Department summary

The Disaster Response Group at Medical Teams International seeks to alleviate human suffering, promote the development of health and medical services, and facilitate the transformation of lives of those touched by disaster and conflict. Inspired by our Christian values we seek to live out this mission by:

* Providing primary health care in emergencies and implementing emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction programs;
* Building local partner and health personnel capacity through training and support to community-based health and development programs;
* Contributing essential medicines and medical supplies; and
* Enabling qualified and experienced volunteer medical professionals, to use and share their skills and knowledge.


Medical Teams International has demonstrated capacity and significant expertise in the provision of emergency health care. Our current relief projects are in W. Darfur, Northern Uganda, Myanmar and Georgia.

Job Summary

This position contributes to the mission of the organization by: being responsible for all the medical technical quality of the Disaster Response Group programs including advising on medical responses to disasters, medical program design, implementation and monitoring, medical disaster preparedness, technical coordination, equipping volunteers for response, and Disaster Response medical guidelines, policy and training resources development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Develop initial medical disaster assessment forms and checklists in line with international standards. Advise on pre-positioning and procurement of medical supplies as well as restocking plans and procedures for disasters. Assist in training field staff and volunteers on disaster response assessments, and preparedness as requested.
* Provide technical advice to existing programs and field health staff as well as volunteer teams as the need arises.
* Actively work with field teams on determining responses and meeting international standards for new medical emergencies in existing programs as well as setting any new health objectives.
* Conduct periodic medical quality reviews of existing disaster programs and advise on any corrective actions needed as well as future priorities and health strategies.
* Develop medical treatment guidelines and protocols, standardized packing lists, minimal health packages, and drug procurement and provision policies for Disaster Response field sites in liaison with the medical staff in Technical Services and the Commodities Support Group.
* Prepare all Disaster Response medical teams and set objectives in conjunction with team coordinator and receiving location before departure.
* Advise on appropriateness of volunteer’s skills and abilities to achieve Disaster Response team objectives as needed.
* Provide medical technical support and advice during the trip and conduct medical debriefing with teams on their return.
* Responsible for the medical content of initial disaster assessments, including; reports; medical strategy recommendations; and to advise on the technical ability of Medical Teams International to respond as well as staffing and resources necessary to meet international standards.
* Lead a first-in Disaster Response assessment team to establish Medical Teams International in a new relief area. Travel to disaster sites on short notice, lead the rapid medical assessment team and design a relief project in the field; remain in the field until replaced by other qualified personnel.
* Advise, review and assist other Disaster Response staff and partners on the medical technical portions of all Disaster Response grants and reports before external submission.
* Responsible for monitoring the progress of the existing medical programs against stated medical objectives in liaison with the project coordinator, as well as equipping field teams with the tools needed to monitor health data for measuring indicators where needed.
* Develop and maintain professional links locally and internationally with other medical personnel within the health sector (potential health donors, ministries of health, other NGOs, etc.)
* Liaise as needed with other health professionals to explore possible new programs, partnerships, handovers, funding or cooperative agreements and to avoid duplication of services in close communication with the Disaster Response Director.
* Represent Medical Teams International at forums and international health events as requested. Represent the Disaster Response Group to other departments in Medical Teams International as requested for medically relevant issues, and liaise closely with Technical Services where appropriate.
* Work with the Disaster Response group and field teams to find potential sources of local and international health sector funding and ensure medical portions of all funding or assistance requests meet international and health donor standards before submission.
* Develop medical technical training materials and resources for Disaster Response teams including international reference materials, power point training modules on outbreaks and main diseases, and assessment and reporting forms as well as useful tools.
Qualifications

Education and experience

* Masters in Public Health (MPH) required with equivalent combination of grant-writing education and field experience advantageous.
* Medical licensure required. Nurse/Nurse practitioner/MD preferred. Tropical medicine experience highly desired.
* At least 2 years experience in grant writing required.
* International NGO program grant writing highly preferred.
* Experience in implementing programs in a disaster setting highly desired.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Familiarity with international health program standards in emergencies and ability to implement them to meet organizational needs.
* Training in emergency preparedness and response, and humanitarian principles and practices.
* Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and database programs. Proficient in use of email, internet, and communication systems.
* Ability to work flexible schedule and weekends for events, special projects, disaster relief support.
* Commitment to the mission of Medical Teams International.
* Understanding of international health programs. Ability to identify opportunities and liaise with donors and other collaborating organizations.
* Ability to travel up to 30% per year.
* Independent worker, resourceful, innovative, problem solver, facilitation skills, analytical.
* Ability to operate well in a fast-paced work environment.

Vacancies Contact
Please apply online at
www.medicalteams.org
Employment Link
Location: United States of America (the) (Portland)
Closing date: 30 Sep 2008