Job Vacancies at Partners In Health – 9 Openings
Partners In Health Sierra Leone LLC (PIH) is recruiting to fill the following positions:
1.) e-Health Manager
2.) State Enrolled Community Health Nurse (Maternity)
3.) Midwife Mentor (x3)
4.) Midwives (x4)
Organization Profile
Partners In Health Sierra Leone LLC (PIH) is an international health organization relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized. PIH partners with local governments to build local capacity and works closely with impoverished communities to deliver high-quality health care, address the root causes of illness, train providers, advance research, and advocate for global policy change. Our delivered services in the field are based in our partnership with the Governments and Ministries of Health and the support to education, training and mentorship to Health care workers and students is one of our pillars for the Health care system strengthening.
PIH currently has implementation programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Sierra Leone and Navajo Nation. Through our partnership with Harvard Medical School and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, we support a wide range of programs in dozens of other countries around the world.
Our Work In Sierra Leone:
Partners In Health Sierra Leone LLC (PIH) began supporting the government of Sierra Leone in response to the Ebola epidemic in October 2014. Recognizing the large need for continued investments in the health system after Ebola, PIH is committed to long-term health system strengthening in support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), guided by the same principles as our emergency response and our work around the world: public sector accompaniment, integrated and comprehensive services, social justice, nimbleness and flexibility, partnership, community ownership, and evidence-based interventions. In the aftermath of the epidemic, PIH is committed to supporting the delivery of comprehensive health services in Sierra Leone, from the community level to the health center and to referral hospitals.
See job details and how to apply below.
1.) e-Health Manager
Position Overview
Our vision is to build health information systems that are aligned with the Government of Sierra Leone eHealth strategy and that are able to offer interoperability with existing systems, such as DHIS2.
The eHealth Manager will be part of the Strategic Health Information System (SHIS) team based in Koidu City, Kono District, Sierra Leone and will work closely with the Boston-based Health Information Systems team. Current initiatives include: expanding implementation of the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system at multiple health care facilities; supporting the use of a CommCare-based mobile tool for community health workers; and deployment of a CommCare data collection for hospital triage. Ensuring robust systems are in place to facilitate data use, maintain data quality and smooth functioning of the electronic systems is a key part of this role.
The OpenMRS EMR is a platform that PIH have supported and contributed to for many years. The eHealth Lead will be critical in leading its continued development, as well as collaborating with teams on the UX design to ensure an EMR system that meets the end user needs. Our objective is to demonstrate how OpenMRS can assist in the delivery of quality healthcare and realise the benefits of digital health.
The eHealth Manager will actively participate in strengthening efficient health information system in two teaching health facilities in the Western Area of Sierra Leone: the Lakka Government Hospital and the Sierra Leone Psychiatric teaching Hospital (SLPTH) in Kissy. The eHealth Manager will oversee and manage the digital health implementation components of the Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE)
A significant function of the job is to build the technical capacity of the local staff in IT and health information management amongst PIH and Ministry colleagues and staff. This person will manage a team of eHealth officers and will spend a significant portion of their time on investing in capacity-development and skills advancement for these team members.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Implementation of eHealth Initiatives (60%)
Work closely with the SHIS team and Boston-based Health Information Systems team to design, implement, and optimize EMR and mobile health systems features in support of improved health care delivery at PIH-SL-supported health facilities
Work closely with IT and supply chain teams to create budgets for EMR implementation
Liaise between the clinical team and the Boston-based Health Information Systems team to design and adapt EMR software that is best suited for the Sierra Leonean context (i.e. ensure that not only technical but user-centered requirements of the systems are met)
Build best practices for testing new releases and rolling out system upgrades
Implement local changes to modules to improve UX and data use e.g. add/delete variables, modify option lists, add new skip logic to xml files
Ensure look-up lists of e.g. diagnoses, drugs, lab tests are maintained and up-to-date
Ensure efficient EMR and mobile health system implementation and maintenance, including end user training.
Put backup and resilience measures in place to ensure systems stay on line and data is safeguarded and updated regularly to minimize downtime
Contribute to the evaluation of informatics systems in collaboration with the SHIS team
Ensure reporting from the system is accurate and effective and meets stakeholder requirements
Ensure regular data quality monitoring is reviewed and actioned
Develop and ensure complete compliance with internal data governance policies and strategies all key processes are documented and these documents are completed to an agreed standard.
Data Collection, Analysis, and Utilization (20%)
Design and implement data warehouse pipeline to facilitate M&E teamwork to provide timely and complete insights to clinical programs and partners.
Liaise with other PIH sites to ensure consistency of health information collected across parallel programs to enable joint evaluations and analyses
Assist in data collection, analysis, and presentation associated with monitoring, evaluation, and research or quality improvement activities
Support other routine SHIS activities as required
Team Management & Training (20%)
Directly manage a team of eHealth specialists and officers with potential for additional direct reports in the future, including weekly check-ins, mentorship, training, and other management responsibilities
With clinical partners, support the delivery of training to end users of the EMR system
Support the production of effective computer skills assessments and training materials for end users
Actively Participate to enhance the capacity of SHIS team members to manage the EMR systems effectively through on-the-job coaching and mentorship
Criteria for this position
The key competencies required for the position of eHealth Lead are as follows (where not required competencies are flagged as “desirable”).
Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Partners In Health (PIH) is committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work, including patients, families and community members, are treated with respect and dignity. We recognize that our work is rooted in vulnerable communities and, as a social justice organization, we are responsible for preventing sexual abuse and exploitation and enforcing consequences for those who fail to uphold these standards. PIH will not tolerate its employees, volunteers, consultants or any other representatives associated with the delivery of our work carrying out any form of sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, failing to report any allegations of sex abuse or sexual exploitation, or retaliation against those who report or participate in investigations.
Qualification and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in discipline with strong informatics component or evidence of significant commitment to learning around informatics later in career.
(Desirable) Master’s degree in one of these: Computer Science, Database Administration, Health Informatics, Health Information Management; Software Engineering.
Technical Competencies
At least three (3) years of experience of maintaining information software systems (preferably medical information systems). This implies familiarity with database configuration (specifying changes, implementing changes), integrating workflow into an electronic system, managing stakeholder requirements, ensuring the smooth running of the system.
Proven technical expertise and knowledge in health information systems management, geographical information systems (GIS) management and digital health implementation
Proven managerial skills in planning health information systems or e-health projects with a culturally diverse, multidisciplinary team in low-resource countries.
Excellent communication and training facilitation skills
Ability and willingness to quickly learn new skills and tasks
Familiarity with database principles and experience of database management
(Desirable) Exposure to and conceptual understanding of: SQL, CSS, HTML, Java or Javascript, Git & GitHub, Linux
(Desirable) Experience with data visualization tools such as PowerBI or Tableau
(Desirable) Familiarity with and interest in research and statistical methods
Behavioral Competencies
Professional – resourceful problem-solver, adapts well to changing priorities and demands, able to work in team and alone
Communicator - Excellent oral and written communication skills, empathic, culturally competent with an adequate awareness of one’s heuristic and cognitive biases.
Detail oriented – strong analytics skills; being able to focusing on details and to seeing the imbrication with the big picture; attention to detail and commitment to getting it right, delivering polished, high-quality deliverables with minimal oversight.
Ethical - Demonstrated alignment with and commitment to the health information professionals’ code of ethics along with a natural passion for strengthening digital health information system in Sierra Leone.
Committed - Commitment to understanding and advocating for PIH’s mission, vision, core values, strategy and approach to addressing health issues in settings of poverty
Comfortable living in a rural area and able to deal with poor IT infrastructure.
Methods of Application
Interested candidates are required to apply through our website: www.pih.org/employment. In your application, please ensure to include names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three (3) refereesnot later than 12:00pm GMT (Midnight) on Tuesday, 7th December, 2021.
2.) State Enrolled Community Health Nurse (Maternity)
Position Overview
The State Enrolled Community Health Nurse (SECHN) for Maternity is a critical member of the PIH staff. SECHNs work collaboratively alongside physicians, SCMs, SRN’s, CHOs, MCH Aides and TBAs to provide high quality care to pregnant, laboring, and postpartum women, their infants, and their families. Because KGH Maternity department is a growing, busy unit built on teamwork, you will also be expected to assist in other clinic areas including Triage, Outpatient ANC/PNC/Gynecological clinic, Family planning, theatre and delivery room as needed under the direction of the RMNH program Manager/Director and the Director of Nursing, as well as the MOHS Sister in charge.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Specific Responsibilities:
Provide antenatal, and postnatal care services including performing patient assessments, screenings, and treatment of common conditions in pregnant and lactating mothers admitted in the Maternity ward or seen in the outpatient gynecological, antenatal or postnatal clinics.
Provide labor & delivery nursing care, including basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care to mothers and babies as needed.
Provide clinical assessment, initial treatment according to the protocols and standard of care established in the Maternity Unit, Sierra Leone National Protocols and Guidelines for Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care and according to the responsibilities of the position.
Provide acute nursing care to sick pregnant and lactating mothers and newborn’s admitted/born in the department.
Provide family planning counseling and services including contraceptive pills, injectable, implants and IUCD’s.
Correctly complete registers, other unit documentation, and reports.
Adhere to national and locally agreed health & safety, and infection control protocols.
Assist with the cleaning and maintenance of the Maternity department space and supplies.
Assist with ordering and restocking of supplies at the Maternity department to ensure all necessary medications and medical consumables are available for patients at all times.
Ensure proper sterilization and maintenance of instruments and equipment for the Maternity department.
Give health promotion talks to in and out patients accessing services at the Maternity department.
Provide counseling including PMTCT, bereavement to pregnant, laboring, and postpartum women and their families.
Work rotating morning, afternoon, and night shifts as required and adhering to the monthly allocated duties.
Provide supervision and support to other Maternity Center staff including MCH Aides and TBAs with oversight from the RMNH program manager and physicians.
Provide compassionate and respectful maternity care to patients and their significant others.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
Diploma or Certificate in Nursing or (2-3) year’s course in related field and registered member of Nurses and Midwife board of Sierra Leone with a valid license to practice.
2-4 years of clinical experience in maternal/neonatal care and family planning needed.
Knowledgeable and competent in the provision of basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care is needed. ETAT competency is desirable.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, problem solver, creative thinker, and good English verbal and written skills required.
Ability to work well within a team, be dependable, committed, hard- working and time conscious.
Ability to be flexible and effective in a busy work environment and to work independently.
Good sense of humor.
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
PIH is committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment. PIH is committed to safeguarding staff, children and communities with whom we work, therefore any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks, including a criminal records checks.
At Partners in Health, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including our patients, families and community members – as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Partner in Health’s PSEAH policy. Partner in Health will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Method of Application
Interested candidates are required to apply through our website: www.pih.org/employment. In your application, please ensure to include names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three (3) refereesnot later than 12:00pm GMT (Midnight) on Tuesday, 7th December, 2021.
3.) Midwife Mentor (x3)
Position Overview
The Midwife Mentor is a critical member of the PIH Sierra Leone team and will work collaboratively with the clinical and support services staff to provide high-quality, comprehensive maternal and newborn health services at KGH and PHU’s supported by PIH. The Midwife will work closely with the Reproductive Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Director & program manager, OBGYN’s; International Midwife Mentor and MoHS sister in charge of the Maternity - to improve the quality of maternal and newborn health services in Kono District, reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. With specific focus on mentoring staff on RMNCAH and Essential New Born Care at KGH and PIH supported sites. Because PIH Sierra Leone is a growing organization and the Maternity Unit at KGH is a busy facility built on teamwork, the Midwife Mentor will also be expected to assist in other clinical areas as needed under the direction of the RMNCAH Director/program manager and Director of Nursing.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Specific Responsibilities:
In consultation and in line with the RMNCAH Clinical Lead, Clinical Facilitator, International Midwife Mentor and GAC objectives she will develop/adapt a training curriculum for nurses and midwives at the target facilities, adhering to the Sierra Leone National Protocols and Guidelines for Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care.
Strengthen the clinical skills of Midwives, Nurses, CHO’s, MCHA’s and students at Koidu Government Hospital and other project sites in the delivery of normal maternal care, BEMONC, CEMONC, RMNCAH best practices, compassionate and respectful maternity care, health and safety, Infection Prevention and Control, PMTCT and Family Planning through theoretical and on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship.
Facilitate the professional and clinical development of the individual members working within the team as well as ensuring that the resources and skills of all members of the team are used to optimal effect.
Utilize the full skills of a midwife as laid down in the WHO’s definition of a midwife and the Sierra Leone Nursing and Midwifery Board and provide patient care as needed at KGH and other PIH supported sites.
Provide clinical maternal and newborn normal and emergency obstetric care both in a mentoring and caregiving capacity, including providingcover for on call and weekend hours as needed.
Be capable and able to effectively manage the Maternity department and all its staff in the absence of the In-Charge and other leadership personnel.
Develop and facilitate a conducive training and learning environment for all staff thereby fulfilling the mentorship and preceptorship roles.
Supervise all maternity staff, ensuring all patients in labor are properly monitored through the use of the partograph and that staff are confident and competent in doing so, as well as able to provide efficient antenatal, postnatal, newborn care and Family Planning.
Provide quality and timely training on basic emergency obstetric care for obstetric complications, with the requisite on the job training to ensure that all staff can carry out these activities correctly.
In conjunction with the RMNCAH Lead, Clinical Facilitator, International Midwife Mentor and OBGYN specialists, devise assessment tools to monitor staff competencies and provide practical on the job support as needed to staff who are not achieving said competencies.
Ensure staff are competently able to complete proper documentation in all maternal and newborn records and health and clinic registers.
Provide training and other technical support to Community Health Workers and Traditional Birth Attendants on RMNCAH topics as needed.
Conduct regular monitoring visits to targeted health facilities to monitor quality and performance of mentored staff and completion of monitoring tools.
Work cohesively with the M & E team to collect data, compile and share activity and monthly reports with RMNCAH Lead, GAC Project Manager and designated others.
Support maternal and newborn health outreach activities in collaboration with the RMNCAH program manager. Working closely with the DHMT in PHU sites.
Represent PIH within the remits of her role at Conferences/Meetings.
Provide compassionate care in line with the PIH mission.
Other responsibilities as designated by the RMNCAH Lead and GAC Project Lead.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
State Certified Midwife and SECHN/SRN/Public Health Specialist Nurse.
EMONC trainer and proven knowledge of BEMONC, CEMONC, Essential Newborn Care and ETAT.
Experience in managing high risk pregnancies, complicated deliveries and postpartum complications.
5 or more years of experience as a practicing midwife in Sierra Leone or other developing country.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Exchange Email.
Fluent in verbal and written English, and Krio.
Ability to work independently and as an autonomous practitioner.
Ability to work well in a team, be dependable, and hard working.
Detail orientated.
Ability to be flexible and efficient; with a good sense of humor in a busy work environment.
Commitment to social justice and human rights.
Willing to live and work fulltime in Kono District, Sierra Leone.
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation , Abuse and Harassment
PIH is committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment. PIH is committed to safeguarding staff, children and communities with whom we work, therefore any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks, including a criminal records checks.
At Partners in Health, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including our patients, families and community members – as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Partner in Health’s PSEAH policy. Partner in Health will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Method of Application
Interested candidates are required to apply through our website: www.pih.org/employment. In your application, please ensure to include names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three (3) refereesnot later than 12:00pm GMT (Midnight) on Tuesday, 7th December, 2021.
4.) Midwives (x4)
Position Overview
The Midwife is a critical member of the PIH Sierra Leone team and will work collaboratively with the clinical and support services staff to provide high-quality, comprehensive maternal and newborn health services at KGH and in Wellbody (WBC) Maternal Health clinic as required. The Midwife when based at WBA, will be supervised by the Midwife Manager and at KGH by the Midwife Mentors, MOHS Sister in charge of maternity department with oversight by the Reproductive Maternal and Neonatal Health Director and program manager. She will work to improve the quality of maternal and newborn health services in Kono District and reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality with a specific focus on labor and delivery services at KGH and WBC. Because PIH Sierra Leone is a growing organization and the Maternity Unit is a busy facility built on teamwork, the Midwife will also be expected to assist in other clinical areas as needed under the direction of the PIH RMNH program manager/Director and Director of Nursing.
Esential Duties and Responsibilities:
Specific Responsibilities:
Provide high quality antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care to pregnant women, new mothers and their babies, including provision of the full package of antenatal care services as per the Sierra Leone national protocols and guidelines for emergency and obstetric and newborn care.
Actively participate in the identification and management of antenatal complications requiring treatment, follow-up and clinical management.
Provide high quality and timely basic emergency care for obstetric complications during antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods.
Provide high quality normal and delivery care including ensuring proper monitoring of labor through the use of the partograph and other monitoring tools in use in the department.
Supervise clinical maternity staff at the department, ensuring all patients are properly cared for and monitored, vital signs checked, medications given as prescribed, partograph’ s completed accurately and acted on as needed.
Provide daily essential newborn care to all infants born at the Maternity department at KGH and/or Wellbody Delivery Center. Identify, liaise with the neonatal team and transfer sick babies as needed to Pediatric resus for further treatment as needed.
Provide routine daily postnatal care for women and infants through to 6 weeks postpartum.
Evaluate postnatal patients prior to discharge and provide discharge counseling to ensure that mothers are able to care for their newborns competently and confidently.
Ensure proper documentation is maintained in all maternal and newborn records, health registers and clinic registers.
Collaborate with the RMNH program manager and the rest of the staff to ensure clinical staff can provide CEmONC services in line with MOHS and WHO standards.
Prepare documentation and participate in MDSR monthly reviews, including presentations for KGH and DHMT.
Provide clinical assessment, birth plan development, and on-going care for patients at the Wellbody Birth Waiting Home if required.
Provide leadership, supervision and support for maternity staff to provide quality maternal and newborn health services at KGH and Wellbody Clinic including BEmONC/CEmONC services, ANC, PNC, Delivery Care, Essential Newborn Care, PMTCT, AYFS and Family Planning.
Lead and enforce health & safety standards, Infection Prevention and Control protocols, including ensuring the availability of PPE and cleaning supplies.
Ensure and maintain daily stock checks for the availability of medicines, consumables, supplies and equipment for the Delivery Department to avoid stock outs, including during nights and weekends.
Support maternal and newborn health outreach activities in collaboration with the RMNH program manager.
Collaborate with the RMNH program manager, Obstetrician and the Midwife mentors to provide training on maternity care for clinic staff.
Work rotating shifts, including significant night shift coverage, and rotating “on call” weekends.
Provide compassionate and respectful maternity care in line with the PIH mission and values.
Participate in all quality improvement activities in the department and significantly contribute to successful outcomes and targets being met.
Other responsibilities as required.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
State Certified Midwife, with current registration at the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
1 or more years of experience practicing as a midwife.
Experience in managing high risk pregnancies and complicated deliveries.
Proven knowledge of Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care, including neonatal resuscitation. ETAT certification is advantageous.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Exchange Email.
Fluent in verbal and written English.
Ability to work independently and as an autonomous practitioner.
Ability to work well in a team, be dependable, flexible, time conscious and hard working.
Detail oriented and able to consistently produce high quality work.
Ability to be flexible and effective with a good sense of humor in a busy work environment.
Commitment to social justice and human rights.
Willing to live and work fulltime in Koidu, Sierra Leone.
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
PIH is committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment. PIH is committed to safeguarding staff, children and communities with whom we work, therefore any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks, including a criminal records checks.
At Partners in Health, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including our patients, families and community members – as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Partner in Health’s PSEAH policy. Partner in Health will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Method of Application
Interested candidates are required to apply through our website: www.pih.org/employment. In your application, please ensure to include names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three (3) referees not later than 12:00pm GMT (Midnight) on Tuesday,7th December, 2021.
Disclaimer: Careerical eConsult posts job listings for the convenience of job seekers. We do not endorse or recommend employers, and a posting does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Careerical eConsult explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about positions listed on our website. Careerical eConsult is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, or other aspects of employment. It is the responsibility of applicants to research the integrity of the organizations to which they are applying. We advise you to use caution and common sense when applying for any position with an organization or private party.
