Recrutement  ZIMBABWE (Harare, Chipinge) - Medical Coordinator

ZIMBABWE

MEDICAL COORDINATOR (Harare 50 %, Chipingue 50%)

Reference MDM-ZIM-COM

2008 is the tenth year in a row of negative growth in Zimbabwe real GDP. The economy has shrunk by about 44% between 1998 and 2007. The key indicators paint a picture of rampant unemployment, with the urban situation also becoming of particular concern in recent years. The poverty situation has become worse in view of the consecutive depressed harvests and a phenomenal rise in the cost of living.

Inflation figures reach a new height every month. In 03/2008, inflation reached 355 000%, making this the world’s highest rate. Meanwhile, the rise in salaries lags way behind the price rises, eroding the purchasing power of incomes. With the aim of reducing inflation by bringing back hard currency into the formal economy, the Monetary Policy announced on 30 April 2008 that it would allow a daily floating inter-bank exchange rate. However, unintentionally, this has exacerbated the competition between the rates offered in the formal sector and the informal sector – in essence it appears that the rate has only been partially liberated. The Zimbabwe dollar exchange rate was 100 000 000/ 1 USD on 04/2008, 17 000 000 000 Zimdollars/ 1 USD (cash)/ 40 000 000 000 Zimdollars/ 1 USD (bank transfer) on 06/2008.

This economic situation has undermined the provision of health services in a country, which experiences one of the worst generalised HIV epidemics (15.6%). And this is especially relevant in Chipinge District and rural areas where there is limited access to private services and provision of supplies is often erratic due to logistical constraints.

To develop a longer term approach:

In this context, MDM is undertaking a comprehensive HIV prevention, care and mitigation initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MOHCW) to provide aid to the population of Chipinge District since 2005. The project is establishing a model of management centered on the patient, by applying the national HIV/AIDS policy.

However, the current environment and lack of essential non HIV-related health care provision impacts on the morbidity of the general population, as well as those on ARV. Subsequently, MDM is planning to develop a primary health care (PHC) project, which will adopt an integrated approach, in order to strengthen the current HIV initiative, whilst also supporting MOHCW structures in terms of broader health needs.

To answer the current political crisis:

The period since the March 29th harmonized elections has compounded the situation still further. Acts of politically motivated violence have increased the demand on already over-stretched facilities. Additionally, this period has been marked by reduced access of humanitarian actors, inhibiting not only comprehensive assessment, but also support. Therefore, MDM is implementing an emergency intervention, in order to address the more pressing needs in terms of medical care of those victims of political violence in Chipinge.

The Expatriate team is composed by 5 expatriates: General Coordinator, Medical coordinator, Administrative coordinator, Logistic coordinator, Field coordinator.The National staff is composed by in Harare: Administrative assistant, Logistic assistant, Driver (2), Guard (4), cook, office orderly and in Chipinge: Medical doctor, Field teams (3x3pers), Administrative assistant, Logistic assistant, Mechanic, Storekeeper, Driver (4), Guard (12), cook, office orderly.

The objective of the Medical Coordinator is to supervise, organise and co-ordinate the mission’s medical part in order to guarantee the pertinence of the medical activities and the respect of the project’s goals and expected results. His main duties are:

- Programme Monitoring and Evaluation

- Human Resources

- Internal Coordination

- External Coordination and representation

- Proposal writing and reporting

- Admin-Logistics

Departure: 15/09/2008

Duration: 1 year

Status: Salaried

Profile:

§ Medical doctor with HIV/AIDS qualifications

§ Previous experience in HIV/AIDS programs preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa

§ Previous experience in Southern Africa is an added advantage

§ Experience in community mobilisation and participatory methods

§ Experience in medical personnel management

§ Ability to network with other partners

§ Proven ability to compile timely reports and in developing project proposals for funding

§ Must be computer literate, especially in MS Word, MS Excel. Previous knowledge of EPIINFO and FUCHIA an advantage

§ Ability to communicate verbally and written in English, French would be an advantage

§ Personal skills: Human sensitive, team work, diplomat

§ Possession of a valid International or Zimbabwean Drivers’ license will be of great use