Medical Coordinator – Sudan

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Medical Coordinator

Code: SR-40-9599

Duty station: Geneina, roving across multiple locations in the country

Starting date: 01/12/2024

Contract duration: 6 months

Reporting to: Head of Mission

Functional Supervisor: HQ Medical Advisor

Supervision of: Medical staff

Type of Duty station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

The fighting inside Sudan is having devastating humanitarian effects both inside the country and in the wider region. Sudan faces a complex set of challenges, including ongoing conflict, economic difficulties, and the weakening of critical infrastructure in areas like healthcare, banking, and telecommunications.

As of February 21, 2024, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to persistent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has reached a total of 6,326,416 individuals (1,261,060 households).

These figures make Sudan the country with the highest number of IDPs in the world.

The humanitarian situation across all 18 Sudanese states remains dire, with over 24.8 million people in need of assistance.

INTERSOS first operated in Sudan in 2004, primarily in West Darfur State (Genina, Habila, Forobaranga, Garsila, Um Kher) and Khartoum, partnering with the Italian Cooperation, UN agencies, and ECHO in the sectors of Protection, WASH, and Food Security. The mission was closed in 2015 due to a decrease in humanitarian needs. Despite this, INTERSOS has continued to support Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries by providing humanitarian assistance. Given the renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation, INTERSOS is currently working to reactivate its presence in Sudan to respond to the crisis in the country.

General purpose of the position

In close collaboration with the Head of Mission, Emergency Coordinator and HQ Medical Unit, defining and implementing the medical strategy of the mission. Being responsible for the planning and coordination of all medical activities and resources in the mission, according to INTERSOS charter, policies, and ethical principles with consideration of international and national protocols, in order to ensure the delivery of quality medical care for patients and their communities as well as to improve the health condition and humanitarian living conditions of the target population.

Main responsibilities and tasks

Responsible for defining, implementing and updating the medical content of the INTERSOS country medical strategy translating the identified health needs into a medical strategic vision and project objectives, priorities and resources needed in order to cover the medical and humanitarian needs of the population at risk.

Overall responsible for the appropriateness and quality of medical interventions conducted by INTERSOS projects and being expected to identify and work on removing barriers to better patient safety, effective medical care, and better patient-centred activities

Continuously monitor the medical and humanitarian needs in the Mission country in new areas of intervention or in areas where INTERSOS is already present through exploratory missions, monitor and review project proposals, determining necessary resources in order to define health and nutrition priorities and potential new programs to cover medical and humanitarian needs of the population at risk

Coordinate with the Medical Unit for the validation of the project proposals he/her designs to be submitted to international donors and private foundation

Responsible for the supervision and monitoring of the medical technical aspects, humanitarian needs and in coordination with the Logistics and supply Coordinator, the material aspects of the programmes through regular field visits, analysing difficulties during the implementation and reporting deviations as they appear, in order to proactively provide the necessary solutions and achieve operational results

In close collaboration with the HR Manager, participate in the planning, definition and sizing of the health-workforce in the mission and supervise the associated processes (recruitment, validation of medical staff, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, development and internal / external communication). Coach and directly support the medical teams in the implementation of the medical activities making sure that internal protocols are respected as well as the ones of local Ministry and Health Department

Responsible for defining and sizing other resources (pharmacy and medical equipment management in collaboration with logistics) and timelines, procedures and protocols. Ensuring preparation of all medical orders in collaboration with the Logistics and supply Department and the submission of all medical purchase requests. Being accountable for the proper management of the pharmacy in the Mission and supervision of the utilisation of the Inventory Management System (IMS) by the medical staff, including projects. Provide reports on the mission’s evolution from the medical perspective, as required

Represent INTERSOS before local medical authorities and guarantee constant presence and active participation to the health and nutrition coordination fora (clusters meetings, other technical coordination meetings) and keep regular contact with other counterparts in the mission (NGOs, local organizations, donors, authorities) in order to broaden the medical-humanitarian situation analysis, strengthening the impact of the medical intervention and supporting advocacy actions

Required profile and experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in medicine or other paramedical studies. Desirable specialization in Tropical Medicine or a degree in Public Health

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 (five) years experience in humanitarian contexts

Professional Requirements

• Ability to manage large team
• Strong knowledge of proposal development and financial management
• Experience working with major grants and international donors
• Desirable experience in managing integrated projects
• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)

Languages

• Fluent English (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset

Personal Requirements

• Leadership, people management and development
• Strong teamwork and cooperation capacities
• Strategic vision
• Service orientation
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles
• Understanding of humanitarian operations principles, standards and best practices