Handicap International seeking a Physical Disability Rehabilitation Project Manager in Sierra Leone
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Handicap International is an international organisation specialised in the field of disability. Non-governmental, non-religious, non-political and non-profit making, it works alongside people with disabilities, whatever the context, offering them assistance and supporting them in their efforts to become self-reliant. Since its creation, the organisation has set up programmes in approximately 60 countries and intervened in many emergency situations. It has a network of eight national associations (Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA) which provide human and financial resources, manages projects and raises awareness of Handicap International’s actions and campaigns.
Country context :
Sierra Leone is a country with a population of approximately 5 million people, recovering from a 10 year civil war. Since the war ended in 2005, the majority of citizens have resumed their normal lives, but the effects of the war, including destroyed infrastructure, disability due to war injuries and severe poverty, are still evident. Sierra Leone is officially a democracy, with an elected president and representatives, but power is concentrated in the hands of the wealthy. The country also has a long history of corruption. The people of Sierra Leone speak a variety of different dialects, but English is the official language for business and common communication. Approximately 60% of the population are Muslim and 40% Christian, with no animosity between these groups. Generally security is good and most Sierra Leoneans will warn foreigners if there are problems. While the country is continuing the slow process of rehabilitation, health care and road access remain poor.
Job context :
Handicap international’s activities in Sierra Leone began in 1996 during an emergency relief phase in response to needs for psychological support and artificial limbs resulting from the amputation policy that had been implemented during the conflict. Since then, the mission has developed considerably and orientates the actions in three main directions: the strengthening of care services, the training of professionals and disabled people’s organisations and the promotion of disabled people’s rights.
HI activities in rehabilitation are organized in two projects:
National rehabilitation policy and center : transferring the National Rehabilitation Center to the MOHS, lobbying, sensitizing and supporting the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.
Rehabilitation services in Bo and Koidu : in this 2 areas, HI works in rehabilitation centers and services and is developing accessibility to the services for disabled people, by implemented outreach clinics.
Job description :
Under the line management of the National Rehabilitation Coordinator (PDR), the Bo and Koidu Rehabilitation Project manager will:
Manage the implementation and monitoring of activities in Bo and Koidu (operations, human resource, finance and communication)
Increase capacity of national staff to undertake project management and site coordination
Provide technical support for the development of the physical care components of the PDR projects
Increase cooperation with local partners in each site/district
Links with the Social Inclusion and Rights (SIR) Project in Kono
Contribute to the overall strategy of the HI-SL and the PDR projects in Sierra Leone. HI-Sierra Leone is nearing the end of its Pluri-annual Strategy. In 2008, there will be the opportunity to review the strategy of the entire program and within that the PDR program.
Profile sought :
Background in Physical or Occupational Therapy
At least 3 years experience in project management or coordination of rehabilitation activities
Experience working in a developing country
Experience training rehabilitation staff
Experience in budget management
Computer skills, including Word and Excel
Qualifications or training in international development, participatory planning skills, proposal writing skills and knowledge and experience in HI tools (PME, budget, evaluation…) are a plus
Post constraints :
The Bo & Koidu Rehabilitation Project Manager will be based in Bo with regular travels to Koidu and Freetown .
Bo is the second largest city in the country and there are a few activities to do (1 restaurant with swimming pools, few little restaurants in town). The city of Bo is calm and quiet, small enough to cross by walking. Other INGOs are present in Bo and so there are other expatriates living there. Most of the time the Project Manager will be alone in his the guest house provided by HI.
Languages :
Fluent written and spoken English essential
French is an advantage
Remuneration : Volunteer or salaried status based on experience
Volunteer : 750 or 850€ + allowance, accommodation, medical coverage and insurance
Salaried : 1950 to 2150€ monthly gross salary + benefits
Please send cover letter and resume:
By Email :
By Fax: 514-937-6685
Or by mail : HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL CANADA 1819 RÉNÉ-LÉVESQUE WEST, SUITE 401 MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC H3H 2P5
