Background

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with UNICEF, is strengthening coordination and clinical oversight of healthcare services for vulnerable populations in the context of the ongoing emergency response. This includes enhancing referral and admission processes for specialized pediatric care under the ACWA programme, as well as ensuring appropriate access to care for displaced populations. To maintain clinical integrity and adherence to national protocols, UNICEF is supporting the placement of two physicians to provide dedicated clinical oversight within the referral system

Purpose of the Position

The Physicians (two) will serve as the technical focal point for clinical validation of case eligibility and referral support. The role focuses on ensuring that pediatric cases under UNICEF supported ACWA programme meet established clinical criteria, and that referral and admission decisions are medically justified, timely, and aligned with MoPH protocols.

Reporting & Supervision

• Direct Supervision: The Physician will operate under the direct authority and supervision of the Chief of the Department of Hospitals and Dispensaries.
• Functional Coordination: The Physician will work in close, day-to-day coordination with the PHEOC team to support referral validation and decision-making processes under the ACWA programme.

Scope of Work & Key Responsibilities

Clinical Validation & Referral Support

• Referral Review and Validation: Support the clinical assessment of pediatric cases communicated to the MOPH  , ensuring that referrals and admissions under ACWA meet approved medical criteria.
• ACWA Case Oversight: Verify that pediatric admissions align with ACWA eligibility criteria and clinical pathways, flagging any deviations or non-compliant cases.
• Displaced Population Cases: Review and validate admissions related to displaced populations to ensure medical necessity and alignment with MoPH policies.
• System Utilization: Use relevant platforms (e.g., PHENICS and ACWA systems) to document, validate, and track referrals and approvals in a timely manner.

Operational Coverage & Responsiveness

• Continuous Support to PHEOC: Provide timely clinical input to support urgent referral and admission decisions, including during peak emergency periods.
• Night Shift Coverage: Ensure availability for assigned night shifts to support real-time case validation and urgent referrals as required.
• Remote and On-Site Flexibility: While some tasks may be conducted remotely, the physician must remain responsive and available, with the ability to attend in-person duties when required.

Coordination & Quality Assurance

• Stakeholder Coordination: Maintain close collaboration with MoPH departments, PHEOC, and relevant partners to ensure smooth referral pathways and case management.
• Quality Assurance: Identify and report patterns of inappropriate referrals, duplication, or misuse of services.
• Process Strengthening: Contribute to the development and refinement of SOPs and workflows to improve the efficiency and clarity of referral and admission processes under ACWA.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Prepare periodic reports summarizing cases reviewed, referral decisions supported, and key trends or gaps identified.
• Provide clinical input on complex or borderline cases to inform decision-making by the Department of Hospitals and Dispensaries.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

Medical Doctor

If Other, Enter Disciplines:

Years of Experience required:

Minimum of 3–5 years of clinical experience; prior experience with MoPH protocols or international NGO health projects (e.g., UNICEF, WHO) is highly preferred.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: University degree in Medicine (MD); specialized training in Pediatrics or Public Health is a significant asset.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in using health information systems (experience with the PHENICS system is a plus) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Availability: Documented ability to commit to 15-night shifts per month (12:00 AM – 8:00 AM).
• Language: Fluency in Arabic and English (both written and spoken).
• Competencies: Strong analytical skills for medical auditing, ability to work independently in a remote setting, and high ethical standards regarding data confidentiality.

Confidentiality & Ethics

The physician must maintain the highest level of professional ethics, ensuring strict confidentiality of all patient data in accordance with MoPH data protection standards.

Deliverables/Outputs:

Tasks/Milestone:

Clinical Validation & Referral Support

·         Assess the clinical situation fall child injuries reported from hospitals to MOH for eligibility for transfer and coverage under ACWA

·         Generate daily reports of cases assessed, transferred and /or admitted under ACWA

Operational Coverage & Responsiveness

·         Full time presence/availability during working hours to respond to urgent conditions and timely communication with all involved entities to ensure efficient transfer of high-risk cases

·         Generate detailed report with timestamps on the duration of processes between incidence notification and successful access to care through transfer or admission

Coordination & Quality Assurance

·         Identify and report patterns of inappropriate referrals, duplication, or misuse of services and other process related challenges as thet raise and in the monthly cumulative summary reports

Monitoring & Reporting

• Monthly reports summarizing cases reviewed, referral decisions supported, and key trends or gaps identified.