Project Nurse

Job Description

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) is a leading humanitarian organization delivering life-saving and resilience-building services to communities affected by natural and man-made disasters. Its interventions include emergency response, ambulance and first aid services, restoring family links, provision of essential medicines, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. In addition, ERCS implements disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs focusing on food security, climate change adaptation, livelihood diversification, and institutional capacity strengthening to build resilient communities.

Working in close partnership with the Government of Ethiopia, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Partner National Societies, and communities, ERCS plays a key role in addressing evolving public health challenges. Ethiopia is currently facing a triple burden of disease—communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including mental health conditions, and injuries. To respond to the growing NCD burden, ERCS, in collaboration with Danish Red Cross (DRC), Swiss Red Cross (SRC), and Novo Nordisk (iCARE Programme), is expanding its NCD interventions. The project “Continuity of Cardiometabolic Diseases (CMD) Care in Crisis” aims to improve access to prevention, treatment, and continuity of care for diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions, particularly in crisis-affected and hard-to-reach areas.

Purpose of the Position

The Project Nurse – NCD is responsible for delivering quality clinical care and supporting the implementation of community- and facility-based NCD interventions. The role focuses on prevention, early detection, treatment follow-up, patient education, and strengthening referral systems for cardiometabolic and mental health conditions. The Project Nurse also contributes to capacity building of healthcare workers and volunteers, ensures adherence to national protocols, and supports data collection, monitoring, and reporting to enhance program quality and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical Care and Patient Management

• Provide comprehensive nursing care for patients with NCDs, including diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions, in line with national guidelines and ERCS protocols
• Conduct and lead mass and targeted screenings for NCD risk factors and conditions
• Deliver health education and nutrition counseling to patients and caregivers
• Monitor patient adherence to treatment plans and actively trace and manage defaulters
• Identify, stabilize, and refer complicated cases to appropriate health facilities
• Support the provision and continuity of chronic medications and report supply-related challenges

2. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

• Screen for common mental health and psychosocial conditions
• Provide basic psychosocial support services at community and facility levels
• Facilitate timely referral for specialized mental health care when required

3. Program Implementation

• Support the planning and implementation of NCD prevention and awareness activities
• Ensure implementation of national NCD guidelines, standards, and protocols
• Strengthen referral pathways and linkage between community and health facilities
• Contribute to the development and contextualization of IEC/BCC materials
• Document program activities and ensure proper record-keeping

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Collect, manage, and report patient and program data using national systems (e.g., DHIS2)
• Prepare timely monthly and quarterly reports on project progress and achievements
• Monitor service quality indicators and contribute to continuous quality improvement
• Review patient records to ensure completeness and accuracy of documentation

5. Capacity Building and Supervision

• Provide on-the-job training, mentorship, and supportive supervision to nurses, Health Extension Workers (HEWs), and ERCS volunteers
• Strengthen the capacity of frontline workers in NCD prevention, care, and reporting

6. Coordination and Collaboration

• Collaborate with health facility staff, local health authorities, and partner organizations
• Participate in coordination meetings, technical working groups, and review forums
• Support integration of NCD services into existing health and humanitarian programs

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing with valid professional licensure
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience, preferably in NCD care
• At least 2 years of experience in project implementation or health program management
• Demonstrated experience in managing diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions
• Experience in humanitarian or low-resource settings is an asset
• Experience working with government health systems and NGOs is desirable

Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of NCD prevention, management, and integrated care approaches
• Proven skills in project planning, implementation, and monitoring
• Experience with health data systems (e.g., DHIS2) and reporting
• Excellent communication skills in English, Amharic, Afaan Oromoo, and Tigrigna
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and mentoring skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to challenging environments

Skills Required:

• Health / Medical