The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
BACKGROUND:
Liberia is in a post-conflict development phase following a 14 year civil war that left the country devastated. Liberia has among the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. Maternal mortality is estimated at 994 per 100,000 live births, while under-five mortality is estimated at 110 per 1000 live births; similarly neonatal mortality and post-neonatal mortality are at about 39 deaths per 1,000 live births respectively. These high rates are attributable to a number of factors including limited access to comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) at critical times to tackle major problems such as hemorrhage obstructed labor, sepsis and eclampsia.
To improve access to life serving emergency obstetric and neonatal care, especially for vulnerable populations, the government of Liberia has introduced free health care. In support of this government effort, the USAID Rebuilding Basic Health Systems (RBHS) Project in partnership with the International Rescue Committee and other RBHS partners have established EmONC centres in several counties across the country. IRC supports two EmONC centers. In addition, an IRC EmONC technical advisor assists all the RBHS-supported EmONC facilities to deliver and monitor good quality services in accord with national guidelines. The IRC is seeking a qualified clinician to fill the position of Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) Technical Coordinator, based in Monrovia.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Under the supervision of the IRC Deputy Director of Health Programs, the EmONC Technical Coordinator will provide guidance and training on best clinical practice in emergency obstetric and neonatal care at the JN Davis Memorial Hospital in Monrovia and Curran Lutheran Hospital in LofA to and other basic and comprehensive EmONC centres run by other RBHS partners across Liberia. He/she will collaborate closely with RBHS Leadership, the Family Health Division of the MOHSW, technical specialists on reproductive health, the Health Coordinators of RBHS partners and other stakeholders to progress the EmONC agenda to improve, expand, stabilize and standardize high quality care at EmONC centres throughout the country
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide technical advice on issues related to EmONC to the IRC Hospital Medical Coordinators, their counterpart Hospital Directors and staffs in EmONC centres run by other RBHS partners.
2. In collaboration with the FHD of the MOHSW and RBHS partners, design and develop training packages on EmONC that are of acceptable standards, adapted to suit the Liberian context and conduct trainings and practical sessions on EmONC in the labour wards, operating theatres and clinics of the supported EmONC centres.
3. Share experience of best practices in running EmONC centres from elsewhere and use that to inform the best practice that is suitable for the Liberian context.
4. In collaboration with MOHSW-FHD, assist in developing continuing professional development training materials to upgrade skills of staffs providing EmONC services in all RBHS supported facilities
5. Organize, participate and contribute to monthly/quarterly technical meetings to share experience regarding managing EmONC services amongst the RBHS partners.
6. In collaboration with MOHSW-FHD, and RBHS, assist in the standardization of EmONC procedures and protocols (drugs, equipment and consumables) and participate in development of protocols for management of EmONC in RBHS supported facilities.
7. Provide clinical services at either of the IRC supported Comprehensive EmONC centers; and conduct operations and other clinical procedures in theatres and on the wards, as part of practical training when need arises.
8. Contribute to the performance assessment of practitioners in RBHS-supported EmONC centers
9. Produce monthly and quarterly reports to be submitted to the IRC and RBHS regarding EmONC activities.
10. Perform any other duties relevant to reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity as may be assigned by the Senior Health Coordinator and/ or RBHS Senior technical Advisor.
REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications and Experience
• A primary medical university degree (MD, MBChB, MBBS or equivalent) required; MPH preferred.
• Specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from a recognized institution.
• Relevant clinical experience of at least 5 years after post graduate; with at least 2 years experience in a developing country.
• Experience as a clinical teacher of obstetrics.
• Familiarity with health systems in African countries.
• Good communication skills and excellent English language proficiency.
• Good computer skills such as in word processing, PowerPoint presentation and Excel
Essential Competencies needed
• Technical expertise • Skills in staff development and mentoring
• Leadership competencies in building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Self-Management
• Negotiating and resolving disagreements
• Analytical and strategic thinking
• Performance Management
Please apply online: www.ircjobs.org or http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=7141 .
