Closing date: 1st December 2011
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short-listed on a regular basis and we may offer this post before the closing date.
Please note: this is an unaccompanied position.
Merlin International Profile Merlin is the only UK specialist charity, founded in 1993, which responds worldwide, with vital healthcare and medical relief for vulnerable people affected by natural disasters, conflict and healthcare collapse. Each year, Merlin assists more than 15 million people, in up to 20 countries, through working with local healthcare actors including government, community groups and NGOs.
Context and Background Merlin currently implements a comprehensive set of activities for addressing the healthcare needs of the local population and returnees in several counties within Eastern Equatoria State (EES). Merlin would like to have a stronger presence and representation in Eastern Equatoria State which is of strategic importance to Merlin South Sudan Programme. The need for an articulate, diplomatic, organised and technically competent individual is paramount so as to strengthen the relationship of the organisation with the State Ministry of Health officials as well as other key partners within the state.
Main purpose of the role To help support Merlin’s health activities being implemented by Merlin Torit project site as well as make technical representations at the state level in areas pertaining to health and other related social activities. Provide support to the medical team and Country Health Director to establish good practice in the field sites and assessments when requested. To work as an effective part of the medical team, flexible and adaptable as the current context changes.
Purpose of the Role
The Senior Health Coordinator employed by Merlin will be responsible at local level (EES) for leading the effective implementation of quality health programmes, grounded in best practice in response to acute and longer-term health needs. Through this work the selected person will also play an important role in expanding Merlin’s health sector profile and influence on policy and practice within the state. To achieve this objective the Senior Health Coordinator will be technically supported by the Country Director, Country Health Country and the Project Coordinator.
The SMC is part of the area management team reporting directly and technically accountable to the Country Health Director.
Overall Objectives (scope) • Implementation of health programme in Torit • Respond to emergencies and assessments as required • Technical support to project health teams • Capacity building and supervision of local team • Management of health team
Responsibilities Emergency response • To respond to humanitarian emergencies under the management of the Country Health Director and Country Director. • To coordinate with the relevant local authorities and other sector actors working within the state as may be necessary • Assist in a rapid needs assessment as well as other operational research that may be conducted in the state • Assist in the analysis of health / humanitarian needs and the existing contexts • Programme development and management • Assist in the set up of field site and establishment of new Merlin country programmes • Technical programme administration at project level • Induction of medical staff for project area
Technical • Oversee and provide and/or support to PHC supervisors and project health teams within Torit project site • Monitoring and supervision of all Primary healthcare facilities through regular visits • Provide supervision and training to medical and nursing staff to build capacity and ensure the maximum use of their skills, and their full and effective participation in health activities • Advise the Project Coordinator and Country Health Director in the planning, development and implementation of the projects • Organise and participate in project health activities as required • Compile timely project reports and ensure the gathering of relevant health data • Participate in ensuring the smooth operation and hygiene of the project sites
Representation • Routinely participate in meetings related to health as well as other key issues that are convened at the state level as well as at the county level in areas where merlin is operating. • Regularly inform and update the state ministry of health authorities as well as other state government officials of the on-going and planned activities that Merlin is implementing within the Eastern Equatoria State.
Staff Health • As necessary take responsibility for the health and well-being of Merlin staff in project areas, through implementation of Merlin Staff Health Policy, including medical evacuation procedures. • As necessary ensure an up-to-date medical evacuation procedures document is available for the field team in conjunction with the Country Health Director and all other relevant staff are familiar with its content.
• As necessary ensure the national staff health policy is implemented.
Other • Fulfil other roles as per specific terms of reference developed by the Country Management Team (CMT).
Person Specification Essential • Qualified medical doctor or nurse • Qualification in public health and/or tropical medicine. A master’s degree in public health desirable • Experience of and ability to work in an emergency as well as development context. • Good knowledge and experience of running primary health care projects e.g. vaccination campaigns, response to disease outbreak, mobile clinics e.t.c in developing countries • Competence in basic epidemiological analysis and knowledge of data collection methods and data analysis skills • Strong coordination and problem solving skills in day to day and challenging situations • Excellent team working and relationship building skills with the ability to develop positive working relations across functions and cultures • Flexible approach and willingness to work and manage a team with a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines • Strong experience in managing a team of health professionals and working in a cross cultural context • Willingness to travel at short notice to remote and insecure locations • Good communication skills, with good written and spoken English • Significant experience of representation to a broad range of people and organizations • Confident and proficient user of MS Office • Experience of proactively identifying and addressing issues • Understanding of security issues with the ability to live and work in remote, insecure environments. • Commitment to Merlin’s values and aims
Desirable
• Knowledge of Southern Sudan / Sub Saharan Africa • Experience and/or qualification in one or more of the following settings: reproductive health, SGBV, immunisation/cold chain, disaster response and health management, child health, nutrition, management of tropical diseases
Data Protection Please note, on submitting your application, you are agreeing to Merlin holding and using the information that you have given for the purposes of recruitment and employment – should an offer be made. In order to process your job application, it may be necessary for your application to be sent to the Country Director (in the country you are applying for) for consideration. If you do not agree with this, please state so when applying.
How to Apply
To apply for this job, please go to www.merlin.org.uk/jobs and apply using our online recruitment system. In order to apply for a job with Merlin online you will need to complete a short registration process and create an account – the online recruitment system explains how to do this. Once your account has been created, you will be able to save the information that you have entered in your application and re-visit it at any time before you submit it.
If you are unable to apply online please download and complete an application form and email it to: applications@merlin.org.uk.
Please note that we do not accept CVs and any application must therefore be made online or by completing our application form. Unfortunately due to the number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
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