Role & Responsibilities

Contribute to the strategic direction to be undertaken by the Country program, based on the continuous analysis of the health and nutrition needs of the population of concern. Provide technical advice and support to the field management and the health and nutrition staff. Develop, lead, monitor, and evaluate the health and nutrition aspects of the country programme. Coordinate and network at a senior level with national and regional health authorities and other NGOs. Lead on all health and nutrition elements of proposals and reports, providing capacity building for national and international staff. Promote best practice in the health and nutrition programmes and contribute to the overall management of the country programme.

Project Overview

Medair Afghanistan is a complex and dynamic country programme due to instability related to politics and security. Medair has been operating in Afghanistan since 1996, and is currently implementing multi-sectoral projects in nutrition, health, WASH and food security in vulnerable communities in Kabul, the Central Highlands and Southern Afghanistan.  There are plans to expand the current programme into new areas and potentially new sectors, as well as growing and strengthening local partnerships.  Projects also include emergency responses and may include expansion of initial programmes into areas with critical needs. A significant proportion of Medair’s programming in Afghanistan consists of mobile nutrition clinics and related behaviour change activities.

Workplace & Conditions

Field based position in Kabul, Afghanistan with very restricted movements and limited access to project sites. Take a look at Medair’s work in Afghanistan.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

October 2021. Full time, 6 months with possible extension to 9 months.

Key Activity Areas

Health & Nutrition Project Technical Oversight

• Maintain an overview of the country health and nutrition programme and of the regional context, with a view to strategically developing new projects in current sites and proactively planning for responsible exit.
• Give technical advice to field managers and make recommendations to the Global Support Office on potential involvement in new health interventions and internal health and nutrition capacity for implementation.
• Provide technical support to the health and nutrition teams in all project sites, including the evaluation and impact analysis of current projects and the writing of donor proposals and reports.
• Carry out regular monitoring visits, ensuring that project objectives are met within the stated timeframes.
• Supervise and monitor the development of reporting systems for data collection (qualitative and quantitative), do data analysis and follow-up and feedback to relevant staff, donors, partners and other agencies.
• Maintain an oversight of medicines and health and nutrition supplies ordered for the health projects.

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 at national health and nutrition cluster, coordination, sector and bilateral meetings, working groups, with local government departments, 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 and nutrition staff for the country programme, providing advice on technical skills and experience as requested.
• Ensure that all health and nutrition staff are adequately trained and create possibilities for capacity building, mentoring and coaching, within budget constraints. Plan and develop training material as required.
• Support line managers in inductions and appraisals of health and nutrition staff.
• Overall responsibility for staff health procedures and compliance and development of procedures in-country.
• Build the capacity of the NRS Deputy Health and Nutrition Advisor with the view of that individual taking the Advisor role in the future. Delegate responsibilities and tasks with close supervision and guidance such as: Proposal writing, reporting, external representation to donors, quality control, strategic planning, participation in key internal meetings etc.

Financial Management

• Work with the relevant field managers and GSO staff to plan and construct health and nutrition budgets.
• Ensure the health and nutrition project expenditure is in line with approved budgets, advising on potential under / over spend and recommending appropriate corrective action, in close collaboration with the PMs and PCs.

Quality Management

• Ensure health and nutrition projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. Sphere and CHS standards, WHO recommendations, etc.
• Regularly assess and provide feedback to Global Support Office advisors as well as field staff on the quality of health and nutrition programmes and interventions during field visits and at other relevant times.
• Maintain a resource library for the team and keep up-to-date with the latest trends and updates within the sector.

Staff Health

• Overall responsibility for staff health/occupational health procedures and compliance and development of procedures in-country.

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

• Clinical degree (nurse or doctor) or Public Health degree. Medical doctor or tropical medicine training desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written).

Experience / Competencies

• 3 years’ post-qualification experience in managing programmes in international public health work.
• At least 1 year in humanitarian emergency context, managing CMAM programmes.
• Advanced leadership and project management skills.
• Experience in dealing with donors and government officials.
• Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and HAP Standards and other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols.
• Advanced planning, assessment and analytical skills. Networking and advocacy skills desirable.
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels.
• Team-player with good inter-personal skills in multicultural contexts.

Before you apply

Please ensure you are fully aware of the:

1. Medair organisational values
2. Medair is committed to safeguarding the protection of beneficiaries, volunteers, staff and partners, and particularly children. Therefore, we do not employ staff whose background we understand to be unsuitable for working with children. Medair staff are required to give the utmost respect to, and comply with, Medair’s accountability policies and best practices.
3. Key Profiles & Benefits Package provided for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS).
4. Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC).

Application Process

To apply, go to this vacancy on our Medair page. Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed.