Medecins du Monde Nursing Officer

Position Description:

Médecins du Monde France, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) operating a harm reduction program for people using heroin in Temeke district, is seeking a full time (45 hours per week) nursing officer.

Objective of the Position

The overall objective of the position of Nursing Officer is to ensure that MdM in collaboration with the governmental and non-governmental service providers offers high quality and comprehensive HIV, TB and other medical care and treatment services to substance using patients. As such the Nursing Officer is the overall responsible for medical care provided by MdM.

Tasks & Responsibilities

In relation to MdM beneficiaries

Plan, coordinate and monitor activities of resident nurse

During absence of residence nurse, take over her tasks*

Carry out medical assessment for selection and referral of beneficiaries to methadone assisted treatment (MAT)

Strengthen self-support groups of HIV+ beneficiaries, beneficiaries enrolled in MAT and female beneficiaries by providing education, information and support regarding medical issues

In relation to MdM staff members

Provide support and supervision to resident nurse

Chair weekly meeting of medical and paramedical staff

Together with program coordinator plan and provide training sessions on medical issues for outreach workers, peer educators and volunteers

Provide coaching and mentoring to outreach workers, peer educators and volunteers with regards to basic medical care for beneficiaries

In relation to external stakeholders

Ensure effective functioning of referral systems between governmental and non-governmental health service providers in Temeke district (including MAT clinic as soon as it opens) and to Muhimbili National Hospital (MAT program and other departments)

Continuously assess capacity gaps at health service providers and propose and provide training and mentorship to medical workers in the district in collaboration with MdM program coordinator and training and resource centre (TRC) assistant

Represent MdM in various forums as requested and / or approved by the program coordinator and / or the general coordinator, speaking up against stigmatisation of drug users and advocating for harm reduction and comprehensive prevention, care and treatment services for substance users

Other tasks

Ensure consistent availability of essential medical supplies and oversee their proper stocking and utilisation, making sure the available budget is respected

Report all medical consultations undertaken in confidential and a timely manner to program coordinator and M&E manager for effective monitoring and follow-up of the medical program activities

Upon request provide expertise on health issues in the production of information, education & communication (IEC) materials and productions by the independent group Video kwa Afya na Mabadiliko (VAMA)

In close coordination with the program coordinator develop monthly work plans and translate these into weekly and daily activity plans

In collaboration with outreach workers, volunteers and peer educators, promote Greater Involvement of People with AIDS (GIPA) in the implementation of the MdM program as well as in other health care services

Any other tasks as will be assigned by the program coordinator or the general coordinator

* Tasks of resident nurse to be backed up

Actively reach out to beneficiaries with health problems, mainly in drop in centre (DIC) but upon request also in outreach work

Attend to beneficiaries requiring medical care through baseline observations and carry out diagnostics

Provide basic medical care to beneficiaries

Refer or accompany beneficiaries to health care services whenever needed

Provide basic life support in case of opiate overdose of beneficiaries whenever needed (and possible)

Provide voluntary & confidential counselling & testing (VCCT) sessions and hepatitis B vaccinations for beneficiaries in collaboration with VCCT counsellor

Motivate and support pregnant beneficiaries to attend antenatal clinics and ensure that those who are HIV+ access care and treatment services during and after pregnancy, as well as their new-borns

Profile

Registered with the Tanzania Nurses and Midwives Council at Degree level

At least 2 years working experience within in- and out-patient health facilities

Capable of working in the environments of people using drugs (outside office setting)

Excellent customer service and counselling skills

Ability to establish trust and to communicate confidently and effectively with people using drugs

Strong organisational skills andcapable of working in a dynamic organisation

Self-starter with the ability to work under minimal supervision

Good verbal and written communication skills in Swahili and English

Ability to follow strict security rules

Ability to recognise and maintain appropriate personal boundaries

Experience in working with people using drugs in a harm reduction approach appreciated

Involvement in community based organisations (CBOs) and / or faith based organsiations (FBOs) appreciated

The nursing officer will work under the authority of and report to the program coordinator. Starting date: 15^th April 2013.

Application Instructions:

If you meet the job requirements, please send your application letter and curriculum vitae (CV) to the MdM program coordinator: coord.hr.tanzania@medecinsdumonde.net at the latest on 31 March 2012. Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.