Field Work Coordinator

MEDECINS DU MONDE FRANCE seeks     FIELD WORK COORDINATOR (M/F) For Lebanon (based in Beirut, with regular visits to the Bekaa valley)     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 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 3 partners in 4 primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in the Bekaa. MdM is also providing mental health and psycho-social support (MHPSS) services to Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese in these PHCCs in the Bekaa.   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.   Overall, this is an exciting opportunity for the future Field Work Coordinator to play a key role in an international research study, as well as gaining skills and experience in research, clinical care, and management. We look forward to welcoming a dynamic, highly motivated individual to our team.   TASKS AND RESPONSABILITIES   The post-holder will report directly to the General Coordinator of MdM but will also work closely with and under the supervision of the London-based study coordinator, Dr Fiona McEwen, and the PI Dr Michael Pluess (both at Queen Mary University of London).   The main role of the twenty-month full-time post will be coordinating and overseeing the data collection phase of the study. This will include supervising and training around 19 local field staff, coordinating data collection and overseeing data entry, arranging secure storage and shipment of biological samples (e.g., saliva and hair), and ensuring that the study is conducted to a high standard and according to the protocol. Training will be provided to the post-holder to ensure that his/her staff develop all necessary knowledge and skills (e.g., collecting, storing, and transporting biological samples). In the country, you are the direct supervisor of 4 fieldwork team leaders, 1 psychotherapist and 2 case managers, in close collaboration with the MdM Mental Health Coordinator for the latter three.   More specifically, the post-holder’s main responsibilities include:   1. Research program management Undertake the program of research, under the general guidance of the London-based study coordinator and the General Coordinator at Médecins du Monde Manage and maintain study tools/procedures and information Test measures and study procedures in pilot studies Conduct training of field staff for data collection Ensure that data is entered into study databases, keeping accurate written and computerized records, ensure that records are stored securely and that confidentiality of all electronically stored personal data is maintained in line with data protection laws Monitor data collection on daily basis and provide quality assurance/quality control Monitor data collection processes for problems and make suggestions to London-based study coordinator about how to improve processes Ensure that biological samples are collected, stored, and shipped correctly Keep up to date with subject related and professional issues, in particular, developments in the specific subject area   2. Financial management Coordinate with the Logistics and Administrative Coordinator regarding financial management related to the research budget Manage the budget related to medical activities   3. Coordination and communication Exchange information, relevant to the project both internally and externally Act as a liaison between the field workers and study coordinator in London to ensure smooth day-to-day flow of communications with the project teams and collaborators; keep the London-based study coordinator informed of relevant information Participate in regular coordination meetings with partners and other actors in the Bekaa (UN, NGOs, etc.) Report attended meetings with partners and share information with the coordination team Work with external collaborators, including IDRAAC, as agreed with the PI   4. Reporting Support the General Coordinator in the monthly reporting Assist with the drafting, editing and preparation of correspondence, reports and other project related materials Ensure the production of summaries and analysis of the data collected and compiled when required Assist with the preparation of reports of appropriate research results for public presentation through seminars and conferences. Contribute to writing papers summarizing research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals (of high international standing where possible). Contribute to other reports where possible   5. Team management Manage the field work teams and especially the field work team leaders under your direct supervision Provide training, expert advice and assistance to the team of field workers Plan annual leaves for your team members to ensure there is sufficient resource available at all times Carry out annual reviews for your team members   This list of activities is not exhaustive and may change depending on the situation.     CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT   Starting: ASAP Duration: 20 months   Status: Employee (full-time) Contract: Fixed term contract   Single posting Based in Beirut, Lebanon (with regular visits to the Bekaa valley)     SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED   You are committed to MdM values as an organization and motivated by its non-statutory, NFP model.   Professional skills and experience required: Undergraduate degree in relevant subject (Master/PhD will be an asset) At least 2 years’ experience of successful management / coordination of complex research projects in a research or academic organization Experience in humanitarian and development context will be an asset Experience in management and supervision of a team Detailed knowledge of refugee situation related to the conflict in Syria, understanding of Syrian culture, and the effects of displacement on the community Detailed knowledge of mental health issues related to war and displacement Ability to work in a volatile security context and to apply strict security rules   Personal skills and experience required: Good organizational skills, including time management, and rigor Ability to organize and prioritize own work and organize research within the project timetable Ability to maintain accurate and up to date records Reactivity, anticipation, adaptability, ability to take initiatives to changing requirements Excellent written and oral communication skills Ability to listen and to be diplomatic Team spirit   Languages: English and Arabic (native speaker level) mandatory                   French, an asset         MdM stands up for the integration of people living with disabilities and fights against discrimination.