Program Midwives job at Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP)

About the Organization

MUWRP is committed to actively engaging communities at various stages of the research process, from trial protocol development, through implementation, to dissemination of research findings. Scientists are encouraged to participate in engagement activities with the public both inside and outside the research community. Sharing our research work is a crucial part of the MUWRP pillars. MUWRP ensures the community members are informed of the research protocols taking place in their communities.

Job Description

Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is a non-profit biomedical research organization, whose mission is to mitigate disease threats through quality research, health care and disease surveillance. MUWRP was established in 2002 by a Memorandum of Agreement between The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) and Makerere University (Mak) undertake medical research to test HIV vaccines. Over the years, MUWRP's portfolio has progressively expanded to include vaccine research for Ebola and Marburg viruses, Emerging Infectious Diseases Program (EIDP) for surveillance of influenza and influenza-like viruses and other emerging infections in humans and animals; also, a PEPFAR funded program in HIV treatment, care and prevention in the districts of Kayunga, Mukono, Buvuma, Buikwe, Luwero, Nakasongola. Additionally. MUWRP seeks to fill the following position.
Contract Tenure: 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to the needs of the Organization

Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Care

Prenatal Care: Providing prenatal examinations, monitoring maternal health during pregnancy, and addressing any complications or risks.
Labor and Delivery: Assisting women during labor and delivery, providing emotional support, managing pain, and ensuring safe childbirth practices.
Postpartum Care: Monitoring mothers and newborns post-delivery, providing postpartum education, and identifying and managing postpartum complications.

Education and Counseling

Health Education: Conducting health education sessions for expectant mothers and their families on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and postpartum care.
Family Planning: Counseling women on family planning methods, contraception options, and reproductive health.

Support for Newborn Care

Newborn Assessment: Performing newborn assessments, providing immediate care, and identifying any health issues requiring intervention.
Breastfeeding Support: Offering guidance and support to mothers on breastfeeding techniques and newborn feeding practices.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Community Health Promotion: Engaging with communities to promote maternal and child health, conduct outreach activities, and facilitate access to healthcare services.
Collaboration: Collaborating with community health workers, educators, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care and support services.

Documentation and Reporting

Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate and comprehensive medical records of prenatal visits, deliveries, postpartum care, and newborn assessments.
Reporting: Compiling data and preparing reports on program activities, outcomes, and challenges for management and stakeholders.

Quality Improvement

Quality Assurance: Implementing quality assurance measures to ensure adherence to clinical guidelines, protocols, and standards of care.
Continuous Learning: Participating in ongoing professional development, training, and workshops to enhance skills and knowledge in midwifery and maternal health.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in midwifery or nursing with specialization in midwifery. Some roles may require a master’s degree in midwifery or a related field.
Licensure: Valid licensure or certification as a midwife or nurse-midwife, depending on the country’s regulatory requirements.

Professional Experience

Clinical Experience: Several years of experience in midwifery practice, preferably in both clinical and community settings.
Program Management: Experience in managing maternal and child health programs, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Skills and Competencies

Clinical Skills: Proficiency in providing comprehensive midwifery care, managing childbirth, and addressing maternal and newborn health issues.
Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to educate, counsel, and support women and families.
Cultural Competency: Sensitivity to cultural differences and ability to provide culturally competent care.
Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and community stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to manage complex clinical situations and emergencies.

Personal Attributes

Compassion: Empathy and compassion for women and families during childbirth and postpartum.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to varying healthcare settings and community contexts.
Ethical Conduct: Commitment to ethical standards and confidentiality in healthcare practice.

Knowledge Areas

Maternal and Child Health: In-depth knowledge of maternal health issues, prenatal care, childbirth practices, and postpartum care.
Public Health: Understanding of public health principles and strategies to promote maternal and child health outcomes.
Evidence-Based Practice: Familiarity with evidence-based practices in midwifery and maternal health.