Medical Coordinator

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Medical Coordinator

Code: SR-60-9313

Duty station: Odessa with frequent travels to other field locations

Starting date: 01/05/2024

Contract duration: 6 Months

Reporting to: Head of Mission

Supervision of: Pharmacist

Functional supervision: HQ Medical Unit

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

The war in Ukraine, which started on the 24th of February 2022, shows no signs of abating, and continues to drive increasing humanitarian needs across the country. Access concerns and humanitarian needs are particularly high in eastern Donetska and Luhanska oblasts where the conflict is intensifying and critical infrastructure damages prevent civilians from accessing basic services.

Today INTERSOS is present in Vinnytska, Odesa and Dnipropetrovska Oblasts with bases of operations and warehouses in Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kherson and Odesa, allowing a wide geographical coverage. Moreover, INTERSOS is currently implementing Health, Protection, and NFIs interventions, funded by UNHCR, OCHA and ECHO encompassing several components: distribution of medicines to Regional Health Departments and shelters and equipment for clinics, Cash for Health, mobilisation of Protection mobile teams, establishment of community-based protection mechanisms, case management for CP/PWSN cases, psychosocial support (PSS), Protection Monitoring (PM), and distribution of material assistance to vulnerable individuals and households.

General purpose of the position

In close collaboration with the Head of Mission, Programme Coordinator and HQ Medical Unit, defining and implementing the medical strategy of the mission. Being responsible for the planning and coordination of all medical activities and resources in the mission, according to INTERSOS charter, policies, and ethical principles with consideration of international and national protocols, in order to ensure the delivery of quality medical care for patients and their communities as well as to improve the health condition and humanitarian living conditions of the target population.

Main responsibilities and tasks

• Responsible for defining, implementing and updating the medical content of the INTERSOS country medical strategy translating the identified health needs into a medical strategic vision and project objectives, priorities and resources needed in order to cover the medical and humanitarian needs of the population at risk.
• Overall responsible for the appropriateness and quality of medical interventions conducted by INTERSOS projects and being expected to identify and work on removing barriers to better patient safety, effective medical care, and better patient-centred activities
• Continuously monitor the medical and humanitarian needs in the Mission country in new areas of intervention or in areas where INTERSOS is already present through exploratory missions, monitor and review project proposals, determining necessary resources in order to define health and nutrition priorities and potential new programs to cover medical and humanitarian needs of the population at risk
• Coordinate with the Medical Unit for the validation of the project proposals he/her designs to be submitted to international donors and private foundation
• Responsible for the supervision and monitoring of the medical technical aspects, humanitarian needs and in coordination with the Country Logistics and supply Coordinator, the material aspects of the programmes through regular field visits, analysing difficulties during the implementation and reporting deviations as they appear, in order to proactively provide the necessary solutions and achieve operational results
• In close collaboration with the HR Coordinator, participate in the planning, definition and sizing of the health-workforce in the mission and supervise the associated processes (recruitment, validation of medical staff, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, development and internal / external communication). Coach and directly support the medical teams in the implementation of the medical activities making sure that internal protocols are respected as well as the ones of local Ministry and Health Department
• Responsible for defining and sizing other resources (pharmacy and medical equipment management in collaboration with logistics) and timelines, procedures and protocols. Ensuring preparation of all medical orders in collaboration with the Logistics and supply Department and the submission of all medical purchase requests. Being accountable for the proper management of the pharmacy in the Mission and supervision of the utilisation of the Inventory Management System (IMS) by the medical staff, including projects. Provide reports on the mission’s evolution from the medical perspective, as required
• Represent INTERSOS before local medical authorities and guarantee constant presence and active participation to the health and nutrition coordination fora (clusters meetings, other technical coordination meetings) and keep regular contact with other counterparts in the mission (NGOs, local organizations, donors, authorities) in order to broaden the medical-humanitarian situation analysis, strengthening the impact of the medical intervention and supporting advocacy actions

Required profile and experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in medicine or other paramedical studies. Desirable specialization in Tropical Medicine or a degree in Public Health

Professional Experience

• Minimum 3 years relevant work experience as Medical referent in the humanitarian sector especially in fragile and unstable environments

Professional Requirements

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
• Demonstrate experience with different donors compliance and reporting

Languages

• Fluent knowledge of English
• Knowledge of local language (Ukrainian) is an advantage

Personal Requirements

• Leadership, people management and development
• Strong teamwork and cooperation capacities
• Strategic vision
• Service orientation
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles
• Understanding of humanitarian operations principles, standards and best practices