Community Health Promoter (CHP)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in Syria since 2012, focusing on providing essential services such as protection, health, economic recovery, and early childhood development programs. The organization has a significant presence in various regions including Idleb, Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Hassakeh, and Deir ez-Zor, and is expanding its programs into Hama, rural Damascus, and Homs. With a dedicated team of over 700 employees, the IRC has built strong community relationships and trust, which are crucial for effective service delivery. The organization plays a pivotal role in Syria's NGO, donor, and coordination forums, adapting to the evolving context and holding key positions. As of December 2024, the IRC has initiated operations in Damascus to engage in coordination structures for newly accessible areas across Syria, including parts of Northeast Syria (NES), Northwest Syria (NWS), and other previously unreachable locations in South and Central Syria. This adaptability is essential for maximizing coverage and efficiency in their operations.

Job Overview:
The Community Health Promoter (CHP) is tasked with conducting household visits within assigned communities to identify unvaccinated children under the age of five and pregnant women in need of ante-natal check-ups. The CHP will also provide health and hygiene education and establish a referral mechanism from communities to healthcare facilities. This role involves recording community activities and submitting reports to the Community Health Officer. The CHP is expected to conduct 8-10 household visits daily, distribute educational brochures, and raise awareness about health education and hygiene practices among the targeted populations. This includes promoting proper handwashing, safe excreta disposal, safe household water management, and recognizing danger signs in sick children and pregnant women. The CHP will also screen for acute malnutrition using the Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) method and complete patient referral slips, documenting awareness sessions conducted and compiling monthly reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Community Health Promoter include: conducting household visits within the camp to gather health-related vital statistical data and population data; performing 8-10 household visits daily; distributing health education brochures; raising awareness about health and hygiene practices among the community; screening for acute malnutrition using MUAC; completing patient referral slips; documenting awareness sessions conducted; and compiling monthly reports for submission to the Community Health Officer. The CHP will also engage in campaigns, group discussions, and home visits focusing on the danger signs of sick children and the early referral process, as well as home management of diarrhea and recognizing danger signs in pregnant women.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess approximately one year of experience in delivering health messages at the community level, preferably within NGOs or INGOs. A minimum of secondary education is required, with a health background in nursing, health institutes, or midwifery considered an asset. Additionally, a certificate or training in first aid is advantageous. Preferred training related to the position includes topics such as Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), and knowledge of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as reproductive health issues. Candidates should be well-known and accepted by the community, demonstrating the ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes at least the completion of secondary education. A health-related background, such as nursing, health institute training, or midwifery, is highly desirable and will be considered an asset. Additional training or certifications in relevant health topics will enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires approximately one year of experience in community health messaging, ideally gained through work with NGOs or INGOs. This experience should include direct engagement with community members and the delivery of health education and services.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position requires 100% travel to field sites and attendance at workshops and meetings. The role is full-time and involves direct supervision of Community Health Promoters (CHPs). The IRC encourages national or returning national candidates to apply, offering an attractive relocation package for eligible candidates. The organization is committed to attracting, motivating, and retaining qualified national staff in its programs. IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct, which include integrity, service, accountability, and equality.