Lady Health Visitor

Background/IRC Summary: 

The International Rescue Committee is a leading global relief and development organization, working in 42 countries worldwide. In Pakistan, the International Rescue Committee has delivered large, complex programs to meet needs of the most vulnerable, displace and conflict affected communities in numerous sectors: health, education, protection, and livelihoods for the past 30 years. The International Rescue Committee works in partnership with local government and non-governmental organizations and is currently implementing projects across the country. 

Job Overview:

The Integrated Services for communities in Pakistan project aim to enhance the safety, dignity, and well-being of Afghan refugees and host communities in two districts of KP, Haripur and Nowshera. It focuses on multi-sectoral integrated program delivery providing quality protection, GBV, SRH, and MHPSS services, alongside climate-resilient, livelihoods, youth engagement, and social cohesion initiatives. The project adopts a participatory, inclusive approach to address vulnerabilities and promote sustainable development. The Lady Health Visitor (LHV) will play a pivotal role in delivering essential healthcare services within the scope. The LHV will focus on improving maternal and child health, providing preventive and curative services, and ensuring the successful implementation of health project activities at the community level.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide antenatal (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) to pregnant women.
• Assist and conduct safe deliveries and ensure quality newborn care.
• Promote family planning methods and counsel women on reproductive health.
• Screening of PLWs and Children for less than 5 years for nutrition support.

1. Preventive Health Services:

• Conduct health education sessions on hygiene, nutrition, immunization, and disease prevention.
• Facilitate and promote vaccination programs in collaboration with health teams.
• Identify high-risk individuals or households and refer them for specialized care.
• Educate women about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including their causes, symptoms, and long-term effects if untreated.
• Provide information on preventive measures, such as safe sexual practices, consistent use of protection (e.g., condoms), and regular health check-ups.
• Emphasize the importance of timely treatment and the role of vaccination (where applicable, such as for HPV).
• Address misconceptions and reduce stigma surrounding STIs through culturally appropriate and respectful communication.

2. Curative Services:

• Diagnose and treat minor ailments, including common infections and injuries.
• Provide first aid and manage emergencies until higher-level care is available.
• Assess the health condition of pregnant and lactating women (PLWs) and prescribe appropriate medications that are safe for their specific stage.
• Ensure prescriptions align with established maternal health guidelines and consider contraindications during pregnancy and lactation.
• Assess the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women (PLWs) and children under 5 years old using the MUAC measurement.
• Record MUAC readings and ensure timely follow-up to monitor progress.

3. Community Engagement:

• Collaborate with community health workers and other project staff to implement health interventions.
• Act as a liaison between the community and health facilities.
• Educate mothers on the importance of feeding the baby colostrum immediately after birth.
• Encourage exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, without any additional food or liquids.
• Promote awareness of proper breastfeeding techniques to ensure the baby latches correctly and the mother is comfortable.

4. Monitoring and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate patient records and service delivery logs.
• Provide regular progress updates to the project supervisor.

5. Capacity Building and Collaboration:

• Participate in training sessions organized by IRC and partner organizations.
• Provide support to community health workers through mentorship and skill-building activities.
• Ensure compliance with IRC guidelines, donor requirements, and local health regulations. 

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: District Manager (Direct) and Project Manager(Operationally)

Position directly supervises: None

Position works with: Project Managers, Protection Manager officer, psychologist, outreach officers,field and MEAL team  

Educational Qualifications and Experience:

• Diploma in Lady Health Visiting (LHV) from a recognized institute.
• Valid Registration with the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC).
• At least 3 years of experience working in maternal and child health programs or community health projects.
• Knowledge of public health practices and preventive healthcare.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to work effectively within diverse and resource-constrained settings.

Language Skills: Fluent, professional level speaking, reading, and writing in English, Urdu and local language.

Gender Equality and Diversity:

IRC recognizes that gender equality is fundamental to the achievement of our organizational mission. As such, IRC is committed to the promotion of gender equality in all aspects of our operations and programs. Our organizational policies, procedures and actions demonstrate this commitment. Women, minorities, persons with disability (PWD) and transgender candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

The IRC Core Values and Commitments.

• The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons.
• IRC is committed to ensuring that IRC staff is suitable to work with children and have the knowledge s/he needs to uphold and abide by the IRC’s Child Safeguarding Policy.
• Level of interaction with children: Less frequent direct contact with children
• IRC recognizes that gender equality is fundamental to the achievement of our organizational mission. As such, IRC is committed to the promotion of gender equality in all aspects of our operations and programs. Our organizational policies, procedures and actions demonstrate this commitment.

Women candidates and differently abled persons are highly encouraged to apply.