Physical and Functional Rehabilitation Task Force Coordinator – Gaza Emergency At Handicap International – Humanity & Inclusion

Application Review on a Rolling Basis: Due to the urgency of this recruitment, we encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible. Our recruitment team will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis.

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The Palestine mission is part of the MASHRIQ regional programme, which covers Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. HI in 2023 has been implementing a mix of humanitarian and development projects in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including a long-term rehabilitation project in Gaza. HI is also the coordinator of the Rehabilitation Platforms in Gaza and in the West Bank (two coordination bodies among all rehabilitation actors in each area).

The new conflict between Hamas and Israel in October 2023 has created a major humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Around 27,000 Palestinians have been killed, more than 60,000 have been injured, and several thousand among them have suffered from amputations or permanent impairments. HI is managing a complex humanitarian operation in the Gaza Strip, with extreme challenges in terms of access and security. In addition, HI is also implementing a mix of emergency response and preparedness activities in the West Bank, with several access and security challenges.

HI current response spans these sectors: humanitarian logistics, physical rehabilitation, mental health and psychosocial support, education in emergencies, emergency preparedness armed violence reduction / humanitarian mine action, disability mainstreaming/inclusion in humanitarian action, advocacy and distribution of health, hygiene, and NFI kits.

In Gaza, HI has launched some light rehabilitation activities in IDP shelters through trained community-based agents and has provided more than 1,000 people with assistive devices. HI is planning to scale up substantially its response in the coming months, hiring more local physiotherapists, providing emergency rehabilitation also in homes, supporting hospitals and launching prosthetics and orthotics services. HI is also the co-lead of the Rehabilitation Task Force in Gaza with WHO.

YOUR MISSION

Reporting to the Rehabilitation Field Specialist for Gaza Emergency the Rehab Task Force Coordinator will have 4 main missions:

Mission 1: Coordination & Representation of the Rehabilitation Task Force

Lead the Rehabilitation Task Force (RTF), in close link with the existing WHO/HC coordination mechanism, with regular review of its TOR and facilitate its members to reach the Task Force objectives (e.g. minimize duplication of services, improve referral systems, etc)
Coordinate with relevant Governmental bodies and non-humanitarian actors in Gaza, Sector/Cluster coordinators and other stakeholders in Gaza
Represent RTF at the Trauma Working Group and Health Cluster and other related forums.
Encourage coordination, complementarity and coherence of the RTF member’s program’s health intervention to respond to the physical rehabilitation needs of the affected population concerning minimum rehabilitation standards, in accordance to the RTF ToR
Facilitate the mapping of rehabilitation services through communication with stakeholders and other existing coordination mechanisms, including international NGOs, civil society and government institutions.
Create RTF weekly report, in collaboration with the RTF Accountability and Referral office and disseminate reports and other information related to the rehabilitation in regular Health Bulletins
In collaboration with the RTF Accountability and Liaison officer, participate actively to surveys initiated by the Health Cluster: design, data collection tools as well as providing analysis and recommendations as relevant.

Mission 2: Capacity building within the Rehabilitation Task Force

Support rehabilitation task force members to respect the minimum standards of early rehabilitation in conflicts and disasters.
Promote standards and good practices and adherence to them by interested rehabilitation partners,
In coordination with other stakeholders, co-ordinate and where appropriate arrange/conduct direct training in physical rehabilitation for key national and local stakeholders,
Support in ongoing assessments of needs, gaps and resources regarding the health sector in the country, in the field of physical and functional rehabilitation
Establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of capacity-building initiatives, using feedback to refine and improve future training sessions.

Mission 3: Strategic Planning & Implementation

Collaborate with RTF members to develop and implement a strategic plan for rehabilitation services in Gaza, ensuring alignment with humanitarian principles and the needs of the affected population
In collaboration with WHO, with the different members of the RFT members, ensure joint prioritization to elaborate the next HNO/HRP for Gaza
Ensure that the RTF’s strategic and operational plans remain adaptable to the evolving emergency in Gaza, adjusting approaches as necessary

Mission 4: Strategic Advocacy and Resource mobilisation

Advocate for the inclusion of rehabilitation needs in broader humanitarian response plans, ensuring rehabilitation is a recognized priority
Raise awareness of rehabilitation needs among local communities, donors and international organizations to ensure a comprehensive response.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITION

The Gaza Strip remains a volatile and heavily militarized area, with frequent escalations of violence that pose significant security risks.

Travel within Gaza is highly restricted, with regular disruptions to humanitarian operations. Living conditions are challenging. The selected candidate will be accommodated in HI’s guest house with very strict and controlled movements. The candidate should be prepared to for rapid changes in the security environment and potential evacuation

YOUR PROFILE

Advanced degree (Bac +5) in a relevant field such as physical rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, health management, or other related discipline
Additional training or certification in emergency management, disaster response, or humanitarian assistance is highly desirable.
Minimum of 5 years proven experience working on physical rehabilitation in humanitarian environments, including provision of technical support to field teams
Solid work experience in coordinating Health / rehabilitation sector in emergency situations and detailed knowledge of humanitarian principles, guidelines and laws and the Cluster system
Languages:
- Fluent in oral and written English
- Arabic is a strong asset
Capacity to work in challenging and volatile environments, maintaining effectiveness and adaptability
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence