Democratic Republic of the Congo: ERT – Emergency Health Manager – Ebola Response

Support the local health team to carry out safe and effective screening, isolation and referrals in Medair supported primary healthcare facilities. Provide leadership, technical support, and coordination to enable the teams to meet their daily objectives. Manage and oversee emergency health staff to meet international quality standards in the Ebola response. Encourage beneficiary participation, liaise with other stakeholders, and anticipate, plan, and contribute to the development of new health project proposals and reports.

Project Overview

On August 1st, 2018, an Ebola outbreak was declared in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Before the outbreak was declared, Medair was working in 47 health facilities in Eastern DRC, with Health, Nutrition, and WASH related interventions.

Beginning with areas where the risk is most elevated, Medair is ensuring that supported health centres are equipped to triage patients at the entrance to the health centre before isolating suspected Ebola cases in a temporary isolation area, while arranging for referral. Health centre staff are being trained on how to consistently implement screening, isolation and referral without exposing themselves or other patients to the risk of being infected with Ebola Virus Disease. At each health facility, a package of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, and water, sanitation, and hygiene support is being provided, both in the health facilities themselves, and in selected communities. Medair is also prioritizing community engagement and working with communities to understand the disease, the context and issues which Medair can support to enable them to respond. Take a look at Medair’sHealth & Nutritionwork.

Workplace & Conditions

Field based position in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Bunia is the territory that has been affected by the current Ebola outbreak. Interventions may be in remote and difficult to access areas for which the environment is physically challenging accessible on foot). The security context is complex and also requires constant monitoring. Visits to emergency locations will be expected. Take a look at Medair’s work inDR Congo.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full time, 6 months.

Key Activity Areas

Health Project Management

• Support the Health Project Manager to meet the project objectives within budget and within the allotted time frame.
• React to needs of the team and ensure they are able to deploy each day to support the activities.
• Support with coordination and attendance of the Ebola task force and commission meetings.
• Continuously monitor and supervise health activities, evaluating progress through outputs and impact.
• Provide input into the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of activities according applicable timeframes and formats.
• Provide training to new health facilities, new staff, and ensure quality standards can be maintained in the project.
• Troubleshoot challenges and issues and come up with creative solutions to progress the activities.

Staff Management

• Support Line-management of staff, including day-to-day management, development, etc.
• Facilitate regular meetings to assist information sharing between project staff, to ensure awareness of project objectives and current work plans and to provide the opportunity for feedback.
• Provide coaching and technical supervision to staff in order to develop ownership and full responsibility.

Communication and Coordination

• Develop and maintain appropriate communication with the team and other relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in health coordination meetings, Medair internal trainings, and other working.
• Attend the coordination meetings when required to represent Medair.
• Proactively network and coordinate with the health cluster and health agencies to seek out opportunities. Ensure clear internal coordination within the teams and with advisors.

Logistics

• Ensure stock requests are submitted in good time for the teams to deploy each day.
• Ensure health teams are adequately supported in the field – food, water, supplies, cash, etc.

Quality Management/Project Design

• Responsible for ensuring project implementation is according to Medair, donor, DRC and international guidelines. Responsible for setting objectives of emergency health assessments.

Security Management:

• Responsible for ensuring field team compliance with security procedures; ensure teams are equipped.
• Contribute to the ongoing monitoring of security situation.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• Clinical degree or diploma (nurse, midwife or doctor), or Public Health degree.
• Strong working knowledge of English and French (spoken and written). Swahili desirable.

Experience / Competencies

• 2 years’ post-qualification nursing/medical professional experience.
• At least 1 year management experience in a health context in developing country.
• Aptitude for community mobilisation and capacity-building. Experience in training and coaching staff.
• Good numerical, report writing and administration skills.
• Ability and willingness to manage project implementation. Able to take the initiative.
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles, Sphere and HAP Standard.

Before you apply

Please ensure you are fully aware of the:

a) Medair organisational values.

b) Profiles and benefits package provided for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS).

c) Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).

Application Process

To apply, go to this vacancy on our Medair page.

Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed.