Medical Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. Established with a mission to provide humanitarian assistance, RI operates in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming. The organization is structured as an alliance comprising four corporate members: Relief International Inc., Relief International-UK, Relief International-France, and Relief International-Europe, which operate under a unified management system to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in delivering aid.

Job Overview:
The coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Medical Coordinator position is pivotal in providing technical leadership and operational oversight for the implementation of various humanitarian health interventions funded by DG ECHO and other health initiatives of Relief International. This role is responsible for ensuring the quality, timeliness, and accountability of emergency health services delivered in accordance with humanitarian principles, national health protocols, and donor requirements. The Medical Coordinator will engage in planning, coordination, supervision, technical monitoring, and capacity strengthening of health activities in collaboration with local health authorities, humanitarian partners, and community stakeholders. The position also emphasizes the integration of protection, gender, age, disability inclusion, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) throughout project implementation. Furthermore, the Medical Coordinator will maintain close coordination with government agencies, health and nutrition clusters, UN agencies, and other health actors to ensure effective delivery of life-saving services during emergencies and disaster response operations. Participation in relevant coordination platforms and technical working groups is essential to align with national policies and humanitarian standards, while also identifying gaps and promoting complementary programming within Relief International.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Medical Coordinator will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including providing overall technical leadership and strategic guidance for health and nutrition programming across the country program. This includes ensuring that all health and nutrition activities comply with national standards, humanitarian principles, and donor requirements. The role involves leading the development and implementation of technical guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and response protocols for emergency health and nutrition interventions. The Medical Coordinator will ensure quality implementation of emergency health activities, including disease prevention, community-based health services, and emergency medical support. Additionally, the position requires technical oversight in planning and implementing rapid needs assessments and emergency response activities. The Medical Coordinator will also support the strengthening of community-based health systems and local emergency response capacities through mentoring and technical capacity building. Coordination with various stakeholders, including the Department of Health and local health authorities, is crucial for strengthening humanitarian action and service delivery. The role also includes supporting strategic planning, project design, proposal development, and ensuring timely implementation of project activities in line with approved workplans and donor commitments. The Medical Coordinator will document program achievements and operational challenges to support accountability and organizational learning, while also identifying risks and recommending mitigation measures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess essential qualifications, including being a registered physician, nurse, or public health professional with relevant medical or health qualifications. Postgraduate training or specialization in Public Health, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, or related fields is advantageous. A Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) or a related discipline is highly desirable. Additionally, a minimum of 2-5 years of experience in humanitarian health programming, emergency response, or health system strengthening is required. Experience in Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) is a plus. Candidates should have a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and previous experience working with humanitarian donors such as DG ECHO, WHO, or UNICEF. Strong leadership, communication, and report writing skills are essential, along with the ability to work in emergency settings and a willingness to travel frequently.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant medical or health qualification, with a preference for candidates who have completed postgraduate training or specialization in fields such as Public Health, Family Medicine, or Emergency Medicine. A Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) or a related discipline is highly desirable, reflecting the need for advanced knowledge and skills in managing health programs in complex environments.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a demonstrated level of experience, specifically a minimum of 2-5 years in humanitarian health programming, emergency response, or public health project implementation. Experience managing health programs in emergency or resource-constrained settings is essential, along with a proven track record of coordinating with government health authorities and humanitarian coordination mechanisms. Candidates should also have experience in outbreak preparedness, disease surveillance, and emergency public health interventions, as well as familiarity with proposal development and donor reporting.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for communication with international stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for effective engagement with community members and local authorities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as requiring standard pre-employment checks and is part of a pre-positioning effort, meaning that submission of an application does not guarantee engagement. Engagement will depend on project activation, funding availability, and final approval. The role may involve frequent travel to field locations, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in emergency and resource-constrained settings. The position is likely to be full-time, and the organization values integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability in its operations.