BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND
Welbodi Partnership (WP) is a UK-registered charity working to reduce maternal and child mortality and morbidity in Sierra Leone. Since 2008, Welbodi Partnership has worked within innovative partnerships with hospital management teams, health facility staff, and the Ministry of Health to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Sierra Leone. Our focus is health system strengthening activities, healthcare worker training and capacity building, hospital improvement projects, research development and implementation, evidence-based practice and community engagement.
Our vision is that all women and children in Sierra Leone will have access to effective essential healthcare services characterised by respect and dignity for all. Our mission is to build the capacity and effectiveness of the health system in Sierra Leone using evidence-based practice to reduce the number of women and children who are sick, suffer, or die unnecessarily.
The organisation’s guiding principles are:
- Deliver Lasting Results
- Working in Partnership
- Quality improvement and patient safety
- Valuing People
- Evidence Based Approach
For further information, please see: www.welbodipartnership.org
COUNTRY CONTEXT
One in ten children in Sierra Leone die before their fifth birthday, mainly from preventable and treatable diseases. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Sierra Leone is the highest in the world, 1 in 23 women are will die during pregnancy or childbirth. Maternal deaths account for 36% of all deaths in women aged between 15-49 years. Although not all deaths in the community may be accounted for due to low levels of reporting, maternal death review and surveillance reports indicate that the majority of these women will die in a health facility (81.8%).
Although healthcare services have been the focus of improvement and investment for the Government, international donors and NGOs over a number of years, there remains severe challenges to the health system; a limited health workforce in numbers and quality; ineffective supply chains; poor infrastructure and challenged management systems. Sierra Leone still has one of the weakest health systems in the world and continues to be vulnerable to outbreaks and other considerable public health issues. There has been a specific focus on maternal and child mortality and the rates have decreased in the past 15 years, but the focus must continue towards improved and sustainable quality healthcare for pregnant women and children and a lot of work remains to be done if Sierra Leone is to reach Sustainable Development Goal 3; ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, at all ages.
KEY ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION
Grants Portfolio as of November 2023
GBP 2,578,545
Legal Status
Welbodi Partnership is registered with the Charity Commission and Companies House in the UK and with the Sierra Leone Association of NGOs and Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in Sierra Leone.
Location
Welbodi Partnership has two operating offices in Freetown, one in Wilberforce and the other at Ola During Children’s Hospital in the East End:
47 Ronsab Drive Ola During Children’s Hospital
Off Spur Road Foray Bay Road
Freetown Freetown
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
CURRENT PROGRAMMES AND PARTNERS
The Country Director will collaborate with the national paediatric and obstetric hospitals’ (Ola During Children’s Hospital and Princess Christian Memorial Hospital) management teams, King’s College London, consortium partners and other stakeholders to support the work of the organisation. This will involve working with the Ministry of Health (MoH), UN agencies, partner NGOs and other key stakeholders to identify priority areas for improved maternal and child health. This builds on our commitment to respond to the needs of health workers and patients, and to support the MoH in addressing issues in child and maternal health in line with their strategic plan and available resources and takes proactive measures to maintain update service level agreements with government of SL.
Current programmes include:
1. CRIBS (Capacity. Research. Innovation. Building maternity Systems in Sierra Leone) Global Health Research Group: simple, scalable innovations & research capacity building to improve maternal health in Sierra Leone.
Donor: National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR)
Partners: King’s College London (Consortium Lead), Ministry of Health and National Ambulance Service (Government), University of Sierra Lifeline Nehemiah Projects (Community engagement)
2. Improving Childhood Cancer Services: supporting delivery of paediatric oncology services at Ola During Children’s Hospital, including training of staff and message dissemination of early warning signs of childhood cancer.
Donors: World Child Cancer and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Partners: Ola During Children’s Hospital management and oncology team, Connaught Hospital, Choitram’s Hospital, EcoMed and Ramsy Laboratories, United Methodist Church Eye Clinic
3. Improving Services at Ola During Children’s Hospital: supporting the hospital’s five-year strategic plan, nurse training and capacity building.
Donor: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Partners: Ola During Children’s Hospital
JOB DESCRIPTION
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Country Director is based at our office in the western part of Freetown and is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the organisation. Reporting to, and supported by, the Board of Directors, the Country Director will be responsible for programme oversight, the management of in-country employees and volunteers, building and maintaining relationships with partners, leading the strategic vision of the organisation and identifying funding opportunities. Specific responsibilities are listed below, but the role will also include other duties necessary for the success of the organisation’s programmes and of Welbodi Partnership.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY
- Works with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the strategic direction of Welbodi Partnership programmes.
- Leads and embeds the vision and mission of the organisation into all of the organisation’s programmes, relationships and activities.
- Leads and contributes to the development of strategic plans and policies and organisational development
- Leads the Senior Management Team and ensures effective coordination and management across the organisation
- Ensures that the work of Welbodi Partnership is aligned with the Government of Sierra Leone’s policies and strategies for healthcare provision.
- Identifies funding opportunities, including potential consortia and oversees and supports the development of proposals for funding alongside the Grants and Finance Leads.
PROGRAMMES, PARTNERSHIPS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
- Overall responsibility for ensuring that Welbodi Partnership’s work in Sierra Leone is delivered to a high standard and is in keeping with our values.
- Works with the Welbodi Partnership Board of Directors and Grants and Finance Leads and key partners to identify new programme opportunities and the development of high quality and comprehensive project proposals.
- Leads engagement with partners, focusing on equitable partnership, aligning programmes with contextual needs and Ministry priority areas.
- Establishes and maintains close working relationships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, District Health Management Teams, Medical Superintendents and other health facility managers, NGO partners, UN agencies, research institutions and donors.
- Directs the development, management and effective implementation of key country programmes in collaboration with the Welbodi Partnership Programmes Managers and key stakeholders.
- Provides co-ordination to a team of international healthcare professionals and ensures clinical mentoring and supervision is in place as required.
- Provides oversight, expertise, and leadership to ensure improvements in the quality of healthcare provided at supported health facilities.
- Keeps abreast of current international and regional innovations in health system strengthening, hospital and community management models and clinical research in low resource healthcare settings.
- Identifies opportunities to collaborate and develop integration/co-ordination with other organisational partners working in the supported districts to ensure programmatic success and avoid duplication of activities.
REPRESENTATION, DONOR REPORTING AND VISIBILITY
- Represents Welbodi Partnership in Sierra Leone to governmental and non-governmental health partners, including funders, potential funders and registration bodies including but not limited to the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (SLANGO) and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED).
- Overall responsibility for delivering high quality reports to the programme donors, consortium leads and the Welbodi Partnership Board.
- Shares information and lessons learnt with our partners and other stakeholders and organisations with shared aims.
- Contributes regularly to Welbodi Partnership’s communication with supporters and partners, in close co-operation with the Welbodi Partnership Board of Directors.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE
- Ensures that the organisation is sustainable and financially viable, and that the organisation adheres to all financial, and procurement policies.
- Ensures that the organisation is performing against its Key Performance Indicators.
- Ensures that there are clear and regular finance and performance reports available to the Board so that it is able to carry out its oversight function.
- Management of the Finance Manager and Grants Lead to ensure programmes are on track for financial spending and performance, including through the review of spending plans and monthly pipelines.
- Approval of expenses in accordance with approval matrix.
- Monitor adherence to national, donor and global community processes and policies in programme implementation, finance management and procurement processes.
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING
- Responsible for managing the team in Sierra Leone, which includes national and international staff. Line management may be delegated to other team members where appropriate.
- Responsible for ensuring that all staff have appropriate objectives, appraisals, support and training, and dealing with grievances and disciplinary issues when necessary.
- Lead international and local recruitment with support from the Operations and Human Resources Manager.
- Overall responsibility for ensuring that Welbodi Partnership’s policies and procedures are implemented, and updated according to the policy tracker, particularly regarding financial management and human resource management, in order to fulfil risk management obligations.
- Leads on institutional capacity building of staff and oversees internal training on policies and procedures.
RISK MANAGEMENT, SECURITY AND SAFEGUARDING
- Ensures Welbodi Partnership security and safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented and appropriate and reflect the organisation’s duty of care regarding the safety and security of its programmes staff, participants and beneficiaries in Sierra Leone.
- Ensures that the security policies are regularly updated and reviewed in conjunction with the Board of Directors to maximise staff, participant, and visitor safety at all times.
- Keeps abreast of outbreaks / epidemics and provides oversight for employees, attending emergency partner meetings and circulating government guidelines as appropriate.
- Responsible for ensuring the safety and security of staff and of programme participants.
- Update the Board of Directors and staff of key security situations and advisory around Welbodi Partnership operational areas, which includes but is not limited to keeping abreast of and circulating UN Security Council notices.
- Ensures that the risk register is reviewed and updated at least on a quarterly basis.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Essential
- Master’s degree in related health or international development field from a recognised University.
Desirable
- Licensed medical doctor, nurse or midwife, or other clinical or health background, for example health management or Public Health.
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable management experience in leading teams, projects programmes and services in health or a related field
- Extensive experience in fundraising and proposal development
- Experience of human resources and financial management, including budgetary accountability
- Experience in liaising with government officials and a variety of donors and other partners / stakeholders.
- Experience managing multiple tasks and/or projects concurrently.
- Experience of overseeing research programmes in health or a related field.
Desirable
- At least five years’ senior management experience is preferred in International development and/or global health.
- Senior management experience to include fundraising, operations, grants and finance management.
- Experience in proposal and report writing with a proven ability to secure donor funding.
- Experience in the charity sector and/or in impoverished, post-conflict, humanitarian or other challenging environments.
We are open to considering exceptional and committed candidates with less management experience if they possess the energy and skill set to drive the organisation forward.
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of healthcare systems, medical quality management (Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance) and risk management.
- Demonstrated ability to assess needs, design and implement programmes and evaluate results.
- A keen grasp of the role played by an organisation like Welbodi Partnership in the context of global health and development.
- Knowledge of research programmes in low-income settings.
Desirable
- Knowledge of relevant evidence-based approaches to improving maternal, neonatal, and child health, and of national and international strategies and frameworks in these areas.
- Knowledge of the healthcare system in Sierra Leone, including key actors.
Skills and expertise
Essential
- Demonstrated people management and organisational skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
- Strategic and innovative thinker with proven ability to communicate a vision.
- Excellent IT, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated financial skills: budget monitoring and financial reporting.
- Demonstrated problem solving skills: providing solutions to challenging situations.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas with others.
- Ability to learn and apply new skills and techniques on the job.
- Ability to work effectively with others in a cross-cultural environment, as a leader and influencer.
- Committed to partnership working: building equitable partnerships with all stakeholders including other team members.
Desirable
- Demonstrated management skills in emergency situations.
Personal attributes
Essential
- Empathetic and active listener.
- Motivated, hardworking and strong team player.
- Strong ability to manage time well and work to multiple and strict deadlines under pressure.
- Reliable and conscientious approach to duties.
- Passionate about improving maternal healthcare in Sierra Leone and a keen interest in Health System
- Strengthening.
- Absolute commitment to teaching and learning and skills improvement of others.
Other
- Fluent written and spoken English.
- Willingness to accept basic living and working conditions.
- Commitment to the goals and principles of Welbodi Partnership.
- Fluency in Krio and/or other local languages desirable.
GENERAL POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES
In addition to the key job responsibilities detailed in this job description all employees and volunteers at Welbodi Partnership are expected to comply with the general duties outlined below and detailed in full in our policies.
SAFEGUARDING
Welbodi Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of women, children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are therefore expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment. Applicants for this position should be aware that if successful, they will be requested to complete a police check or equivalent. The Welbodi Partnership complies fully with the UK’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Code of Practice.
DATA PROTECTION
Welbodi Partnership complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
Welbodi Partnership is committed to a comprehensive policy of Equal Opportunities in volunteering and employment in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the organisation. It is the Welbodi Partnership’s policy as an employer to treat all people equally irrespective of race, ethnic origin, nationality, sex, marital or parental status, gender, sexual orientation, creed, disability, age or political belief.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Welbodi Partnership operates in tertiary and primary healthcare facilities in one of the world’s poorest countries. Consequently, working conditions can be challenging, including many things we take for granted in other working environments, such as running water, power, communications, staff competency and regular supplies of essential medicines and equipment – many of these things are not a given in the environments where we work. Whilst every reasonable effort is made to ensure a safe working environment, this is a challenging context, much of which is out of our control. Welbodi Partnership places a strong emphasis on staff health and well-being and strives to ensure staff comfort at all times.
JOB REVISION
This job description should be viewed as a guide to the duties required and is not definitive or restrictive in any way. The duties of the post may be varied from time to time in response to changing circumstances.
KEY TERMS, CONDITIONS AND BENEFITS
SALARY/BENEFITS
Based on job competency alignment to internal pay scales. The full remuneration package will be discussed with shortlisted candidates. The Employee will be paid an attractive gross monthly salary, plus the following benefits:
- Accommodation
- International Flight to home country
- Visa and residency permit
- Medical insurance Coverage
- Monthly communications allowance
- Provision of dongle for remote working
- Transport to and from work and for business purposes
How to apply
The closing date for applications is the 8th of December 2023. We encourage potential applicants to submit as soon as possible. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
If you wish to discuss this post prior to applying, then please email the chair of the Board Carole Green at c.green@welbodipartnership.org.
To apply for this position please send your cover letter, CV and contact details of 3 referees in one email to jobs@welbodipartnership.org using the following subject title: Application – Country Director.
Please include the following in your cover letter (2 pages maximum):
- Reasons for applying to this position
- Overview of key experience related to this post
- Your country of residence and nationality
- Date you are able to commence and duration of availability
Please note: CVs should be no more than 4 pages long. Please do not send any additional documentation at this stage.