1. Context of the mission

Médecins du Monde (MDM) is an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) involved in humanitarian interventions, operating in Ethiopia since 1986 in different types of health projects from long-term interventions to emergency response.

In January – February 2019, MdM France (MdM-F) and MdM Germany (MdM- Ge) conducted a joint-Fact Finding Mission in the Somali region. The goal of this mission was to assess the humanitarian needs caused by ongoing drought and conflict and evaluate intervention options for MdM. The assessment covered three zones: Gerbo, Qubi and Lagahida. After successful submission of the project proposal to the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), the 24-month project has been launched 1 July 2019.

The project aims primarily to improve access to and the quality of health services with a focus on life-saving Mother and Child Health (MCH) interventions. The proposed activities include ensuring high-quality basic emergency obstetric and newborn care (BEmONC) at the Gerbo health centre; improving MCH services at Molayko health centre. The focus will be on capacity-building, training and mentoring, equipment and medical supplies, and community sensitization. In relation to improving prevention, monitoring and control of epidemics in this region, such as acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) and measles, the focus is also on support of infection prevention and control (IPC)/medical waste management in the 2 health centres (HC) and capacity-building in vaccination routine/outreach, cold chain management for staff at the healthcare facilities (both the 2 health centres and the 7 health posts). The screening, identification, management and treatment of acute malnutrition (moderate and severe) will also be improved, using community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) approach, both at healthcare facilities and through targeted outreach activities in communities. WASH activities will be integrated into the health and nutrition activities, e.g. by ensuring availability of hand-washing stations and drinking water supplies in the 2 supported health centres. MdM F and MdM Ge will implement this new project jointly, with MdM F being the lead in the first year and a coordinated handover to MdM Ge during the project period.

2. Essential Duties

The Midwife will be responsible for the implementation of Basic Emergency Obstetric and New Born Care (BEmONC) services and MCH strengthening of Gerbo Health Centre (HC) in Gerbo town.

S/he will:

• Ensure the provision of the seven signal function of BEmONC
• Coordinate all the activities with the Head of the HC and relevant departments (e.g. Pharmacy, EPI, etc)
• Build the capacity of Gerbo HC health staff to deal with obstetric emergencies and complications;

Key activities areas will include:

Program/Medical:

• Support the management of obstetric emergencies and complications and timely referral at Gerbo HC;
• Mentor and coach health staff on seven signal functions of BEmONC;
• Conduct need assessment of the MCH department to identify gaps in equipment, drugs and supplies;
• Conduct training assessment needs and develop a training plan;
• Ensure that practices are aligned with evidence-based clinical practice in line with the national guidelines and protocols;
• Provide compassionate and respectful care at the HC;
• Demonstrate behavior that upholds the public trust in the service.

Reporting

• Compile monthly project activities report and submit to the Program Coordinator;
• Ensure recordings and completeness of data related to MCH services at Gerbo HC;
• Conduct immediate analysis and reporting on maternal and neonatal deaths.

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

3. Hierarchical & Functional links

The midwife will be based in Gerbo town, Nogob zone, Somali region. S/he will be under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator based in Gerbo, Somali region. For technical advice, s/he will consult with the Program Coordinator and the MedCo. S/he will be the line manager for one Midwife and one Community Mobilizer.

4. Responsibilities

Mentoring and coaching :

• Conduct need assessment of the HC regarding equipment, drugs and supplies;
• In close collaboration with the HC Head and Pharmacist, work on adequate pharmacy management system to ensure that the drugs provided by the Project are appropriately stored and managed;
• Support the implementation of infection and prevention control;
• Mentor and coach health staff of the HC on seven signal functions of BEmONC/use of partograph and other MCH good practices and plan/deliver quality training and follow up;
• Implement standards and protocols for MCH services in Gerbo HC;

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Introduce a partograph register for follow up
• Participate to weekly physical inventory of the pharmacy;
• Prepare a monthly report, including on drug/consumables consumption and submit to Project coordinator

Start Date:   Immediately

Contract duration: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Expected profile

•  BSc midwife
• English is mandatory (speaking and writing) and Somali language will be an asset
• At least 5 years’ experience of BEmONC/MCH in the clinical setting
• Flexibility, reactivity, anticipation, adaptability
• Good organizational skills in day to day and crisis situation
• Excellent computer and reporting skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to classify and manage priorities - High autonomous is required
• Interest and ability to work in a team
• Capacity to work and to live remote area with intense conditions