Clinical Officer
Work Arrangement:
Job Description
Organization Background
Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.
The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development –bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 9 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Moroto, Amudat, Yumbe, Arua, Kasese and Kampala.
The IRC is currently implementing its health and nutrition program in West Nile and Acholi focusing on providing primary health care services to refugees in their settlements.
Job Overview
Under the supervision and guidance of the health facility in-charge and medical officer, the CO is expected to develop the capacity of subordinates by provision of on-the site clinical mentorship, support supervision and organizing for continuous medical education or continuous professional development for the facility staff. S/he will be expected to work within the health facility and also offer services in the community in the catchment area; and collaborate with the health implementing partners in the settlement. Responsibilities may include supervision of health staff, developing project review meetings and coordinating with the appropriate stakeholders.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Offer daily clinical assessment and prescription of treatment for all patients attending the health unit.
• Ensure proper documentation of the history, examination findings, investigations and treatment prescribed.
• Refer to the doctor in charge or to the doctor on call challenging cases and relevant information such as patient’s status and laboratory results, which would assist in proper clinical management.
• Conduct minor surgical procedures in the OPD minor theatre i.e. stitching cut wounds, I&D of abscesses, removal of minor foreign bodies etc.
• Actively participate in weekly CME’s held at the health facility or health post.
• Do health facility coverage and on-call as required.
• Participate in camp health surveys/campaigns.
• Assist in daily morning ward rounds of admitted patients with the medical officer assigned to the ward and contribute to bedside teachings to junior staff.
• Ensure complete and accurate inventory of medicines and supplies located at the health unit and monitor and supervise their usage.
• Liaises with other cadres in the unit in the delivery of quality health care to patients
• Adheres to professional codes of conduct and ethics.
• Provide health talks to patients/clients on day-to-day basis.
• Carry out other relevant duties as may be required or assigned by your supervisor.
Qualifications
• Must have a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Community Health or its equivalent from a recognized Institution.
• Must be registered and licensed with the Allied Health Professionals Council.
• Experience working in a refugee settlement or any other humanitarian setting.
• 2 years of work experience, with field experience in a health project implementation.
• Planning, organizing and coordinating
• Concern for quality and standards
• Communication
• Ethics and integrity
• Self-control and stress management
• Time management
Please note: Deadline for receiving applications is 25th September 2023.
Professional Standards
IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request reasonable accommodation.