INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.
Terms of reference
Job Title: Medical Coordinator
Code: SR-58-2197
Duty station: Teheran, with frequent mission to the field
Starting date: 15/02/2022
Contract duration: 24 months renewable
Reporting to: Head of Mission
Supervision of: Nationals MAM
Dependents: Family duty station
General context of the project
Iran faces a significant deterioration of the humanitarian situation which is likely to further worsen in the first half of 2022. The recent developments in Afghanistan are further worsening the humanitarian situation for thousands of Afghans who are currently obliged to flee their homes. It is widely anticipated that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation may deteriorate further, given that the international support to key essential and social services – food aid, health, education, and other essential services, is currently frozen. The deterioration of the humanitarian situation led already to a massive number of displacements towards Iran.
Additionally, Iran is one of the first countries hit by Covid-19 pandemic and remains the most affected country in the Eastern Mediterranean region and among the worst hit worldwide (WHO). The third wave was even more harmful than the previous two, with the whole country in a declared state of emergency. A fourth wave is expected. COVID-19 has worsened a critical situation, both in terms of health and limited capacity to fulfil basic needs. Concerns are further increasing for both Iranians and Afghans with limited access to basic services, especially health care, due to the impact of COVID-19, the country’s ongoing economic crisis and the difficulty to import essential medical goods. COVID-19 has a severe impact on the socio-economic situation and causes loss of employment, especially for the poorest 40% of the population. Most vulnerable Afghans and Iranians increasingly resort to negative coping mechanisms; 46 million people live below or just above the multidimensional poverty line; 32 million people are affected by some food insecurity and malnutrition, with 1 million children already at risk of severe acute malnutrition prior to COVID-19; 3 million households are female-headed, and child-headed households are on the rise. Malnutrition is increasingly visible, in particular in rural and remote areas.
For these reasons, INTERSOS has decided to open its humanitarian operations in Iran since the very first stage of the highly likely Afghan refugee’s influx. INTERSOS strategic presence in Iran will guarantee a strong and effective humanitarian response to the newly displaced as well as the most vulnerable Iranian host communities filling also the gap that the country is experiencing in term of international humanitarian actors presence. The presence in Iran will also strategically boost INTERSOS capacity to respond to the Afghan crisis at regional level considering the over 20 years humanitarian activity in Afghanistan.
General purpose of the position
In close collaboration with the Head of Mission and the Medical Department, define and implement the mission’s medical strategy.
Be responsible for the planning and coordination of all medical activities and resources of the mission, in accordance with the INTERSOS charter, policies and ethical principles, taking into account international and national protocols, in order to ensure the provision of quality medical care for patients and their communities, as well as to improve the health status and humanitarian living conditions of the target population
Main responsibilities and tasks
o Responsible for defining, monitoring and updating the medical content of the INTERSOS country policy, medical strategy, annual plan and budget, translating identified health needs into a medical strategic vision and project objectives, priorities and resources required to meet the medical and humanitarian needs of the population at risk, and ensuring that the objectives and targets set out in the annual plan and project plans of the Mission are achieved.
o Overall responsible for the appropriateness and quality of medical interventions delivered by INTERSOS projects and is expected to identify and work on removing barriers to improved patient safety, effective medical care and enhanced patient-centred activities.
o Continuously monitor medical and humanitarian needs in the Mission in new areas of intervention or in areas where INTERSOS is already present through exploratory missions, monitoring and review of project proposals, determining the resources needed to define health and nutrition priorities and possible new programmes to cover the medical and humanitarian needs of the population at risks.
o Coordinate with the medical referent the validation of project proposals designed to be presented to international donors and private foundations.
o Responsible for the supervision and monitoring of the technical medical aspects, humanitarian needs and material aspects of the programmes through regular field visits, analysing difficulties during implementation and reporting on any deviations, in order to proactively provide the necessary solutions and achieve operational results
o In close collaboration with the HR Coordinator/Referent and Head of Mission, participate in the planning, definition and sizing of the mission’s health workforce and oversee the associated processes (recruitment, validation of medical staff, training/induction, assessment, potential screening, development and internal/external communication). Directly guide and support the medical teams in the implementation of medical activities, ensuring that internal and local Ministry and Department of Health protocols are respected.
o Responsible for the definition and sizing of other resources (pharmacy and medical equipment management in collaboration with logistics) and for deadlines, procedures and protocols. Ensure the preparation of all medical orders in collaboration with the Logistics Department/Responsible for Logistics and the submission of all requests for the purchase of medicines. Be accountable for the proper management of the Mission’s pharmacy, including projects. Provide reports on the progress of the Mission from the medical perspective, as required.
o Represent INTERSOS with local medical authorities and ensure a constant presence and active participation in health and nutrition coordination forums (cluster meetings, other technical coordination meetings) and maintain regular contact with other mission partners (NGOs, local organisations, donors, authorities) to broaden the analysis of the medical-humanitarian situation, strengthening the impact of the medical intervention and supporting advocacy actions.
o Responsible for the collection, analysis and communication of medical data to the medical referral at HQ to ensure proper monitoring of the programme and, where necessary, adaptation of existing programmes
Required profile and experience
Education
Advanced university degree in medicine or other paramedical studies. Desirable specialization in Tropical Medicine or a degree in Public Health.
Professional Experience
At least 4 years of relevant work experience as a medical referent in the humanitarian sector, especially in fragile and unstable environments.**
Professional Requirements
o Strong and proven understanding of the humanitarian operating context, the humanitarian system and its flexibility, donors and their high demanding, security and financial management in humanitarian context
o Strong knowledge of institutional donor’s procedures
o strong skills in computer (excel)
o Knowledge of the regional coordination mechanism.
o Demonstrated experience with compliance and reporting from different donors
o Demonstrated experience in project writing
o Strategic vision
o Able to work independently
o Organization skills, delegative and empowerment approach of the supervised team
o Readiness to commit and adhere to the values, mission and vision of INTERSOS
o Previous proven experience in proposal writing from secondary data will be considered an advantage
Languages
English is mandatory. Knowledge of Dari/Farsi is highly desirable**
Personal Requirements
o Proactiveness and strong problem-solving approach
o Flexibility to adapt to a dynamic context and to the volume of work
o Strong team spirit, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment
o Ability to work and adapt in different environments
o High reactivity to unexpected demands
o Capacity to work under stress and meets the deadlines
o Very strong interpersonal skills: strong communication and diplomatic skills
How to apply
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below: https://www.intersos.org/posizioni-aperte/missioni/#intersosorg-vacancies/vacancy-details/618bc28f96f8a5001e8eef39/
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password, citizenship and Skype address), sign-up and apply attaching your CV and motivation letter in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.
In case you encounter severe difficulties applying through the platform – i.e. if and only if it is impossible to submit the requested files through the adequate channel – you will be allowed to submit your CV and Motivation Letter (both in PDF version) via e-mail to recruitment@intersos.org, with the subject line ” Platform issue – SR-58-2197– Position “. Please, bear in mind this is an exceptional measure, as there are allocated channels created for every job opening, which will make this process quicker and easier.
Please note that any application submitted via e-mail may take longer than our standard terms to be processed.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references, including the line manager during your last job. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.