United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Project Manager – Emergency Surgical Response
Country: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Closing date: 02 Sep 2013
Position: Project Manager - Emergency Surgical ResponseDepartment: ProgrammesResponsible to: Head of Emergencies or designated manager in the country of postingResponsible for: 2 x Emergency Surgical Response LogisticiansWorks with: Merlin Response Team (Head Office and Field), Head of Global Operational Support, HO Logs Dept,Location: London with frequent UK travel and emergency overseas deployment.Duration: 2 yearsSalary: £39,110 - £41,110 per annumRequirements: CRB check basic and DfID Security ClearancePlease note that:- Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on a regular basis and we may offer this post before the closing date.- For security reasons, certain nationalities will not be considered for the role.
Merlin Merlin is an international health charity, saving lives in the world’s toughest places. Merlin responds with healthcare, when people are overwhelmed by natural disaster, conflict or disease and in need of immediate help. We focus on treating those who are beyond the reach of existing health services. After the immediate crisis, Merlin stays on to assist recovery. Using our expertise, we support health workers and strengthen existing health services. We build resilience by helping those at risk of future health disasters, to be better prepared.We think everyone should have access to lasting healthcare. We believe good health is fundamental to transforming people’s lives, that’s why Merlin is A Force for Health.
As of 16 July, Merlin is joining Save the Children to create a world-class humanitarian health force for children and their families living in some of the toughest places in the world. By combining Merlin’s unique network of frontline health workers with Save the Children’s life-saving work in over 120 countries, more children affected by disaster or conflict will be reached.
Both organisations are really excited by this opportunity to dramatically increase our reach and impact for children and their families.
For those teams transferring as part of this plan, our expectation is that there will be a phased transition of Merlin’s overseas programme operations and head office teams to Save the Children, which we are aiming to complete within 18 months. During this time Merlin’s life-saving work for children and their families around the world will continue.
New appointment to our Head Office in London will be made on fixed term contracts.
DepartmentThis role is part of the emergency section. The role leads Merlin’s Surgical Platform team, this includes logistics team, MRT health coordinator, HR staff , and in the event of deployment, a full programme team . The Surgical Platform Team will respond to events globally that require the immediate deployment of a self-contained surgical facility, such as an earthquake. This team will work in close cooperation with UK Med, Handicap International and the UK Department for International Development.
Main Purpose of the RoleThis role will coordinate the setup, storage, maintenance, deployment and management of the Surgical Platform.
Overall Scope• Manage the timely implementation of the surgical platform project & lead the project execution team.• Supervise all the logistical elements of the project• Manage the deployment of the surgical hospital staff, equipment and materials.• Supervise the end of deployment process; return of staff, materials and equipment replenishment of stocks.• Ensure detailed post deployment staff de-briefing and production of a comprehensive deployment report that includes lessons learned and recommendations for future deployments.• Coordinate with project partners, external consultants, internal support departments, Save the Children and DFID as required.• Supervise the design and execution of pre-deployment training & simulation exercises.• Undertake all representation with regard to the Surgical Platform Project
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
The responsibilities for the role will include:
Project Management:• Ensure that the project is maintained on schedule as per the project work plan through proactive planning & management of resources during the implementation and maintenance phases.• Keep all stakeholders updated on a regular basis regarding the progress of the project• Coordinate the inputs & involvement of internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth running of the programme• Create effective project plans for the deployment & return phases and execute them successfully when required.• In close cooperation with relevant HQ departments, assist in the continuing development of Merlin internal policies relevant to the Surgical Hospital operational support.
Assessment:• Under the management of the Head of Emergencies and in close coordination with UK Med, DFID and Save the Children, participate in the planning and execution of designated country assessments in relation to the deployment of the Surgical Platform or in related emergency preparedness activities.
Surgical Hospital Deployment:• Responsible for drafting of deployment scenarios, proposals and workplans. Draft and submit scenarios to DFID for approval. • Responsible for dissemination of deployment scenario plans ensuring incorporation of stakeholder feedback, ensuring a system for orientation of staff and appropriate preparation.• Responsible for submission of a proposal to DFID for additional emergency funding, once an emergency is declared. • Responsible for evaluation and ongoing review of scenarios and proposals.
• Become familiar with the overall content and function of each module and its deployment. • To ensure appropriate systems in place for radios/communication equipment, cold chain, generators and water sanitation facilities.• Develop and facilitate regular exercises (in the UK) by coordinating the deployment, assembling/disassembling of any or all Surgical Platform modules.
Emergency Response:• Under the management of the Head of Emergencies, manage the deployment of the surgical platform. • Manage large scale deployments initially in head office followed by deployment as programme manager in country for up to three months.
• Coordinate the exit strategy for the programme including handover of activities to MoPH and follow up research and support, return to the UK, evaluation of programme and preparation for any subsequent deployments. • Coordinate with the relevant clusters, donors, other sector actors and national/local authorities as necessary. • Responsible for overseeing all support functions for the deployed hospital, including logistics, HR, security, finance, representation, communication and reporting in collaboration with the country lead and in line with Merlin guidelines.• Oversee and monitor deployed assets and equipment.• Ensure appropriate representation at relevant coordination meetings, particularly cluster meetings.
Logistics:• Supervise and manage all logistical elements of the project through the 2 x Surgical Platform Logisticians and in close collaboration with the Global Logistics Advisor (GLA).• Maintain a high level of coordination between procurement and warehousing activities. • Supervise and manage the team procurement lead and through them, the procurement of the Surgical Platform stock, ensuring that all items are purchased according to the timeframe defined.• In collaboration with GLA and the team procurement lead, ensure procurement activities are executed in accordance with Merlin financial and logistics policies & procedures and are DfID compliant.• In collaboration with the GLA and team warehouse lead, identify a suitable provider of the surgical platform warehouse and warehouse management system.• Supervise the warehouse activities through the team warehouse lead; ensure the readiness of stock for deployment, an appropriate priority system for shipping, a system for equipment maintenance, maintain correct stock levels and develop a stock control system.• In collaboration with the GLA and the surgical platform logisticians establish and manage contracts with private logistic companies for warehousing, air charter and intra-transportation.• In collaboration with the GLA and the surgical platform logisticians establish and manage contracts with companies specialising in the supply of medical equipment, shelter items, pharmaceuticals and any other specialist equipped required for the deployment.• Ensure all freight can be shipped for deployment adhering to all relevant transport and customs regulations and ensuring that all appropriate documentation is correctly completed.• Oversee appropriate arrangements are made for the reception of freight in country of destination including completion of all import documentation and adherence to any customs regulations that maybe applicable.• Oversee the formulation of a reverse logistics plan in preparation for the end of the deployment.
Human Resources:• Assist in creating the project team, including recruitment, team building, performance management, and staff development.• Lead on the development and staffing of the deployment organogram. • Assess the continuing training needs of staff and ensure training needs are appropriately met and within budget.• Coaching and mentoring of key personnel. Lead in strengthening existing capacity and further develop skills where required.• Oversee with the HR advisor the recruitment strategy for deployment and oversee its’ management during deployment.
Safety & Security
• Monitor the security context and any deterioration in this that could affect operations and provide guidance to teams/sites as required• Ensure that in-country Safety & Security Plans are developed and updated on a regular basis in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, including contingency plans.• Provide support and advice for improved security management in the field hospital site and Country Management Team.• Facilitate the evacuation of field based teams if necessary.
Representation.
• Undertake all representation related to the surgical hospital platform project, specifically represent Merlin at all meetings with DfID, UK Med, Handicap International and Save the Children.• Ensure a functional Steering Committee with appropriate outcomes• Contribute to UK Med’s deployment orientation programme.• Represent Merlin and promote the Surgical Platform at relevant national and international fora.• Ensure appropriate representation at all relevant meetings throughout the deployment of the Surgical Platform• Ensure that the project is appropriately represented in internal meetings.
Dimensions and Limits of Authority The role will be responsible for managing a team of two logisticians in the preparedness phase and a full team of health and support function staff during a deployment The role will be responsible for all aspects of the preparedness and deployment of the surgical hospital The role will be responsible for leading the support component of an operational deployment of the surgical hospital for a period of up to 90 days.
Person SpecificationEssential qualifications, experience and competences• Substantial experience of project and operations management in emergency humanitarian context (preferably in health projects that had a significant element of logistics complexity).• Extensive Experience of managing projects with multiple stakeholders. • Good experience of proposal development and donor report writing.• Good experience of supply chain management. • Good experience of security management in insecure environments• Substantial experience of managing, training and supporting staff.• Substantial experience of planning and managing budgets.• Substantial experience of undertaking representational duties with institutional donors (preferably with DfID)• Ability to work in and maintain a positive team dynamic in insecure environments. • Level-head, resilience, and stress management skills for self and team.• Ability to reflect on and learn from personal and programme performance and act upon lessons learnt.• Problem solving skills in day-to-day and crisis situations.• Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English.• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office.• Experience of establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions and cultures.• Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines.• Able and willing to travel to remote and insecure locations for short periods of time and at short notice.• An understanding of and commitment to Merlin’s mission, values and behaviours
Desirable qualifications, experience and competences• Previous management level experience with Merlin.• Previous experience of field hospital management • Previous experience of responding to sudden onset disasters• Previous experience in managing DfID funded projects• Relevant university degree in logistics, business, or development.• Working knowledge of second language, especially French and/or Arabic.• Knowledge and experience of Merlin’s systems, procedures, and values &/ DFID’s grant management policies.
Data ProtectionPlease note that in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act, Merlin will hold and use personal information that you have given for the purpose of recruitment and employment. This information can be stored in manual and/or electronic form. This information may also be disclosed to third parties in accordance with the Data Protection Act. In cases where a job offer is conditional on ensuring that potential employees’ names do not appear on counter terrorism lists generated by the United Nations, European Union or the United States due to donor funding requirements, Merlin will use the information that you have given for checking that your name does not appear on these lists.
Work PermitsWork permits are required for UK-based posts by all non-EC nationals. You therefore need to have the right to work in the UK order to apply for this post, and proof of this right will be required, at interview, and before any offer of employment is made.
How to apply:
To apply for this job, please go to www.merlin.org.uk/jobs and apply using our online recruitment system. In order to apply for a job with Merlin online you will need to complete a short registration process and create an account – the online recruitment system explains how to do this. Once your account has been created, you will be able to save the information that you have entered in your application and re-visit it at any time before you submit it.If you are unable to apply online for any technical reason, please contact applications@merlin.org.uk.Please note that we do not accept CVs. Unfortunately due to the number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
