Fieldwork Team Leader

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. Since 2011 the conflict between the Syrian army and the opposition has resulted in massive displacements of the population within the country and into neighboring countries, particularly to Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. Following assessments in these countries, MdM activities started on Syrian borders in May 2012, offering primary and specialized healthcare services for refugee and displaced Syrian populations. MdM has been working in Lebanon for nearly 30 years and specifically on the response to the Syrian crisis since 2012. The goal of MdM in Lebanon is to offer care to Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese affected by this crisis. Currently, medical assistance is provided through 4 partners in 5 primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in the Bekaa and Mount Lebanon. MdM is also providing mental health and psycho-social support (MHPSS) services to Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese in 4 PHCCs in the Bekaa and Beirut. As a complement to its usual activities, MdM in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy & Applied Care (IDRAAC) in Beirut will conduct a new NIH-funded international research study that will explore the biological pathways of psychological risk and resilience in Syrian refugee children. It is well established that children exposed to war are at increased risk for the development of mental health problems. However, some children show remarkable psychological resilience. In order to better understand the biological underpinnings of resilience this new study aims to explore the interplay between psychosocial, neuroendocrine, epigenetic, and genetic factors in more than 1,000 Syrian refugee children based in Lebanon.    Main objective:                                  Working under the direction of the Field Work Coordinator, the Fieldwork Team Leader will be leading and overseeing a team of 8 interviewers in the data collection phase of the study. Training will be provided to the post-holder to ensure that he/she develop all necessary knowledge and skills to conduct data collection, manage his/her team, and coordinate the collection with other teams (e.g., collecting, storing, and transporting biological samples, etc.).                               Main responsibilities Overseeing sampling, recruitment, consenting participants, data collection (questionnaires and biological samples), documentation, data upload and entry, securing labelling and storage of biological samples (e.g., saliva and hair), Ensuring that the study is conducted to a high standard of ethics, quality, privacy and according to the protocol Leading the team of 8 interviewers Main responsibilities and activities of the Team Leader can change according to the organization of the work and to the composition of the team. Main activities 1. Data collection management Ensure that all team members are well prepared and organized for every day field trips (questionnaires, tablets, bags, biometric tools, tools for biological sample collection, etc.) Follow proper sampling procedures and lead/support team members in recruitment Ensure utmost privacy in collection and manage daily work with community leaders where collection is taking place Ensure that data is entered into study databases by all team members, keeping accurate written and computerized records, ensure that records are stored securely and maintain confidentiality of all electronically stored data Ensure that biological samples are collected and stored correctly by all team members Coordinate transportation of samples from/to Bekaa-Beirut Monitor data collection among all team members on a daily basis (daily supervision) and provide regular quality assurance/quality control Monitor data collection processes closely for challenges and make suggestions to the Field Work Coordinator Collect information from all team members about recruitment, consenting, challenges, refusals, etc. 2. Referral management Coordinate referrals with Field Work Manager and possibly case managers Collect any requested information concerning referrals in coordination with designated personnel 3. Logistics management Ensure that all needed tools, kits, tablets, documents, papers, and stationery are available, well-preserved and ready for daily collection Assess the needs of additional tools and kits ahead of time and communicate any needs to the Field Work Coordinator to ensure smooth flow of the collection Coordinate field trips in coordination with Field Work Coordinator as well as drivers, interviewers and other teams 4. Coordination and communication Communicate with other team leaders on a daily/hourly basis Exchange information on a daily basis with the Field Work Coordinator Act as a liaison between the interviewers and Field Work Coordinator to ensure smooth day-to-day flow of communications with the project teams Participate in regular/weekly meetings with the Field Work Coordinator and all the teams involved in data collection Assess the needs of the team and communicate these needs to the Field Work Coordinator 5. Reporting Submit daily and weekly reports on collection, progress, challenges, referrals, etc. Support the Field Work Coordinator in the monthly reporting, pertaining to the collection’s progress, recruitment, challenges, updates, and solutions Assist with the drafting and preparation of correspondence, reports and other project-related materials Ensure the production of summaries of the data collected and compiled, when required 6. Team management Manage the field work team under your direct supervision Coordinate with other teams to ensure standardization of collection Provide training and assistance to the team members, as needed individually and collectively, with the support of the Field Work Coordinator Plan annual leave for team members to ensure there is sufficient resource available at all times. Coordinate all leave requests with Field Work Coordinator before final approval to team members Conduct appraisal for team members, as requested   Behaviour To behave with self-restraint at all times and respect the dignity of the beneficiaries To believe in concepts of equity, human rights, neutrality and impartiality To demonstrate motivation at work To be able to work under pressure and tight deadlines To respect each team member’s position, skills, potential, work, and specialty To be able to support team members and provide regular constructive feedback Requested competences/skills/profile Professional skills and experience required: Undergraduate degree in relevant subject: Psychology, Case Management, Social Work, Social Sciences, Education or any related field At least 1 years’ experience of coordination of projects / supervision of a team Experience in humanitarian and development context will be an asset Detailed knowledge of refugee situation related to the conflict in Syria, understanding of Syrian culture, and the effects of displacement on the community Knowledge of mental health issues related to war and displacement Ability to work in a volatile security context and to apply strict security rules Professional skills required: Good computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) Good writing skills (English and Arabic) Good coordination and organizational skills, including time management and prioritization of work Ability to maintain accurate and up to date records Personal skills required: Excellent team spirit Excellent communication skills Reactivity, anticipation, and adaptability Ability to take initiatives to changing requirements Excellent oral communication skills; ability to listen and to be diplomatic High sense of confidentiality, ethics, and accountability Sense of cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity Confident Languages: English (for reporting and communicating) Arabic (native speaker level): mandatory