Vanuatu Health and information systems strengthening facilitator

Apply today and you could be… Health and information systems strengthening facilitator, Vanuatu, for 12 months

What’s the context and purpose of the role?

Although the incidence of HIV/AIDS in Vanuatu is low there are many indicators that the country would be highly vulnerable to the rapid spread of an epidemic. Accurate information about HIV is limited, both within society and the health services. The overall aim of the placement is to support the Ministry of Health in the development of an efficient Health Information System which will enable improved and accurate planning of health services.This system will provide crucial HIV and STIs information about health status, disease incidence and prevalence, and related health statistics which will be used for strategic and operational planning by the Ministry.

What does the role involve?

You will be working with the Ministry of Health to: •Assess the software programming used to enter data and information both within the Ministry and in the Vila Central Hospital. •Support and train the Health and Information Systems (HIS) unit staff on using Microsoft Access, database management and maintenance. •Train provincial hospital staff and develop user and technical manuals. •Support the HIS manager in organising a national stake holders conference. •Review all manual paper based data and support the creation and development of reports using the current and new software. •Design and develop new software if necessary. •Train staff in use of new and upgraded system including troubleshooting.

What skills, experience and personal qualities are needed for the role?

You will have knowledge and direct experience of working with Health Information Systems. You will have a relevant qualification in health information or knowledge management as well as qualifications in information technology and data management. You’ll have to have experience of using Microsoft Access and setting up HIS database systems.

You will understand the importance of maintaining standards and procedures around issues of confidentiality of health records. You will have excellent working knowledge of IT systems, trouble shooting, debugging developing user and technical manuals. You be the kind of person who can work independently and who is able to provide mentoring support to colleagues. You will have excellent communication and team working skills.

And the rest…

You’ll be based Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu. Built around Vila Bay, Port Vila spreads up steep hillsides that offer exquisite views over the beautiful harbour, sculpted with inlets, lagoons and islets. In combination with its old French atmosphere, rambling streets and café scene, this makes Vila a stunning city. There are a range of cafes and bars and good access to supermarkets and pharmacies. Public transport around Port Vila is wonderfully easy and there are lots of minibuses and taxis providing a cheap and reliable service around town.

We’ll ask you to commit to 12 months to make a long-term contribution tackling poverty. In return we’ll provide you with invaluable training before your placement, a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation and insurance. When you return to your home country, we’ll help you resettle and we’ll invite you to stay involved with us through campaigning, development awareness and fundraising.

How to apply:

For more information or to apply please go to www.vso.org.uk/volunteer/apply-now

Reference number (please quote in your application form: VAN282/0001/0001)