Programs Liaison Full Time

Who We Are

Mercy Ships is a global faith-based charity that uses hospital ships to bring life-changing surgeries and transformational medical training to people in some of the most challenging contexts along the African coast. For over 40 years, Mercy Ships has been delivering lasting hope and healing through safe surgical care, while working alongside partners and stakeholders to strengthen local healthcare systems in more than 55 countries. Since the inception of this dream by founders Don and Deyon Stephens in 1978, Mercy Ships has served more than 2.7 million direct beneficiaries without regard for race, gender, or religion.

The Opportunity

Under leadership of the Country Director (CD), develop relationships with the host government, local hospitals and businesses, non-governmental organizations, and religious institutions to prepare logistically for the hospital to run efficiently and effectively during the field service. This includes garnering commitment from partners for various services. Additionally, act as the medical focal point for the Country Engagement Team (CET) in case of illness or injury and serve as the medical reviewer for the Day Crew Recruitment Team.

This position is a full-time role, based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Please discard “US citizenship” question on the application.

How You’ll Contribute

Hospital Logistics

• Coordinate with the Ministry of Health on a process that ensures medical personnel serving with Mercy Ships are recognized by the host country and authorized to provide services to patients
• Coordinate with the Ministry of Health or designated pharmaceutical authority on a process for importing non-controlled and controlled medications for the pharmacy on board
• With guidance from hospital leadership, coordinate with local health entities to fulfill requests for pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology products and services
• Identify local hospitals and/or clinics, ambulances and medical evacuation services that can be utilized by Mercy Ships’ team members in case of an emergency or health concerns not supported by the ship
• Identify key contacts and potential care arrangements in case of an infectious disease outbreak on board the vessel or at an off-ship Mercy Ships’ site

  Day Crew Recruitment

• Identify the tuberculosis (TB) testing method and process that will be used to screen day crew candidates for the disease, working in coordination with the Crew and Occupational Health Team and the Day Crew Recruitment Team
• In alignment with the current TB policy, oversee TB screening and testing process, ideally sourcing available tests in country
• Organize and document follow up of positive TB tests, liaising with Crew and Occupational Health Team
• Review day crew personal health history (PHH) forms received from the Day Crew Recruitment Leader and follow the medical review process as guided by the Director of Crew & Occupational Health and the Medical Review Team
• Follow up on any medical questions that arise during the day crew interview process or from information given on the PHH.
• Confirm current vaccination policies for day crew and oversee the administration of any vaccination(s), ideally sourced within the country
• Perform basic visual acuity eye tests for potential day crew ship drivers
• Upload clinical data of all recruited day crew to the electronic health record platform in Sea Care

  Team Medical Focal Point

• Become familiar with the published Medical Response Plan (MRP) and implement it accordingly in case of emergency, illness, or injury within the team
• Check CET first aid/medical kit (inventory, expiry dates etc.) every six (6) months for expiration dates; replenish as required.
• Adhere to all safety and security procedures
• Adhere to data protection policy
• Once vessel arrives, engage with relevant colleagues on board to provide handover; publish handover report as reference to be used throughout the field service
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity.
• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values.
• Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability.

  Education & Experience

• Possess a licensed practical nursing diploma, associate nursing degree, Bachelor of Nursing degree or higher-level medical degree.
• One to two years cross-cultural experience working in less developed nations managing projects.
• Six (6) months of experience with Mercy Ships required, preferably on a vessel.
• Fluency in English is required and International B2 level of French is strongly preferred if working in a nation where French is a primary language.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive manual transmission vehicle preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Office, Teams, SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint).
• Willing to complete the following trainings, if not previously done/not up to date:
• Sea Care
• First Aid & CPR
• Data Protection
• Note: Successful completion of Mercy Ships’ Onboarding program, Country Engagement Training, and Security Training will be required within the first year or when otherwise offered.

  Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements)

• Supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills.
• Strong Christian commitment.
• Very good understanding of African culture and able to demonstrate high cultural sensitivity.
• Requires primary work location in one or more host nations.
• Excellent people and networking skills and written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong administrative skills, working well under pressure with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time and work with limited supervision.
• Possesses initiative, good judgment, and the ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Possess a strong customer service mindset including attitude and approach.
• Flexibility to do several tasks that are needed, even outside of scope, to support the overall effort of preparing the hosting country for the arrival of Mercy Ships’ vessel.

This is a paid position with an annual salary of $40,000 – 45,900 for US based markets. Posted ranges apply to US-based candidates. Pay ranges vary based on many factors including local labor market, internal equity, job scope, and budget. Offer amounts may be determined by work location, internal starting pay guidelines, and candidate skills and experience relative to defined job requirements.

To explore our many Mercy Ships volunteer opportunities, please visit us at: https://www.mercyships.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Tagged as: Mercy Ships, Sierra Leone