Field Medical Coordinator at MENTOR Initiative

Background

The MENTOR Initiative (MENTOR) is a “not for profit”, charitable, non-governmental organization devoted to reducing death and suffering from malaria and other tropical diseases in humanitarian crises. MENTOR is currently providing ongoing emergency support to the most vulnerable communities in Angola, Mozambique, South Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR), Syria and Southern Chad.

MENTOR has worked in CAR since 2008, instigating an effective and innovative community healthcare approach across the North West of the country. This approach allows for primary healthcare to be delivered in locations in the most remote rural communities. the MENTOR Initiative has been setting up networks of community health workers (CHWs) in the sub-prefectures of Paoua, Bocaranga, Koui and Ngaoundaye (Ouham Pendé prefecture) as well as in Markounda, Batangafo, Nangha Boguila and Nana Bakassa (Ouham Prefecture). Additionally, primary health structures are supported by MENTOR in all these sub-prefectures. More than 170,000 children were treated in 2017 by MENTOR teams through the provision of basic healthcare for malaria and other common diseases at community level. MENTOR’s community healthcare approach has identified several major challenges that need to be addressed, including the continued improvement of the quality of services, innovation in supervision, secondary curative care and training, all to be improved in line with new and innovative indicators.

Overall Job Purpose

The Field Programme Coordinator (FPC) is responsible for all the community health aspects of MENTOR’s operational response with emphasis on support to MENTOR supported Community based Healthcare Workers (CHWs) and health posts. Under the technical line management of the Health Programme Coordinator (HPC), he/she guarantees the quality management of the MENTOR programme in the area and contributes to the impact of the program as per donor agreements and logical frameworks through extensive monitoring and evaluation. His/her specific competence/specialization in regards to Maternal and Reproductive Health will be used to give technical and practical support to the health programs in the mission.

Maternal and Reproductive Support to the mission (in close cooperation with the HPC):

· In liaison with the HPC, proposes a technical design of the FFP program approach including monitoring and evaluation of FFP maternal and reproductive implemented activities in all target areas. This includes procedures for recruitment and selection of FFPs

· Under the supervision of the HPC and in close collaboration with the FPC / training referent, organise for training of FFPs in the area of responsibility.

· Assist the HPC in all M&E aspects of the program related to maternal and reproductive health as per need and competence including:

Under the supervision of the HPC, and in close collaboration with FPC, carry out an assessment of MENTOR CAR accountability practices. Proposes tools and guidelines related to the accountability approach

Assists and supports the HPC in the training and dissemination of the accountability approach within the MENTOR medical supervisors, Community leaders, CHWs/FFP, health facility staff and team members from partner agencies as required

A. Direct program support:

Technical support to health posts

· In close collaboration with the HPC and the FPC / Training referent, organise and prepare training sessions (initial and refresher) for clinical staff in the supported health facilities. The curricula for these trainings will cover case management of frequent pathologies in the target area including care-taking of referred (severe) cases from the MENTOR supported Community Health Worker network. Elaborate and distribute tools (decision making trees) to facilitate differential diagnosis for the clinical staff. Ensure participation of the District Medical team in training sessions.

· Coordinate and participate in regular supervisory visits to the supported health posts with the specific objective of ensuring the provision of quality care to patients.

Technical support to CHW network including Female Focal Points

· As required and in close collaboration with the Health Program Coordinator (HPC) and the Base Coordinator, assist with the recruitment of new Community Health Workers (CHWs) as well as Female Focal Points (FFPs) in the areas of his/her responsibility. This includes identification as well as training and equipping the CHWs and FFPs.

· With the assistance of a team of locally recruited programme supervisors and in close collaboration with the HPC, organise and implement onsite technical training and oversee general performance of CHWs and FFPs

· Supports with the preparation and/or update of training modules for MENTOR medical supervisors, CHWs/FFP, health facility staff and team members from partner agencies as required. Participates in the trainings as required to ensure adequate quality and efficiency.

Drug supplies:

· In close collaboration with the concerned FPC, Logistics Coordinator, Base Coordinators and the Health Program Coordinator, responsible for overseeing proper management of the MENTOR stock of drugs and small medical equipment for the targeted health facilities and CHWs.

· In close collaboration with the FPC / pharmaceutical referent, carry out spot-checks and ensure clear storage and labelling of drugs and medical supplies from different donor sources for accountability purposes.

· In order to avoid stock ruptures at health facility and CHW level, organise for regular supplies of drugs based on consumption records and rational usage of the drugs provided.

· In collaboration with the Base Coordinator, responsible for secured and efficient service of the pharmacy

Data Management

· Ensures that Health Facility and CHW-data from all MENTOR Base are collected and correctly entry by data clerk. Carries out effective first analysis and review of data to identify areas in need of correction before send to HPC.

Referral services

· In collaboration with the HPC, set up required mechanisms in order to ensure efficient referral mechanisms. In addition to facilitate the physical transport of patients referred by CHWs, this includes filling in of referral documents to allow for efficient care-taking at referral level and tracing of referred patients.

· Organise for the participation of health facility staff and/or District/Regional level MoH coordination staff in supervisory visits of the MENTOR supported CHW network and health facilities.

· Organise for regular internal and external technical meetings to coordinate and follow up on efficiency of referral mechanisms.

Prevention

· In close collaboration with the Health Programme Coordinator, the IEC referent and the Senior Base Coordinator, the FPC ensures that prevention activities are fully integrated, using the MENTOR IEC approach, into the support to health facilities and CHWs: General IEC (provision of sensitisation tools at clinic level etc), LLIN distribution, Indoor Residual Spraying campaigns (IRS) etc.

· In close collaboration with the Health Programme Coordinator and the Senior Base Coordinator, organises Mass Drug Administration campaigns across the areas for which he/she is responsible.

Reporting / Proposal writing

· Prepare monthly reports on the progress in health facility support activities and relevant indicators for MENTOR line management and the National Health authorities. This include timely provision and entry of monthly data.

· As required, advise and assist the Country Director in the drafting of proposals.

· Assist the Country Director and the Health Programme Coordinator with technical aspects of writing donor reports so that these are prepared and submitted in a timely manner, as per the grant agreements.

· Participate in the elaboration of regular internal situation reports (‘sitreps’) for subjects directly related to his/her responsibilities.

Representation

· In close collaboration with the Senior Base Coordinator, ensure close collaboration with other health NGOs working in the target areas.

· Represent The MENTOR Initiative at district/regional level medical / technical meetings with the government, NGO partners and donors when required.

· Stimulate positive interaction and keep good relations with all partners.

· Collaborate with staff from the National Health Structure at regional level on the implementation of the programme activities.

· Collaborate with all stakeholders in the health sector at regional level on the implementation of national policies including cost recovery policy.

Other

· As required, recruitment and training of locally employed programme supervisors.

· Respect MENTOR’s Security Guidelines and advise the Senior Base Coordinator immediately on security issues encountered.

· Follow and implement all existing financial, administrative and logistical procedures as well any new procedures and guidelines as communicated by the Senior Base Coordinator.

· Includes the possibility of transfer to another similar post in another MENTOR country programme within the period of this contract agreement.

· Any other duties as may be assigned by the Country Director and agreed with the MENTOR Programme Manager at HQ level.

Job requirements

· At least 1 year field experience as Field Medical Coordinator or similar position

· Familiarity with NGO working environments and standard procedures

· Solid prior experience working in complicated security contexts an advantage

· Organized and good coordination / management skills

· Excellent communication skills

· Fluency in French

· English language skills considered as an advantage

· Team player

· Proven capacity to train others

· Flexible and willing to learn

6 Month Contract