Location: Afghanistan (Badakshan province)
Closing date: 17 Jul 2008
Job Description

Terms of Reference

Position: Reproductive Health Coordinator
Location: Badakshan Province, Afghanistan
Line Manager: Country Health Director
Start Date: Immediately
Duration: 4 months
Salary: £17,304 - £19, 529 per annum, including a cost of living allowance of circa £3,717per annum, insurance cover, accommodation & flights

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short-listed on a regular basis and we may offer this post before the closing date.

Please note: this is an unaccompanied position.

Merlin International Profile

Merlin is the only specialist UK charity which responds worldwide with vital health care and medical relief for vulnerable people caught up in natural disasters, conflict, disease and health system collapse. Each year, Merlin helps more than 15 million people in up to 20 countries.

Merlin Afghanistan Profile

Merlin has been implementing health programmes in Afghanistan since 1993, when it set up operations in Kandahar, and in northern Afghanistan. Merlin’s activities in Afghanistan span two different periods: 1994 - 1999 and 2001 to the present. Operations closed in August 1999, prompted by increased difficulties experienced in working with the Taliban regime. Merlin returned to Afghanistan in 2001, assisting the IDPs/refugees stranded along the Tajik/Afghan border in the North-eastern region.

Merlin is currently implementing programmes in three provinces in the north-east of Afghanistan: Takhar, Badakshan and Kunduz provinces.

Merlin has been implementing a Community Midwife Education (CME) project in Takhar province since 2004. In the same year, Merlin also began implementing the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) in Badakshan where our staff are currently supporting three districts in partnership with local partner Care for Afghan Families (CAF). In 2007, Merlin was also awarded an EU-funded contract for BPHS implementation for Kunduz province which is implemented in coordination with our local partner, CAF.

The overall purpose of Merlin programmes in Afghanistan is to reduce excess morbidity and mortality amongst vulnerable populations through the provision of priority health services to a network of health facilities and Community Healthcare Workers.

Background

The maternal mortality rates in Badakshan province are some of the worst in the world. Given the staggering statistics, UNFPA is supporting Merlin to provide targeted interventions aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality.

Overall objective

To provide technical support and leadership to medical staff in Badakshan province to enable them improve their delivery of reproductive health services.

Specific objectives

Badakshan

- To update the workplan for the UNFPA project in Kishem and ensure targets are being met
- To establish mobile reproductive health services
- To assess and address training needs of reproductive health staff
- To ensure all materials required for the project have been ordered and are in line with budget allowances
- To work with the Policy Department in the London office on maternal health advocacy initiatives

Outputs

- Complete assessment report with operational recommendations
- Complete and updated workplan for UNFPA project in collaboration with PC/Deputy PC, RH Coordinator, Kishim RH Coordinator and UNFPA Provincial RH Coordinator mid term/quarterly report for UNFPA based on AWP (Annual Workplan)
- Training plan implemented in accordance with UNFPA project proposal

Person Specification

Essential

- Good written and spoken English
- Qualified midwife or doctor (preferred) with RH significant programming experience with an INGO
- Good understanding of the health context in Afghanistan
- Ability to provide training to health staff in reproductive health issues
- Previous experience of working in insecure environments
- Willingness and ability to travel within Badakshan and Takhar provinces of Afghanistan
- Ability to work on own initiative and to meet deadlines
- Attention to detail and ability to produce accurate information

Desirable

- Previous experience of working in Afghanistan
- Knowledge of an Afghan language
- Previous experience working with a UNFPA project

Data Protection

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In order to process your job application, it may be necessary for your application to be sent to the Country Manager (in the country you are applying for) for consideration. If you do not agree with this, please state so when applying.
Vacancies Contact
To apply for this position
Please download an application form from our website www.merlin.org.uk Completed form should be emailed to applications@merlin-uk.org stating in the subject field the job title, country and reference number (if any).