Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ebola Response Coordination Liaison Officer - Beni

Role & Responsibilities

Support the Medair emergency response team to more efficiently and effectively coordinate with the various stakeholders, but most specifically the Ebola Task Force and the commissions. The Liaison will work to effectively communicate about Medair’s activities and ensure critical information is shared bi-directionally between Medair and the Ebola Task Force and other actors.

Project Overview

On August 1st, 2018, an Ebola outbreak was declared in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of 6th of November, cases have crossed the 300 mark. Before the outbreak was declared, Medair was working in 47 health facilities in Eastern DRC, with Health, Nutrition, and WASH related interventions. Beginning with areas where the risk is most elevated, Medair is ensuring that supported health centres are equipped to triage patients at the entrance to the health centre before isolating suspected Ebola cases in a temporary isolation area, while arranging for referral. Health centre staff are being trained on how to consistently implement screening, isolation and referral without exposing themselves or other patients to the risk of being infected with Ebola Virus Disease. At each health facility, a package of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, and water, sanitation, and hygiene support is being provided, both in the health facilities themselves, and in selected communities.

Workplace& Conditions

Field based position in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo. Take a look at Medair’s work inD.R. Congo.

Beni is the territory that is centre to the current Ebola outbreak. Interventions may be in remote and difficult to access areas for which the environment is physically challenging accessible on foot). The security context is complex and also requires constant monitoring. Visits to emergency locations will be expected.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full time, 12 months.

Key Activity Areas

Communication & Coordination

· Meet with Ebola PC, Health PM, and Wash PM to gain an understanding of the work Medair is doing and our strategy to be able to effectively speak about it with other stakeholders.

· Represent Medair in Ebola Task Force meetings as well as Commission meetings.

· Take minutes of key points made in meetings and share daily with the Medair team.

· Identify and make contact with relevant stakeholders and existing coordination mechanism, including national, sub-national/district health authorities, national and international organizations and civil society on the ground in the defined location.

· Liaise daily with Medair’s health and wash teams to receive updates, challenges, and identify key information needed from commission or task force meetings.

· Compile weekly Ebola sitreps for both internal and external audiences liaising with programme teams to collect data.

· Ensure clear internal coordination within the teams and with advisors.

Grant Management

· Support the Medair Ebola Response team in writing of new concept notes and proposals when required

· Support the team in writing up donor reports when required.

Security Management

· Responsible for ensuring field team compliance with security procedures; ensure teams are equipped.

· Contribute to the ongoing monitoring of security situation.

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.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

· Post-graduate degree in the humanitarian sector or communications or other relevant field. Prior training in coordination desirable. Clinical degree or diploma (nurse, midwife or doctor), or Public Health degree desirable.

· Strong working knowledge of English and French (spoken and written). Swahili desirable.

Experience / Competencies

· 2 years’ post-qualification professional experience.

· At least 1 year humanitarian experience where you worked with or observed health programming.

· Strong coordination skills and effective meeting management skills

· Strong written and verbal skills in French

· Able to take the initiative and speak confidently

· Knowledge of humanitarian principles, Sphere and HAP Standard.

Before you apply

Please ensure you are fully aware of the:

a) Medair organisational values.

b) Profiles sought for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS).

c) Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).

d) Benefits Package provided for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS).

Application Process

To apply, go to the "Current Vacancies" page then:

a) apply for this vacancy (or another position that matches your profile), or

b) apply for a Medair ROC (where we can try and match your competencies to our vacancy needs).

Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed.