Job Vacancy in Liberia for Emergency Medical Coordinator

Organisation: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
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.

IRC Liberia seeks an experienced public health professional for the position of Emergency Health Coordinator. S/he will be responsible for coordinating IRC’s emergency response to the influx of Ivorian refugees in Nimba County, Liberia. IRC is implementing an immediate response centered on strengthening primary health care through existing health facilities, operating mobile clinics and increasing community health response and monitoring activities. IRC is anticipating expanding programming to support refugee camps and other health interventions. S/he must be able to motivate and lead a diverse staff as well as effectively manage programs, partnerships and budgets.

Agencies are preparing to respond to a doubling of the current caseload of more than 70,000 refugees, currently residing mostly in Nimba County. Since the crisis began in early December, the IRC has worked closely through existing programs that support primary health care facilities in refugee-affected districts in Gbelah-Geh district that borders the Ivory Coast. The population has accounted for a significant increase in the primary care caseload, which IRC has addressed through support for additional personnel, drugs, training and community health volunteers. Plans for opening additional refugee camps are now underway, even as it is anticipated that a majority of the refugee population will continue to reside in local communities in the short term.

Responsibilities
 Oversee the implementation of the IRC health response to the Ivorian refugee crisis in Nimba County Liberia, ensuring a standard of excellence in program quality and medical care across all aspects of programming.
 Lead health program strategic planning, design and implementation of the IRC response, in close coordination with donors and other implementing partners.
 Assess gaps in program design and adjust project interventions to address ongoing needs of the refugee population.
 Identify staffing requirement and recruit staff as required to fulfill program goals and health response.
 Ensure a standardized system of health data collection is implemented and properly communicated within IRC and external partners.
 Ensure that early warning systems and contingency plans are in place for investigation and control of outbreaks of infectious diseases and other health issues of concern.
 Ensure no stock ruptures occur through proper recording of drug and medical material consumption, use of that data to forecast future needs and preparation of accurate and timely medical orders.
 Flag any need for and provide input to possible IRC advocacy drives on matters pertaining to the refugee crisis.
 Other tasks as agreed upon with the DDP-H.

Requirements
 Health professional (MD, RN with MPH) with strong public health background.
 Strong background in implementing and managing emergency health programs in developing countries and/or refugee settings, including community based interventions and refugee camp settings.
 Background in health assessments and program implementation.
 Excellent oral and written communication skills.
 Excellent program management, project planning, budget management and organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
 Ability to write clear and concise reports and to meet required reporting deadlines.
 Ability to work in basic living conditions, and under administrative and programmatic pressures.
 Excellent English (written and verbal).

Please apply online: http://www.ircjobs.org/  or http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=6925  .