Health & Care Program Intern

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 191 members  National Societies. The Organisation acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies in order to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. Our work is guided by seven fundamental principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality) and by Strategy 2020, which voices our collective vision and determination to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the present decade.

The IFRC’s MENA regional office is based in Beirut, Lebanon and covers 17 countries with 8 country offices in Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Palestine, Jordan, and Libya (in Tunisia temporarily due to security considerations) and 2 cluster offices for North Africa (excluding Libya and Egypt) in Tunisia and for the Gulf countries in the United Arab Emirates. The MENA region’s 17 member National Societies are: the Algerian Red Crescent, Bahrain Red Crescent Society, Egyptian Red Crescent, Emirates Red Crescent, Iraqi Red Crescent Society, Red Crescent of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan National Red Crescent Society, Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Lebanese Red Cross, Libyan Red Crescent Society, Moroccan Red Crescent, Palestine Red Crescent Society, Qatar Red Crescent Society, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Tunisian Red Crescent, and the Yemen Red Crescent Society.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is affected by some of the protracted and complex humanitarian emergencies in the world, primarily the result of armed conflict and other protracted violence.  The long occupation of Palestine and the conflicts in Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen have in recent years led to large-scale humanitarian crises and remain a major determining factor in the ability of communities to take active steps towards strengthening their resilience. 

In countries where violence does not dominate the environment, various hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks affect countries in North Africa as well as the countries bordering the Arabian Gulf. This region is also one of origin, transit, and destination for many refugees and migrants. Many of those caught up along mixed migratory routes are victims of smuggling and trafficking as they face perilous journeys, notably by sea.

Health and care is always a key intervention for those affected people due to the mentioned situations in the MENA region.  Health issues vary from war injuries, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs; i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.), communicable diseases (i.e. Cholera, MERS, etc.), psychological disorders to malnutrition.  These evolving situations call for strategic changes in our approach as we prepare to continue to work side by side with MENA National Societies in 2020.

MAIN TASKS

Support the Health and Care team in developing the MENA Health Database of National Societies’ health care services and capacities, as well as their countries’ national health profiles.

 Participate actively in a comprehensive analyze of the public health needs in the region including assessment, mapping of key actors and available opportunities of funding with cooperation with key stockholders and  NSs.

 act as the focal person in the Health and Care unit in terms of the regular  reporting task (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, meeting minutes, etc.. )

 keeping the internal and inter-department communication smooth,  

Establishing and ensuring effective working relationships with other personnel, including all other RC/RC Movement staff as necessary

Assist in the logistic and technical preparations related to Health and care operations and programs with a focus on Arranging meetings and workshops

Assist the WASH and Health and Care team in their daily tasks of technical support to National Societies participating in the events organized by the H&C unit.

Conduct missions if there are any appropriate possibilities (subject to security clearance).

Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

Database of MENA NSs & personnel

Weekly health updates

Meeting reports 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

University Degree in one of the following: Social Science, Law, Humanitarian Affairs, medical Public Health studies or other relevant fields (Required)

Master’s degree in public health or other relevant discipline (Required)

Experience

Basic experience in qualitative and quantitative research (Required)

Experience as a facilitator or trainer (Preferred)

Work experience with other international organisations, large NGOs and/or governmental development agency (Preferred)

Knowledge and Skills

Understanding of the humanitarian context (Required)

Ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse cultural context (Required)

Strong analytical and secondary research skills (Required)

Strong report-writing skills (Required)

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) (Required)

Languages
Fluently spoken and written Arabic & English (Required)

Good command of another IFRC official language (French) (Preferred)

Competencies

Professionalism, Communications, Diversity, Accountability, Team Work, and Integrity