Program Officer Emergency Medical Services – National Position Full Time NEW

Malteser International (MI) is the international humanitarian relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta. For over 60 years, we have provided relief and recovery for people during and following conflicts and disasters around the world. Christian values and humanitarian principles form the foundations of our work. In over 30 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, we support people in need – regardless of their religion, origin or political convictions.

Malteser International in Kenya has substantially impacted crucial sectors such as health, emergency relief, refugee support, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene. MI is un-wavering and committed to providing life-saving humanitarian assistance through dedicated, experienced staff and collaboration with local government and partners, including other specialized partners, establishing a resilient emergency healthcare system in cooperation with governmental bodies, educational institutions, and professional associations. MI’s initiatives transcend immediate relief interventions, encompassing a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique challenges of communities living in arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya {ASALS}. Our work also responds to communities living in urban informal settlement populations residing in arid and semi-arid lands. MI’s proactive approach not only addresses current needs but also seeks to prepare communities for potential future droughts, whether man-made or natural. In essence, MI’s work in Kenya exemplifies a holistic and sustainable approach to improving the well-being of those in need.

MI has been implementing the Upesi Health project (EMS project) in Kenya since 2019 with an aim to improved emergency care through support in the establishment of emergency coordination mechanisms, training of professionals and regulatory and association structures for a national operational emergency system in Kenya. In Kenya, MI works with closely with the MOH-department of emergency services, local EMS partners, EMS training institutions, partners hospitals and 20 High-burden counties (Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Nyeri, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Busia, Bungoma, Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, and Garissa counties).

For its work in Nairobi, Kenya, Malteser International is looking for a motivated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program Officer (with frequent travel to project sites). The Program Officer for the EMS Program in Kenya, will assist in the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of key project activities in line with the program’s objectives. This role is central to fostering partnerships, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring the timely execution of workshops, trainings, and stakeholder meetings. The Program Officer will help establish robust communication channels, reporting mechanisms, and monitoring systems to maintain project quality and accountability. Additionally, the position requires close collaboration with the Uganda and Rwandan EMS teams, as well as international partners, to strengthen resource mobilization efforts and expand the program’s reach and impact. The Program Officer will also serve in assisting in ensuring alignment with local authorities, partners, and donors while continually assessing opportunities for impact, sustainability, and growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Support and EMS Operations:

• Provide technical expertise and support in the design, implementation, and monitoring of EMS-related activities.
• Support capacity-building initiatives for EMS personnel, including the organization of training sessions for pre-hospital and in-hospital emergency providers.
• Conduct field assessments to identify gaps in EMS services and recommend actionable improvements.
• Support the development and dissemination of technical guidelines, protocols, and training curricula for EMS activities.

Project Planning and Implementation:

• Coordinate and implement technical EMS activities, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to establish and strengthen EMS systems, including ambulance services, referral pathways, and community first responder networks.
• Contribute to the preparation of work plans, project timelines, and resource allocation.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Quality Assurance:

• Develop tools to monitor the performance of EMS systems and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented activities.
• Prepare detailed technical reports on EMS operations, identifying challenges, lessons learned, and areas for improvement.
• Ensure all technical interventions adhere to international EMS standards and best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:

• Work closely with local authorities, healthcare providers, professional EMS associations, and other stakeholders to strengthen EMS systems.
• Represent MI in technical forums and working groups related to EMS in Kenya.
• Support the integration of EMS activities with other healthcare initiatives and sectors.

Coordination and Communication:

• Maintain effective communication with the EMS project teams in Kenya as well as Uganda and Rwanda to share technical insights and harmonize approaches.
• Liaise with donors, partners, and other stakeholders to ensure technical alignment and support resource mobilization efforts.

Resource Mobilization and Proposal Development:

• Assist in preparing funding proposals and concept notes with a focus on technical EMS components.
• Provide input on technical requirements, budgets, and staffing needs for project expansion.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the program and organizational objectives.

Your profile:

Education and Certification

• Standardized training of minimum two years in Paramedicine, Emergency Medical Services, or a related field.
• Additional degree is an asset.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in clinical setting, EMS operations, paramedic services, or a related technical EMS role.
• Experience in training EMS personnel and developing EMS protocols and guidelines.
• Familiarity with EMS systems in Kenya and the East African context is an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Strong technical expertise in EMS operations, including pre-hospital care, triage, and transport.
• Ability to develop and deliver technical training and capacity-building initiatives.
• Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation tools specific to EMS services.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to identify challenges in EMS systems and recommend evidence-based solutions.
• Strong data analysis and report-writing skills.

Communication and Collaboration

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of additional languages spoken in Kenya or the region is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel frequently within Kenya and occasionally to other countries in the region.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organized, proactive, and adaptable with a strong commitment to EMS improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• High ethical standards and dedication to quality, accountability, and stakeholder engagement.

What we offer:

• Start Date: March 2025
• Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya (with frequent travel to project sites)
• Duration of contract: One year (renewable)
• Salary according to qualification and experience, insurance package]

Working for Malteser International:

Malteser is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all people, regardless of gender, confession or origin.

Malteser International is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organizational representatives. Malteser International conducts reference and background checks for all staff (including criminal records check for specific roles). Any candidate offered a job with Malteser International will be expected to sign MI’s Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

Whether you work as a specialist in overseas service or in one of our regional offices – we offer you a challenging working environment in an experienced international team. More than 1,000 national and international staff are currently deployed in various crises and disaster areas around the world as well as in our regional offices in Cologne and New York City. For more information, please click here.

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