Background

HelpAge International is a global network of more than 113 organizations in 75 countries. As the world’s leading organization dedicated to promoting the wellbeing and inclusion of older women and men as well as reducing poverty and discrimination in later life, HelpAge envisions a world in which all older people can lead dignified, healthy and secure lives. HelpAge has been working in Ethiopia since 1992 in the areas of health and HIV & AIDS, emergency response and disaster risk management, social protection, livelihoods and care and support, as well as building the capacity of older people associations.

HelpAge International is responding to the south Sudanese refugee situation with special focus on specific needs of older people and other most vulnerable groups in six refugee camps in Gambella region. The interventions include Health, Nutrition, Livelihoods, protection and rehabilitation of older people and person with disabilities and capacity building of humanitarian actors to ensure inclusion of older people, PwDs and their specific needs in the overall refugee response and essential service delivery interventions.

Helpage is looking for a motivated Assistant Rehabilitation Officer for its refugee response coordination office in Gambella.

Vacancy Ref No:HAI/Prog/014/20

Grade: C, Step 1

Department: Humanitarian program

Location: Gambella refugee response - Ethiopia 

Responsible to: Rehabilitation Officer

Length of Contract: Six months fixed term (with possibility of extension)

 Overall purpose of the job

• To assess and provide support plans to help people at risk from harm or becoming dependent on others due to their disability.
• To act as an advocate for people living with disabilities and the organisation to help promote accessible services; equality; social integration and understanding of the impact of disabilities.
• To identify, deliver and evaluate professional rehabilitation interventions to people living with disabilities to enhance their skills and confidence to maximise their independence.

Key responsibilities

• To undertake regular assessments with the help of OPA and PwDA to identify the specific needs, challenges and aspirations of person with disabilities to promote independent living;
• To plan, implement, evaluate, and review rehabilitative services to the physically impaired persons aimed at maximising and maintaining independence, safety and dignity. Rehabilitation may include, but not be restricted to:
• Mobility training – To develop planned programmes of training to develop independence in indoor and outdoor mobility environments, including training in guiding skills, pre-cane, long cane, and orientation (including specialist equipment) techniques;
• To work with PwDs who have additional complex needs such as dual sensory loss, learning, physical and mental health disabilities in recognition of the cumulative effect of additional disabilities and liaise with other specialist workers, such as physiotherapist as necessary.
• To assess and recommend minor works of adaptation as highlighted in the specialist physical impairment assessment and liaise with all relevant parties in line with employer’s budget and policies.
• To work within a safeguarding framework to identify, manage and where possible reduce risk to PwDs, family, carers and communities.
• To understand the psychological aspects of PwDs and provide emotional support as part of the rehabilitation process to the individuals, their family and carers.
• To refer individuals to partners in local authority, health services, education services, welfare and employment services, voluntary sector and other community services.
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of legislation (including community care legislation) and guidance relevant to rehabilitation practice and related fields.
• To maintain a current working knowledge of the safe use of a wide range of specialist equipment.
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of: disability conditions and treatments; knowledge of the practical application of teaching and learning theories.
• To prepare for, and participate in, regular technical and managerial supervision and annual performance from appropriately qualified supervisors.
• To work in close collaboration with community level care and rehabilitation programmes and public health services.
• To support PwDs to represent their culture, needs, views and circumstances where appropriate.
• To ensure compliance with all policies and procedures concerning confidentiality, including appropriate lawful disclosure in line with legal and policy frameworks.
• To work with multi-disciplinary, multi-organisational teams;
• To provide information and advice regarding physical impairment to all departments of the employing agency.
• To provide specialist information and advice to refugee social workers & volunteers colleagues, and other related staff regarding communication/contact with PwDs;
• To be accountable for and take responsibility for own safety and that of service users.
• To manage and be accountable for own work and contribute to the management of services and resources.
• To carry out Health and Safety responsibilities in accordance with the employer’s policies.
• To work as part of a team, and where appropriate, contribute to team development and planning.
• Play major role in ensuring refugee grievances or complaints are collected and addressed timely through functional community based complaints handling system.

Safeguarding responsibilities

• Preventing harm and abuse from our people, operations and programmes, to anyone that encounters our work;
• Reporting all safeguarding incidents they see, hear, hear about or suspect, using our internal reporting mechanism;
• Complying with all safeguarding framework policies and practices;
• Completing mandatory training courses relating to our safeguarding policy framework and comply with HR vetting procedures.

Job Requirements

Qualification and experience

Essential:

• Diploma or BSC or BA degree in the field of Health Education or Rehabilitation Studies (People with Disabilities) or equivalent from recognized university with at least 5 years’ experience for Diploma; for BA/BSC 2 years and for MSC/MA Zero year of experience
• Knowledge and practical experience on Community Based Rehabilitation;
• Ability to work with the team in the project cycle management, i.e. planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation;
• Ability to assess and address evolving rehabilitation needs of PwDs quickly and calmly under pressure as required;
• Excellent communication skills, with good spoken and written English and experience in report writing. Knowledge of the local language is an added value.
• Ability to communicate technical issues effectively and persuasively;
• A strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a high profile, fast-paced environment
• Experience with training, facilitation and mentoring skills;
• Familiarity with grant management and procedures

Desirable:

• Demonstrated initiative and self-motivation
• Proficiency in local language 
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook

How to Apply

Application procedure:

First Download the summary format and fill out the required information carefully.

summary format Helpage.xlsx

Indicate the vacancy reference No. and the post you are applying in subject line. 

Then attach the following.

Summary format

Current CV (not more than 4 pages) including three (3) professional referees

One page - cover letter highlighting job knowledge, qualification and experience.

Female meeting the minimum qualification and experience are encouraged to apply.

NB: Non-compliance to the above procedures will lead to instant rejection.

We are interested in how your skills, knowledge and experience indicate your ability to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Closing date: November 06,2020

Interested applicants who meet the minimum requirements are required to submit their non-returnable application together with the summary format by email address: hr.eth@helpage.org