Public Health Advisor

For more than 35 years, Médecins du Monde (MdM), a campaigning medical organization committed to international solidarity, has been caring for the most vulnerable populations at home and abroad. It has continued to highlight obstacles that exist in accessing health care and has secured sustainable improvements in health-for-all policies. Those working for this independent organization do not solely dispense care and treatment but condemn violations of human dignity and rights and fight to improve matters for populations living in precarious situations. MdM currently works in 44 countries across all continents where it focuses on 4 priority areas: caring for the health of migrants and displaced persons, promoting sexual and reproductive health, combating HIV and reducing the harm and risks associated with drug use, crises and conflicts. MdM has been working in Lebanon for nearly 30 years and specifically on the response to the Syrian crisis since 2012. MdM’s objective in Lebanon is to offer affordable access to quality care for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese affected by this crisis. Currently, primary healthcare services are provided through partner NGOs in 6 primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in the Bekaa and Mount Lebanon. MdM is also directly implementing a mental health and psycho-social support (MHPSS) program for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese in 4 centers (in the Bekaa and Beirut). As a complement to its usual activities, MdM in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) conducts a two-year research study that explores the biological pathways of psychological risk and resilience in Syrian refugee children.   TASKS AND RESPONSABILITIES  As Public Health Advisor, you work under the direct supervision of the General Coordinator for Lebanon and in close collaboration with the Regional Advocacy Coordinator based in Amman, Jordan. Your main responsibilities will include: Assess the MoPH’s public health strategy and policies Map current national public health initiatives (universal health coverage, coverage of chronic patients, etc.) and analyze where the gaps are Assess the different barriers in accessing healthcare for both the Syrian refugees and host vulnerable population Ensure proper evidence-based documentation (incl. with surveys, studies and research projects) of these barriers Elaborate key areas in which MdM can effectively support the MoPH in the development and/or scaling up of services on a national level Contribute to design an advocacy strategy for MdM in Lebanon, and implement the strategy plan and activities accordingly Work closely with the Regional Advocacy Coordinator, to align Lebanon’s advocacy strategy and priorities with that of the overall region Design and implement innovative and effective advocacy initiatives by researching opportunities and working closely with other actors in Lebanon Represent MdM in LHIF advocacy working group and contribute to interagency advocacy products Support the General Coordinator in developing networking with MdM partners, INGOs, NGOs, governmental actors, universities Support the General Coordinator in establishing key partnerships (academic institutions, advocacy groups, research centers etc.) that would allow for the development of necessary literature (research initiatives, policy papers) pertaining to the overall strengthening of the current public health infrastructure Ensure proper communication and exchange of information with the Medical and the Mental Health Coordinators when it comes to interacting with partners or institutions   SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED  Professional skills and experience required: - Master’s degree in Public Health - Experience in research is an asset - Knowledge and experience of work in Lebanon and/or in the Middle-East - Significant experience in advocacy with NGOs - Strong ability to network - Ability to work in a volatile security context and to apply strict security rules if need be   Personal skills and experience required: - Adaptability and ability to take initiatives to changing requirements - Good organizational skills, including time management and rigor - Ability to manage priorities and to meet deadlines as well as work under pressure - Excellent written and oral communication skills - Ability to listen and to be diplomatic - Team spirit   Languages: Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory                   Commend of French is an asset