Health Advisor

Role & Responsibilities

Working as an important member of a diverse team who are committed to serve the world’s most vulnerable with practical and compassionate care, the Health Advisor provides technical advice and support to field management and the health staff. Develop, lead, monitor, and evaluate the health aspects of country programme. Coordinate and network at a senior level with national and regional health authorities. Actively participate in health sector coordination supporting the development of quality standards and protocols to improve the overall response. Lead on all health elements of proposals and reports, development of strategy, providing capacity building for national and international staff, promoting best practice in the health programmes, and contributing to overall management of country programme.

Project Overview

Medair started a multisector response to the Ukrainian crisis in March of 2022. The health response has focused on re-establishing access to primary health care for affected populations and has included re-equipping health facilities with essential supplies and equipment, health facility repairs, training for health care workers and minor infrastructure repairs. Medair has also been providing support to vulnerable people living in the community through the provision of consumable supplies and mobility devices. Mental health and psychosocial support is integrated into the response. The role will involve travel to support our various bases in Ukraine and mentoring Medair staff.

Workplace & Working conditions

The position is remote with visits to the Country Program.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

June 2024. Full time, 6 months with possible extension.

Key Activity Areas

Health Project Technical Oversight

• Maintain an overview of country health programmes and of regional context, with a view to strategically developing new projects in current sites and/or surrounding areas, and proactively plan for responsible exit when appropriate
• Define appropriate policies, guidelines and protocols for medical aspects of Medair’s work in country, in consultation with GSO advisors, field managers, and in line with relevant government, Sphere and WHO guidelines
• Provide technical support to the health teams in all project sites, including the evaluation and impact analysis of current projects, and the writing of donor proposals and reports within the required timeframes
• Carry out regular monitoring visits in conjunction with other field managers, ensuring that project objectives are met within the stated timeframes and in accordance with recognised international standards
• Supervise and monitor the development of reporting systems for health data collection (qualitative and quantitative), analysis and follow-up and feedback to relevant staff, donors, partners and other agencies
• Develop the country sector strategy in collaboration with the Senior Health and Nutrition Advisor
• Work closely with Shelter and MHPSS/protection technical staff and other sectors as needed

Representation

• Develop and maintain relationships with Ministry of Health, UN, NGOs, donors, partners and other stakeholders, with the objective of raising public awareness of Medair and ensuring good co-operation and partnerships
• Accompany donors on field trips, as requested, and ensure programme details are transmitted in a timely and professional manner
• Represent Medair, as appropriate, at national health cluster/sector, coordination, sector and bilateral meetings, working groups, with national and/or local government departments and any other relevant meetings or events, facilitating supportive synergies and overall progress in the health sector and avoiding duplication with the work of other agencies (e.g. NGOs, UN, etc)

Staff management

• Be involved in the recruitment of health staff for the country programme, providing advice on technical skills and experience as requested
• Ensure that all health staff are adequately trained and, if necessary, create possibilities for capacity building, mentoring and coaching, within budget constraints.
• Support line managers in inductions and appraisals of health staff, particularly regarding technical skills

Financial Management

• Ensure the health project expenditures are in line with approved budgets, advising on potential under/overspending and recommending appropriate corrective action.

Quality Management

• Ensure health projects are implemented in line with donor proposals/requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. Sphere and HAP standards, WHO recommendations, etc. Follow direction of Senior Health and Nutrition Advisor at GSO regarding quality, strategy and technical guidelines
• Attend Medair’s annual health and nutrition workshop, as well as periodic online meetings, with GSO advisors to keep up to date on recommendations and guidelines for Medair health and nutrition programming

Staff Health

• Generally, the health advisor has overall responsibility for staff health/occupational health procedures and compliance, and the development of procedures in-country, however with this position being remote it is expected that part of this responsibility would be delegated to a health staff in country.

Delegated Responsibilities

• Development of and adherence to the in-country health policy, strategy and guidelines in consultation with other relevant field managers and GSO staff
• Oversight of the technical aspects of the health projects, including recommendations for health staff objectives, training, promotion and disciplinary action
• Take the lead in health aspects of external relations in the country with authorities and government ministries, UN agencies, partner NGOs and donors, in consultation with the Country Director

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

Qualifications

• Clinical degree (nurse or doctor), or Public Health degree
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written).

Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience in managing programmes in international public health work, with at least 1 year in humanitarian emergency context
• Committed to team-building and able to develop and support other team members
• Able to cope with basic living conditions in the field and during field trips
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles, Sphere and HAP Standards, as well as other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols
• Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of public health programmes