Job Description

Job Details

Company: Partners In Health (PIH)
Location: Kono, Sierra Leone
Job Type: Full Time

Job Title

Community Health Officer (CHO) – (2 Positions)

Work Location: KGH/MCOE, Koidu
Department: Clinical
Reports To: OBGYN Lead
Requisition No: 4727
Line Management: Nil

Position Overview

The Community Health Officer (CHO) will serve as a frontline neonatal clinician in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), supporting the delivery of safe, evidence-based newborn care.

The role involves working under the supervision of a neonatologist or paediatrician to assess, stabilise, and manage neonates using established protocols.

The position ensures continuous neonatal care, early identification of complications, appropriate escalation, and strict adherence to infection prevention and patient safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

A. Clinical Care of Neonates

• Conduct initial clinical assessments of triaged neonates
• Perform admission evaluations and participate in daily ward rounds
• Monitor and manage neonatal conditions such as:
  • Neonatal sepsis
  • Birth asphyxia
  • Prematurity and low birth weight
  • Neonatal jaundice
  • Hypoglycaemia
  • Respiratory distress
  • Feeding difficulties
• Order investigations and initiate treatment
• Prescribe medications within approved guidelines
• Provide neonatal resuscitation when required
• Stabilise critically ill neonates before referral

B. Clinical Documentation and Data

• Maintain accurate patient records including admission notes and progress reports
• Document treatment plans and procedures
• Participate in clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives

C. Escalation of Care

• Escalate abnormal clinical findings to senior medical staff
• Facilitate referrals to higher-level facilities when necessary
• Support stabilisation before transfer

D. Procedural Skills

• Perform or assist with neonatal procedures such as:
  • Neonatal resuscitation
  • Intravenous cannulation

E. Infection Prevention and Control

• Follow NICU infection prevention protocols strictly
• Maintain aseptic techniques during procedures
• Ensure compliance with hygiene and isolation standards
• Participate in infection surveillance activities

Education and Work Experience Requirements

F. Required Qualifications

Essential:

• Diploma or Degree in Community Health
• Valid professional registration
• Certification in Basic Neonatal Resuscitation

Desirable:

• Additional training in newborn care, emergency care, or infection prevention

G. Required Competencies

Clinical Skills

• Neonatal assessment
• Recognition of neonatal emergencies
• Neonatal resuscitation
• Infection prevention

Professional Skills

• Team collaboration
• Accurate documentation
• Strong communication skills
• Ethical patient care

Organisation Profile

Partners In Health (PIH) is a global health organization committed to delivering high-quality healthcare to underserved populations. It operates in 11 countries, including Sierra Leone.

In Sierra Leone, PIH works closely with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) to strengthen the health system through integrated and patient-centered care.

The organization has developed the Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE) at Koidu Government Hospital to improve care for mothers and newborns. This advanced facility expands healthcare capacity and introduces modern medical practices, serving as a model for healthcare delivery across Africa.

Misconduct Disclosure

Partners In Health Sierra Leone maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace misconduct, including harassment, exploitation, abuse, and financial misconduct.

All staff and partners are expected to adhere to the organization’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies.

Employment is subject to:

• Reference checks
• Criminal record checks
• Terrorism finance screening

As part of the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, information may be requested from previous employers regarding misconduct. By applying, candidates consent to these procedures.

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