Health Coordinator

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a prominent international organization working in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. 

Working in coordination with the humanitarian community, IRC currently addresses the needs of war-affected Syrians from several operational bases in the region. IRC’s activities in Eastern Syria focus primarily on the supply of vital medications and medical equipment, non-food items, water and sanitation, economic recovery and protection and form part of an over-arching humanitarian response in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Syria that seeks to assist refugees, IDPs and war-affected Syrians survive conflict and displacement.

As part of its regional effort the IRC is now expanding its operations inside Syria by setting up programs in eastern Syria to complement existing activities in northern Syria including health and environmental health programs.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Health Coordinator (HC) will provide leadership, strategic vision and technical support to all aspects of the health program in eastern Syria. The HC will contribute to the identification of programmatic priorities, design and direction of the new program. In addition, the HC will ensure that the health program is implemented in accordance with international protocols, guidelines and best practices. He or she will promote the quality of care provided through the IRC health services. This position supervises the Health Program Manager, coordinates activities through the Field Manager and reports to the Senior Humanitarian Coordinator.

Position objectives:

Lead data collection and assessment and ensure program design is data driven and meets identified needsLaunch health program activities in eastern Syria directly and through partners with a particular emphasis on primary health care and reproductive healthEnsure high program quality and rapid program impact

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Implementation

Provide technical and management leadership to all health programs in eastern Syria in accordance with best practice and IRC policy. Support the development and maintenance of a coherent health strategy across all health interventions in Syria through close cooperation with IRC’s Turkey based program. Identify unmet needs in the health sector in the selected area and identify potential means for the IRC to address those needs. Conduct needs assessments, as required. Coordinate and develop plans, proposals, and budgets for new projects and extensions of projects in conjunction with the Senior Country Management Team. Overall responsible for the effective and efficient management of project implementation consistent with the project management cycle, program objectives, activities and indicators.Ensure that health programs utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as prescribed by the Ministry of Health, leading agencies and WHO. Ensure that all health activities are consistent with established best practices. Ensure that health interventions adhere to donor agreements and IRC’s core policy documents and guidelines, including the Program Framework, IRC’s Design, Management & Evaluation guide and logframe, IRC’s Health Unit policies and guidelines (Minimum and Core indicators, HIV strategy etc). Ensure robust monitoring systems are in place and that reviews are undertaken periodically in conjunction with the team, project partners and relevant local stakeholders.Adapt and develop where necessary functional health systems including health information, drug management, infection control and referral systems. Ensure regular communication with Health Unit technical staff for feedback, updates and guidance as required.

Staff Supervision & Development

Directly recruit and supervises all health program staff.Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.Overall responsible for program organizational chart, staff workplans, work and vacation schedules, and staff training/development activities.If/as required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.Deliver and execute a plan to hire, train and build capacity of staff.

Grant Planning & Implementation

Responsible for the overall achievement of all health grants in eastern Syria.Has significant budget authority to pre-approved limits and responsibility for budget development, management and compliance. Responsible for ensuring the achievement of the overall grant timeline and completion date.Provides direction and monitors staff in their implementation of the workplan and quality of technical activities.

Grant Monitoring & Reporting

Development/ maintenance of effective and efficient oversight, support, quality control and reporting systems and processes. Ensure regular field monitoring and modifications as required. Ensure IRC and donor reports as per set schedules (monthly, quarterly and annually) on grant activities, indicators and achievements are produced in quality.

Partner Management

Identify implementing partners when necessary and oversee the IRC – partner relation. Ensure regular performance monitoring of partners to achieve the set project’s objectives; provide technical support and guidance.Ensure regular capacity building activities for partner organizations.

Coordination & Representation

Develops and maintains effective coordination and long-term relationships with external stakeholders in the health sector, representing IRC positions, promoting the program strategy and resolving problems/conflicts. Work closely and coordinates with IRC logistics, finance and grant staff to ensure timely and complete program activities and expenditures; including active participation in grant opening/closing and review meetings

Other

Contributes to the development of country program strategy and plansLeads sector specific strategy development and technical proposal designConsistently and proactively monitor/assess the safety and security of the team; promptly reporting concerns or incidents to IRC management and  liaising with community leaders and other external parties as required to maintain/enhance the security environment for IRC programsOther duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs

Professional Standards

All IRC staff are required to adhere to THE IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct and the IRC country employment policies.

REQUIREMENTS:

Medical Doctor. Master in public health an asset.Minimum of 5  years professional experience in management of health emergencies.Prior experience working in emergency settings or insecure environments preferred.Strong program/technical and budget management skills, planning, reporting, monitoring and evaluation skills.Strong written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties.   INGO experience required. Must be capable of applying their skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct implementation, advisory functions, training and the transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others.Personal qualities: Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well. Fluency in English required. Arabic an asset but not required.  

OTHER

The position will be based in northern Iraq with frequent travels to Syria. Shared housing of good quality will be provided. Based on regular evaluation of the security situation the position will be transitioned to Syria. 

IRC leading the way from harm to home. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

   

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