Closing date: 30 Sep 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Chad
In response to a growing humanitarian crisis and the influx of refugees into Chad, the IRC launched programs in Chad in February 2004, focusing on the most urgent needs of water and sanitation, education, health, and protection. IRC program activities have been concentrated on the northernmost refugee population centers in Chad, which are located in the Prefecture of Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti (BET), near the towns of Bahai and Cariari. In July 2004, the refugees were moved to Oure Cassoni camp, which was built and is managed by the IRC with support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). IRC is currently responsible for Primary Health Care, Environmental Health, Protection, Camp Management, Gender Based Violence, Child and Youth Protection and Education programming.
In August 2008, the IRC expanded its programs in Chad into Bredjing camp, near the village of Hadjer Hadid. IRC provides healthcare to around 31,000 refugees from Darfur, as well as 2,000 local Chadians.
The IRC health program provide supports to the health and physical well-being of the refugees in the camp through provision of clinical health services, essential drugs, basic laboratory services, public health and community outreach through a team of community health workers, basic immunizations to children and pregnant women, reproductive health services, and referrals to secondary and tertiary care facilities. The IRC health program also provides technical and material support to the local Chad Ministry of Health Center in Hadjer Hadid.
The Reproductive Health Manager will be responsible for overseeing the Reproductive Health (RH) program in the field locations and supervising the implementation of the three core aspects of reproductive health: safe motherhood, family planning and, in coordination with the Gender Based Violence (GBV) manager, preventing and managing the health consequences of gender-based violence. An area of growing focus is the reduction of HIV transmission through universal precautions and HIV awareness raising.
This position supervises refugee midwives and may supervise national staff. The candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation and management of the program and for building the capacity of national and refugee staff. This position is based in Bahai, located at about 25km from the Oure Cassoni camp. This position may also require regular travel to Abeche to attend health coordination meetings.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assess current RH situation in Oure Cassoni camp and IRC RH Chad program; ensure proper and timely implementation of current programs and grants.
- Supervise the Mother/Child Health refugee staff and provide regular technical assistance and training to build their skills.
- With Health Coordinator, introduce standardized strategies and protocols for RH as a component of a comprehensive and fully integrated primary health program.
- Act as focal point for the coordination and implementation of reproductive health services in the camp.
- Ensure appropriate treatment of beneficiaries requiring clinical RH services within IRC’s health program and ensure that the system for referral cases is functioning efficiently and with optimal results.
- Ensure proper collection and analysis of demographic data associated with RH. Regularly analyze data in conjunction with refugee staff in order to build their skills in tracking reproductive health trends in the camp and developing appropriate responses. Conduct surveys as necessary.
- Write and submit reports as required to IRC Health Coordinator, IRC Deputy Director Program and partners. Continually monitor and evaluate program indicators, objectives, outputs, and impact. Ensure that all grant required activities, indicators and objectives are successfully met within the project timeframe.
- Plan and manage program budget in order to maintain program expenditure within budget;
- With Health Coordinator and Deputy Director Program, develop ideas/proposals for new programs
- Liaise with government bodies, UN agencies, INGOs, NGOs, and other agencies on issues of planning and implementing RH programs.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Advanced degree or equivalent in Midwifery or Nursing, or a MD with specialization in obstetrics or related field.
- Clinical training (RN, MD) preferred; MPH a plus.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in reproductive health in clinical and/or direct practice settings, with at least two years international experience, directly implementing reproductive health programs in conflict-affected or refugee settings.
- Excellent technical skills in RH in conflict settings. Strong familiarity with international guiding principles and best practices required, such as with MISP, IASC guidelines, and other guidelines on RH in conflict settings.
- Experience developing staff capacity and implementing formal, regular staff trainings.
- Experience conducting assessments and in using participatory approaches.
- Experience working with and supervising staff in an international, multi-cultural setting;
- Strong management, project planning, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills;
- Ability to write clear and concise reports;
- Strong computer skills: must be competent in the use of Windows, MS office programs (Word, Excel), email programs;
- Ability to work in unstable security environments, and under administrative and programmatic pressures.
- Fluent English and proficient French required; Arabic strongly desired.
This is a long term, unaccompanied position.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. IRC is an equal opportunity employer.
Reference Code: RW_7TSR6U-90
