mandatory

French an asset

How to apply:

Please send your CV and cover letter via this link.