“Health Education Assistant (Community Awareness-Raising Staff) – Aden”

For our program in Yemen, we are looking for a Health Education Assistant (Community Awareness-Raising Staff), the position will be based in Aden.
Médecins du Monde (MdM) is an international humanitarian organization whose mission is to provide medical care for the most vulnerable populations, the world over, including France. It seeks to stimulate voluntary commitment from doctors, other health care providers, and from those whose expertise in other fields is needed for its activities, to enlist all competent support required for the achievement of its projects, and to seek at all times to encourage close working relationships with populations in its care.

Position:  Health Education Assistant (Community Awareness-Raising Staff)
Status: Full time
Location:  Aden base
Reporting to:  Health Activity Manager Aden

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the (Health Activity Manager), the (Community Awareness-raising Staff) will be take lead in bridging the gap between communities and the health care systems to navigate and access community services, other resources, and adopt healthy behaviors. As a priority, through the CHV, the HE assistant activity will be aimed to promote, maintaining, and improve the community’s general health. The HE Assistant will work closely with HF to help ensure that patients have comprehensive and coordinated care. The key roles will include;

• Training Community Health Volunteers on Health Education
• Advocate for individual and community needs
• Supervising the implementation of Health Education by Community Health and Nutrition Volunteers
• Reporting and attendance to different meetings

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Training Community Health Volunteers on Health Education

• Take lead in providing culturally appropriate health education, information and outreach in community-based settings, such as homes, clinics, schools, shelters, local businesses, and community centers
• Regularly meet Community Health Nutrition Volunteers (CHNVs) in each area of MDM intervention and identify CHVs with interest and/or potential for effective Health Education
• Provide social support and informal counselling, advocate for individuals and community health needs, and provide services such as first aid, nutritional screening, home visits and follow-ups as required.
• Train CHVs as Health Educator through theoretical group training and on the job training:
• Group training in the area of MC or PHC support team activity or at the time of team visit
• Train CHNV to on effective implementation of Health Education sessions with some of the patients waiting during MC or PHC support activities, with observation by newly trained Health Educators CHNVs
• Carry out supervisory visits on both Health Education team and newly trained CHNVs during Health Education session
• Advocate for individual and community needs
• Responsible for establishing trusting relationships with patients, the community while providing general education, support and encouragement.
• Do regular assessments, articulate and advocate needs of the community and individuals to MdM and the local authority
• Train and sensitize the community and the CHNV on gender-based violence issues
• Actively involve the community key members, and marginalized participants. 
• Map community facilities to help locate and support needed services.

Supervising implementation of Health Education by Community Health Volunteers

• Regular meetings with Health Educators CHNVs during MC or PHC support visits
• Assessment of type and number of activities realized (individual visits for Health Education, group meeting in villages, Health Education in HF…), tools used, subject tackled, acceptance by population, changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices
• Assessment of impact of Health Education and new needs by focus groups in villages, together with CHNVs Heath Educators (frequency to be settled according to strategy)
• Take part in the quarterly quality assessments at the community level

Reporting and attendance to different meetings

• Prepare a weekly and monthly activities report to submit to the HE supervisor
• Compile CHNVs reports for inclusion in medical reports or any other relevant reports
• Prepare focus groups reports to submit to the HE supervisor
• Participate in a pro-active way to MdM internal meetings (medical, security…)

PROFILE REQUIRED

Qualification required: 

• Diploma or College Degree in related Medical Field.  Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Skills required: 

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in similar position with INGOs.  

Personal skills required:

• Computer Skills in using Microsoft Office such as (Word and Excel).
• Excellent Communication Skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent English Skills.
• Experience working in humanitarian emergency settings is an asset