Roving Reproductive Health Midwife at the International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Roving Reproductive Health Midwife

Reference ID: req27827
Location: Gwoza, Borno
Employment Type: Full Time
Sector: Health
Employment Category: Regular
Open to Expatriates: No

Job Description

• The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the worst humanitarian crises globally and assists people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC is present in over 40 countries and the United States.
• IRC’s presence in Nigeria is dated back to 2012, when the organization responded to flooding in Kogi state.
• In February 2014, the IRC moved into Adamawa State in NE Nigeria to provide humanitarian interventions through a multi-sectoral, integrated approach for conflict affected population. IRC Nigeria now operates a country office in Abuja, and field offices in Adamawa State (Mubi and Yola), Borno state (Maiduguri, Monguno, Bama and Gwoza) and Yobe State (Damaturu).
• Currently, IRC Nigeria implements programs in Primary Health Care PHC), Nutrition, Environmental Health (EH), Women Protection and Empowerment (WPE), Protection, Child protection, Education, Food security & livelihoods.
• With a background of poor Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) indices, made worse by the ongoing humanitarian crises and advent of COVID-19 pandemic; the RMNCH outcomes in Northeast Nigeria could face a downturn, without intensified intervention.
• Over the years, the IRC has provided comprehensive Primary Health Care service including SRH services (including; Curative care, Immunization Family Planning (FP), Antenatal Care (ANC), Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC), Post-Natal Care (PNC), treatment and prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Post Abortion Care (PAC) and Clinical Care for Sexual Assault Survivors (CCSAS).
• The IRC seek to engage the service of a Roving reproductive health Midwife to support ECHO funded project implementation of quality SRH services in Gwoza LGA.

Job Overview

• The Midwife is a member of the health team, and will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the Emergency Reproductive Health activities in Gwoza including the MISP (Minimum Initial Service Package for RH in Crisis Situations) according to the IRC and donor work plans
• She will work to ensure the improved quality of the project clinical activities e.g., family planning, maternal and neonatal care, case management of sexually transmitted diseases and the clinical management of sexual assault survivors in the IRC supported health facilities.
• The Midwife will ensure the well-being of girls and women in Gwoza through the IRC supported health facility and through RH Services at community level
• The Midwife is responsible for the oversight and implementation of Maternal and Neonatal Care, in particular: Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC), Antenatal Care and Postnatal Care, Counselling and provision of Family Planning (including long term methods) are offered according to MoH Guidelines at the IRC supported health facilities is of quality standard, Post Abortion Care.

Major Responsibilities

• In line with the Minimal Initial Service Package (MISP),
• Provide the Clinical Care for Sexual Assault Survivors (CCSAS) according to national protocols and guidelines.
• Provide the clinical care activities in the IRC RH clinical area or at the maternity
• Adhere to and practice use of Universal Precautions and proper waste management at all IRC supported health facilities.
• Performs basic and assisted delivery care.
• Performs any needed neonatal and obstetric resuscitation activity.
• Ensures timely supported referrals to the nearest Emergency Obstetric Care center.
• Provide technical support and guidance to other midwives in assisted deliveries (by vacuum, forceps, and breech).
• Identifies survivors of sexual assault and refers them for registration, counseling and Clinical Care Support the RH and GBV clinic staff with technical advice and provides services in line with the MoH and/ or international best practice guidelines.
• Monitor progress against grant work plan; promptly identifying any current or potential delays and recommending solutions to technical issues.
• Prepare Purchase Request forms for program supplies/activities and undertake field procurement as designated and authorized.
• Monitor program supply inventory levels; perform monthly spot-checks on program inventory
• Work with and provide timely technical support to IRC’s implementing partners; maintain respectful and constructive relations with partner staff, services providers and patients.
• Fully comply with IRC safety and security procedures and provide input to security monitoring and assessments to enable and promote a safe and secure environment for program implementation.

Technical Support and Quality of Care Management:

• Ensures staff adherence to universal hygiene standards/precautions, appropriate waste management, bio-hazard prevention, infection prevention and control in the health facilities. Works with cleaning staff to maintain general cleanliness of the working environment.
• Liaise with the referral officer to facilitate referral of patients who need emergency or special care.
• Ensure all Primary Health Care service packages are delivered in line with national/adopted protocols, and WHO policies and guidelines.
• Ensure all the staff follow the established IPC standards and international standard of infection prevention protocols.
• Ensure adherence to instrument processing and sterilization protocols.
• Conduct quarterly clinical skills’ assessment for all the Incentive health workers (Clinicians) and follow up on areas that need improvement.
• Works with community mobilization team to ensure strong linkages between services and communities.
• Ensure community participation in reproductive healthcare delivery services through regular meetings and consultation of the Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) and Community Health Committees (CHC)..

Representation, Project Implementation and Reporting:

• Focal person for inter sectoral integration between Reproductive Health and Women Protection and Empowerment sector.
• Ensure teamwork and maintain relationship with different sectors and government agencies.
• Responsible for validation of program data and timely submission to M&E on weekly basis.
• Work with M&E team to analyze data on a weekly/monthly basis, feeds information back to the program, and adapts strategies accordingly.
• Provide weekly/monthly activity reports to the supervisor.

Operations:

• Maintain an updated record and compile and submit monthly reports of all services given.
• Monitor and ensure the proper usage of health and program supplies.
• Prepare weekly workplans and ensure timely implementation of the project activities.

Communication and Reporting:

• Work with the Health Officer in compiling statistical reports from the mobile clinics for submission weekly, monthly, and annually.
• Ensure adequate flow of information for all supervisees with constant feedback as may be required.
• Carry out other relevant or requested duties as may be required.

Key Result Areas

• Improvement of key health indicators.
• Increased uptake of health services as a strategy of reducing mortality.
• Increased uptake of positive practices related to health, nutrition, and hygiene.
• Timely and quality health care services to displaced persons, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.
• Community volunteers actively participate in health services within their community.

Qualifications

• Registered Midwife, Bachelor of Nursing Science from a recognized institution is an added advantage.
• Must be licensed by the Nigerian Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Competencies:

•  Skills to communicate on sensitive RH topics, provide RH education
• 1 year of experience counseling survivors of abuse or violence with a reputable organization.
• Clear understanding of gender equality and gender issues for women and girls.
• Ability to maintain beneficiary confidentiality and respect at all times is essential.
• Ability to lead, train, supervise and facilitate other midwives, nursing staff and community health workers in their respective tasks.
• Positive and professional attitude, able to organize, maintain composure and prioritize work under pressure, work overtime when necessary and be able to coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to work as a member of a team is essential.
• Ability to communicate in English and write clear and concise reports in English.
• Must be computer literate, including Microsoft Word and Excel

Coordination and Representation:

• Ensures teamwork and professional relationship between the different sectors and government agencies.
• Works closely and coordinates with IRC supply chain, finance, and grant staff to ensure activities are conducted within the timeframe and compliance of the grants.
• Undertake/participate in liaison, coordination, and information sharing activities with national NGOs, international organizations, MoH, donors and community stakeholders.
• Represent IRC during site visits of external guests and IRC head quarter visitors.

Others:

• Prompt reporting concerns or incidents to IRC management and liaising with community leaders and other external parties as required to maintain/enhance the security environment for IRC programs.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs.

Desired Skills / Qualities

• Quality oriented
• Self-motivated, resourceful, honest, highly responsible, committed, and punctual.
• Ability to independently organize work, prioritize tasks, respect and adheres to deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team and lead teams.
• Familiarity with local context
• Ability to maintain beneficiary confidentiality and respect at all times is essential.
• Professional skills to provide sensitive and appropriate medical counseling.
• Clear understanding of gender equality and gender issues for women and girls
• Ability to speak Hausa language and other local languages like Kanuri is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, good spoken and written English needed for concise reporting.
• Professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook – preferred

 Key Working Relationships

• Position directly reports to the Medical Doctor
• Position directly supervises the incentive clinicians and CHVs
• Indirect reporting: Health Manager
• Other Internal and/or external contacts: Roving Reproductive managers, Senior Quality Health Manager and ALL other IRC sectors
• External:  Other partners- NGO’s, LGA DSNO, LIO and other key stakeholders etc.

Other Internal and / or External Contacts:

• Internal: All other IRC sectors offering integrated services in Gwoza. SPC, Deputy Director Program, Finance Manager, Supply chain Manager, Senior Area Manager.
• External: SPHCDA, UNFPA, WHO, HMB, Federal Ministry of Health, other INGOs.

Working Environment:

• Borno State is categorized as security phase 4 (Red).
• The Roving RH Midwife is thus expected to work closely with IRC safety and security team (SST) and comply with all security protocols/ guidelines.

Benefits

• Competitive Monthly salary.
• Health Insurance Coverage for staff and family.
• Annual earned leave days.
• Pension scheme

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.