Health Officer

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations.

Program Summary

Mercy Corps Ethiopia currently secured USAID/BHA funded multisectoral response program entitled ‘Humanitarian Assistance for Conflict-Affected Populations (HACAP)” in Oromia and Afar regions. The goal of the proposed program is to increase access to Life-saving Services for Conflict-affected IDPs, Returnees, and Vulnerable Populations through provision of integrated Multi-Sectoral Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Promotion (WASH), Nutrition and Protection support and, Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) in five Woredas of Oromia and Afar regions.

General Position Summary

The health Officer will lead and ensure the technical quality implementation and delivery of mobile health and nutrition services in the assigned woreda. Responsibilities include daily medical consultations and treatments, management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) cases, outreach EPI, health education, sanitation, maternal and child health services, and adherence to existing guidelines. The health Officer will also manage daily documentation of services provided and compile weekly and monthly reports for the Health and Nutrition Coordinator.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Collaborate with team members to integrate nutrition and health services effectively.
• Work with local authorities and partners to harmonize efforts for better impact and sustainability.
• Continuously update knowledge to adapt to changing situations and contexts.

Program Management

• Provide comprehensive health and nutrition services, including medical consultations, community IMNCI/ICCM, safe motherhood, emergency services, referrals, health education, and EPI, following the Afar RHB Mobile Health and Nutrition guidelines.
• Plan, implement, and monitor mobile health and nutrition activities in the assigned woreda.
• Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of activities, site selection, and weekly movement plans.
• Ensure the availability of essential drugs, supplies, and therapeutic products for the team and selected health facilities.
• Facilitate training and collaborate closely with MOH staff at health posts, health centers, hospitals, and the district level.
• Compile and organize daily, weekly, and monthly reports on common morbidity, mortality, EPI, health education, and consultations.
• Maintain referral systems and linkages between services and health facilities.
• Adhere to medical and nutritional treatment protocols and procedures for children and infants.
• Provide onsite training to HEWs and nurses.
• Ensure job aids (e.g., HEW quick reference, lookup tables, report formats, tally sheets, Plumpy'Nut and drug stock control forms) are available at health posts.
• Mentor and assist HEWs in decision-making for patients requiring transfer to hospitals.
• Verify the completeness and accuracy of weekly reports from HEWs and submit them to Woreda Project Officers.
• Participate in capacity-building training, health education sessions, and BCC application.
• Follow up on absentees/defaulters and maintain current records of beneficiaries and staff (CHAs, volunteers).
• Perform any tasks assigned by the line manager and the organization.

Team Management

• Provide technical guidance to midwifery and clinical nurses for standardized mobile health services.
• Support MC mobile and zonal/woreda government health staff in delivering comprehensive primary health care services.
• Facilitate strong communication, referral linkages, and follow-up between mobile health teams and static service providers.
• Collaborate with midwifery nurses, clinical nurses, and other nutrition teams in planning local capacity-building activities.
• Provide formal and on-the-job training and supportive supervision for Mercy Corps woreda-level staff and government health workers.

Influence & Representation

• Liaise with government authorities to ensure the program's strategy, objectives, and activities are understood, agreed upon, and effectively communicated.
• Participate in Zonal/Regional Health and Nutrition Technical Working Group meetings, develop agendas, document actions, and disseminate recommendations.
• Coordinate with local stakeholders and MoH personnel, providing updates on activities.
• Collaborate with field partners (e.g., health centers, health posts, community leaders) to enhance program coverage and efficiency.
• Work with partners like UNICEF and WHO on nutrition/health assessments impacting our programs.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Organizational Learning

• Commit 5% of time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps and personal development.

• BSc in Public Health or Nursing, with a minimum of four years of experience in an NGO environment, including two years in a clinical setup.
• Strong technical skills in case management of childhood and adult illnesses and safe motherhood practices.
• Experience managing medical complications of severely malnourished children and implementing IMNCI/ICCM.
• Proven skills in program planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Ability to lead mobile teams and foster teamwork.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in English and Afarigna language.
• Strong human relations skills.
• Willingness to work under pressure and extended hours.

Success Factors

• Flexibility and adaptability in challenging and frustrating working conditions, such as long-distance travel.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience collaborating closely with regional, zonal, and woreda health offices.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive program reports.
• Strong communication skills and good human relations.
• Commitment to teamwork and gender equality.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination. We seek diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to build a strong, impactful organization. We are committed to providing a respectful and psychologically safe environment with equal employment opportunities for all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination based on race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, military veteran status, or any other protected group.

GEDSI (Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion)

• Understand and contribute to gender diversity and inclusion priorities.
• Promote a gender-equal and inclusive workplace culture.

 Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies.
• Proactively ensure a secure operating environment for team members.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme — SCHR. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Ethics policies and reporting misconduct | Mercy Corps and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

All qualified individuals are invited to apply for the advertised position. All applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers, must be sent electronically.

Health Officer -Apply

Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.  

“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and   diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.” 

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: 03 June 2024/ 4:00 PM