Handicap International seeking Project manager in rehabilitation in AFGHANISTAN
Sunday, 13 July 2008
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.
Job context :
Being present in Afghanistan since 1996 with a comprehensive approach to respond to the needs of persons with disability and to participate in the reconstruction of the Afghan Health System, Handicap International holds an important geographic position in Afghanistan, implementing inclusion as well as physical rehabilitation projects in the provinces of Kabul, Herat and Kandahar.
Job description :
At regional level, the expatriate would work mainly in Herat to improve the technical abilities of the physiotherapists in the Herat Regional Hospital and in the outreach program run by HI. The 7 physiotherapists working for health public system have received technical, financial and management support since 2003. HI currently employes 5 physiotherapists plus one as technical assistant. In regards to technical skills, the main problem is the gap of skills within the team. Clinical reasoning, assessment-reassessment skills and the range of treatment options have to be generally improved.
The project manager would provide consultation on management aspects for the new physiotherapy Centre recently build together with the burn unit in the hospital which is in the process of being handed over to the head of the physiotherapy centre.
S/he would also consult on technical and management aspects the outreach physiotherapy service. HI has also committed to supporting the government’s plan to mainstream disability services within healthcare through Basic Package of Health Services and as such is working with several NGOs to provide training, screening or direct physiotherapy in certain districts around Herat province.
Beside, the project manager will have to participate to the development of the handover strategies for both rehabilitation projects.
Post constraints :
Security: Afghanistan remains in a post-conflict situation. Kabul and Herat cities are currently stable but there are security constraints especially for women. Outside of Herat city, security is relatively stable compared to the rest of Afghanistan. Travel to Kandahar is especially subject to review of the security situation because it is less stable.
Housing : the person usually shares a house with the other expatriates from HI
Isolation : reliable Internet access and satellite TV
Profile sought :
3 years practical experience in a variety of areas of physiotherapy; experience in teaching and training of physiotherapists, preferably in a developing country
Comprehensive understanding of capacity building issues
Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities;
Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style; Good computer skills (Excel …)
Extremely flexible
Languages : English essential, French an advantage
Remuneration : Volunteer or salaried status based on experience
Volunteer : 750 or 850€ + allowance, accommodation, medical coverage and insurance
