Protection of Health Care Iraq

The Norwegian Red Cross is part of the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement, the world’s largest humanitarian network with millions of volunteers and staff operating in 190 countries. Our mission is to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies. To achieve this, we follow the seven humanitarian principles; Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality.

Violence against health care in armed conflict or other emergencies continues to be a serious humanitarian concern with devastating short and long-term consequences for the wounded and sick, affected communities, health care facilities and transports, and for the thousands of health care personnel who seek to provide assistance precisely when it is needed most. Since the 31st International Conference in 2011, States, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the health-care community and civil society have mobilised around the Health Care in Danger (HCiD) initiative to take steps to address protection of health care. The Norwegian Red Cross seeks an experienced delegate to lead the implementation of HCiD measures in Iraq.

In Iraq Norwegian Red Cross supports Iraq Red Crescent Society (IRCS) to respond to humanitarian needs, with a focus on health and WASH programmes. Assessments in the Iraqi context have identified the issue of inter-personal violence in the form of attacks on health care personnel as a major current challenge related to the protection of health care. The project led by the delegate will initially focus on supporting staff in health care facilities to cope with stress and instances of inter-personal violence. By using and contextualizing existing tools and material, the delegate will provide guidance on how they can protect themselves by de-escalating potentially violent patient-health care staff situations.

Norwegian Red Cross has been present in Iraq since 2013.

Main strategic responsibilities:

• Establishment of the technical lead role of Norwegian Red Cross in HCiD for Iraq
• Building the capacity of IRCS in HCiD

Missions specific responsibilities:

The HCiD delegate is responsible for project design, contextualization of training materials, training of trainers (ToT), monitoring of implementation by IRCS and final project evaluation. The main focus in the initial phase will be placed on the measures related to de-escalation of inter-personal violence. S/he will ensure and maintain transversal coordination and fluid communication with IRCS and the ICRC and keep them updated on HCiD implementation.

Main operational responsibilities:

• Contextualize training manual on Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Stress Management in Health Care
• Draft project plan of action that defines specific outcomes and deliverables, priorities and timelines, along with the means required for successful implementation.
• Organize with the IRCS departments for holding ToT trainings
• Perform ToT trainings for IRCS volunteers across the different IRCS governorates
• Provide guidance and technical support to the trained IRCS volunteers
• Coordinate with NorCross health delegate and Head of IRCS Health Department
• Coordinate with representatives of the relevant central authorities.
• Provide regular reports to partners on project progress

We seek a person who;

• adheres to company rules and procedures; execute plans with commitment and determination; achieves high quality results
• creates a stable and re-assuring work atmosphere; supports and encourages team in difficult times; is firm and reliable
• builds a useful network of contacts and relationships and utilize it to achieve objectives
• makes an impact; convinces and persuades others; promotes plans and ideas successfully
• adheres to company rules and procedures; execute plans with commitment and determination; achieves high quality results

Education: 

Advanced university degree in a relevant field (public health, psychology/mental health, international relations, security management, process management)

Experience with:

• humanitarian or development sector including in highly insecure contexts + 5 years
• working in a health care sector (prehospital or in-hospital)
• training and coaching, preferably in cross-cultural environments
• process management/facilitation
• the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the areas of Protection, Health, Communication and Cooperation is a strong asset
• the Health Care in Danger initiative and desirable exposure to its application in a variety of contexts
• awareness raising campaigns (desirable)
• working in MENA context is an advantage
• coordinating multidisciplinary projects

Other skills:  

• English work proficiency is required; Arabic is a strong asset.
• International driving licence (manual gear) is required.

Reporting to:  

Country Programme Manager, based in Bagdad, Iraq

Position is based in:

Bagdad, Iraq

Contract:

12 months’ contract, possible with extension

Why should you apply?

Meaningful: You`ll be a part of the world's largest humanitarian organization, reaching the most vulnerable people in their local community.

Impact: You will help National Societies in the region to become strong, self-sustained and accountable humanitarian actors.

Career: You will be connected to an international organization with staff based all over the world

A great place to work: You will work in a multicultural environment with hard-working, dedicated and fun colleagues with a strong culture of collaboration, continual improvement, and celebration of wins.

Norwegian Red Cross strive to build a working culture based on respect, honesty and generosity.  We follow the seven fundamental principles; Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality.

We do a thorough background check on relevant candidate.