Referral Assistance_ 2 Positions

• Title: Referral Assistance
• Status: Contract
• Duration: Until October 31,2026
• Reports to: Health Officer
• Location: Dehas & Wachile woredas of Oromia region and Hudet Woreda of Somali region
• Required No. : 2
• Travel required: Yes

Context of the mission

For more than 30 years, Médecins du Monde (MDM) France, a campaigning medical organization committed to international solidarity, has been caring for the most vulnerable populations at home and abroad. It has continued to highlight obstacles that exist in accessing health care and has secured sustainable improvements in health-for-all policies. Those working for this independent organization do not solely dispense care and treatment but condemn violations of human dignity and rights and fight to improve matters for populations living in precarious situations. MdM currently works in 44 countries across all continents where it focuses on 4 priority areas: caring for the health of migrants and displaced people, promoting sexual and reproductive health, harm reduction associated with drug use, emergencies and crisis.

Médecins du Monde is operating in Ethiopia since 1986 in different types of health projects from long-term interventions to emergency response.

MdM France has concentrated its efforts on projects related to access to primary health care (projects centered on rural health facilities and isolated populations), reduction of maternal mortality through improved quality of obstetric care, promotion of sexual and reproductive health rights including protection against gender-based violence, provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and reduction of malnutrition.

Job Summary

The Referral Support Assistance will serve as the focal point for referral matters in designated hospitals, ensuring clear and timely communication between health centers and referral hospitals. This role is essential in overseeing patient transfers, tracking necessary treatments, and addressing challenges within the referral process. To enhance programmatic quality and cohesion, a structured referral tracking and feedback mechanism will be implemented, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care and enabling timely follow-ups and interventions when needed.

Essential duties and responsibilities.

Coordination and Communication:

• Act as the primary liaison between MdM-supported health centers and referral hospitals to ensure smooth patient transfers.
• Engage with referral health facilities at the start of the project to introduce objectives, expected referral caseloads, and patient intake procedures.
• Ensure timely and clear communication regarding patient transfers, required treatments, and challenges in the referral process.
• Facilitate coordination between local health authorities, including the Regional Health Bureau (RHBs) and Woreda Health Bureau (WHBs), to advocate for prioritized patient care.

Referral and Counter-Referral Management:

• Ensure beneficiaries are referred free of charge to appropriate services based on their needs.
• Monitor and track referral and counter-referral processes to confirm that patients receive the required services.
• Establish feedback mechanisms to allow timely follow-ups and interventions as necessary.

Service Verification and Documentation:

• Verify the delivery of healthcare and other services by documenting evidence, including referral papers from the referral hospitals, medical record numbers (MRN), and copies of medical and laboratory requests.
• Maintain accurate records of referred patients and ensure proper documentation of services provided.
• Report any discrepancies in service delivery and recommend necessary corrective actions.

Capacity Building and Sensitization:

• Conduct orientation and sensitization sessions for referral facility staff to ensure understanding of the project’s objectives and the vulnerabilities of referred populations.
• Support training initiatives to enhance awareness of protection and medical needs among healthcare providers.

Financial and Logistical Support:

• Ensure that patient transportation costs and medical expenses are covered where necessary to eliminate financial barriers to care.
• Coordinate logistical arrangements for referred patients, ensuring timely and appropriate support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Social Work, Health Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in health program coordination, referral management, or liaison roles within humanitarian or development programs.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare systems, patient referral processes, and humanitarian interventions.
• Experience working with government health authorities and humanitarian organizations is an asset.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.

Skills and Qualities Required:

• Communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
• Effective coordination and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.

personal skills.

• Adaptability and resilience in dynamic and challenging environments.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Languages

• Fluency in English and the local language