Midwife
Kerevat, Papua New Guinea
AVI has negotiated this assignment in good faith with the Host Organisation, and the information
contained was correct at the time of acceptance of the request. However, while AVI takes
responsibility for matters under our direct control, all assignments and arrangements are subject to
change due to the inherent low levels of predictability in developing country environments. This
assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in circumstances.
General Details
Assignment Title
Midwife
Host Organisation
Kerevat Hospital, East New Britain Province
Website of Host Organisation
N/A
Duration of Assignment
18 months
Start Date
June or August 2015
Pre-departure Briefing Date
27-29 May 2015
AVI Assignment Code
10531913
Host Organisation Overview
Keravat Rural Hospital replaced the old Keravat Health Centre in 2007. Facilities have been
upgraded for it to function as a district-level hospital. The Gazelle District Administration is
responsible for the administration and management of the health service which includes the
upgraded hospital, 9 health centres and 7 aide posts.
Main Activities:
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Out-patient treatment
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Anti-natal clinic, birthing unit, postnatal care
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Immunisation patrols
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In-patient treatment
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Family planning clinic
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Disease control with emphasis on TB & Leprosy
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HIV – VCT (Voluntary counselling and testing)
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Dental Services
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Pharmacy
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Laboratory
Australian Volunteers International
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Assignment Overview
The Kerevat Hospital and district health service is poorly-resourced and is striving to improve
the quality of its health services to the population.
Despite Kerevat hospital providing services to the largest district population in East New
Britain province, the hospital is poorly-resourced in terms of human resources and equipment.
The staff strives to improve the quality of their health service and have identified a need to
have a Midwife AVI volunteer mentor them to help improve their midwifery practices and
contribute to improving areas of the public health service.
There have been two AVI Nurses at the hospital, there remains a need to assist in improving
the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) activities and practices at the hospital and District health
units. Staff require assistance to improve their skills and knowledge in the areas of MCH.
Assignment Objectives
Provide mentoring and training to the clinical staff of the Kerevat Hospital and District health
services to improve the quality of health service delivery for maternal and child health
Duties and Responsibilities
In consultation with their line manager and relevant stakeholders, volunteers complete a work
plan in the first three months of their assignment. The duties below are an indication of the
type of work that may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:
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Mentoring and training of Hospital and District health service staff, with particular
attention to midwifery skills and improving maternal and child health care services
Conduct training needs analysis for staff of Gazelle District Health Services and
implement a training and mentoring support model
Assist in Development and Implementation of Public Health and Disease Control
programs throughout the District as they relate to maternal and child health
Analysis of Health information and statistics and training for staff regarding health
information
Provide advice for administrative tasks relevant to the management of the health
service
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Assignment Information
Line Manager
Health Extension Officer - Clinical for District Health
Staff supervision
The volunteer will work alongside other staff within the organisation but will not have supervisory
responsibilities.
Hours & Days of employment
Australian Volunteers International
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8 hours per day, 5 days per week.
The expectation is that the volunteer will work the equivalent of a 5 day week to a maximum of 40
hours per week.
Leave entitlements
Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays. However, as a
minimum, volunteers will accrue 1 week of leave for each 3 months of work.
Other Conditions
There will be occasional travel required within the District to visit other health centres and aide posts.
This work will require travel on rural roads, boats and often walking to gain access to health points.
Language skill and level required
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When talking with colleagues, English will be the language used.
Willingness to learn local language.
Language support
AVI can reimburse a volunteer if they choose to undertake extra language lessons.
Living as a Volunteer
Kerevat is the administrative center of Gazelle District in East New Britain. It is a small market town,
located in the mountains and 40 minutes’ drive from Kokopo, the provincial capital. There is a small
market, supermarket, polic and schools in Kerevat, and the hospital and District Administration
headquarters. The location is beautiful, with mountains and forests surrounding the town. It is only a
short drive to the beach where snorkeling and fishing can be enjoyed. The local population is very
friendly and supportive of volunteers in their community.
Kokopo is a small town with a growing population. It has good facilities including supermarkets, a local
market with fresh produce, chemists, optometrist, hotels including a local country club and golf course.
The main airport for the area is located just outside Kokopo at Tokua and is a 45-minute drive from
Kerevat. This airport connects travellers to Port Moresby (by 1 hour and 20-minute flight) and also to
other islands within the New Guinea Islands such as Bougainville and New Ireland province.
There are many opportunities to learn about the local cultures (Tolia and Bainings) and to enjoy the
social and sporting activities available in the area. East New Britain is a popular tourist destination and
many people enjoy bush walking, swimming, diving, snorkelling, visiting war relics, museums, golf, and
tennis. The people of the area are very friendly and volunteers to date have been warmly received by
the community. There is also a large expatriate community around Kerevat. There are a number of
other volunteers from different programs in the area with active social and sporting networks. This is a
world famous scuba diving area.
Public transport will be available and is safe during daylight hours, and affordable. However, a
volunteer may prefer to purchase their own vehicle to assist with freedom of movement. A reasonable
vehicle could be purchased for AUD $15,000. A motorbike or scooter is not recommended.
Safety and security can be an issue throughout PNG, but if one follows directions and respects safety
and security procedures provided by AVI and learns about their local community the risks can be
minimised. Housing standards apply for volunteer housing and volunteers are expected to use security
radios where available.
Australian Volunteers International
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Preparing your Application
Selection Criteria
Please begin by writing your responses to the following three questions, in a document headed Response to Selection Criteria:
a. Why do I feel that volunteering overseas is the right thing for me to be doing at this time in my life?
(up to half a page)
b. What are the biggest personal adjustments I’m likely to have to make to be accepted as a useful
colleague and engaged community member in this assignment? (up to half a page)
c. How do I match the Essential Skills & Experience: Write a brief summary of your most relevant
experiences, results and achievements responding to each criteria in the Essential Skills & Experience
section of the Assignment Description.
To find out more details about preparing your application, please visit:
http://www.australianvolunteers.com/volunteer/application-process/
To find out more details about the personal competencies required to be a volunteer, please visit:
http://australianvolunteers.com/volunteer/have-you-got-what-it-takes/
Personal Circumstances Constraints
We are NOT able to accept applications from people with the following personal circumstances due to
security, cultural, legal or visa restrictions in this location.
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Applicants with accompanying children
Qualifications
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Midwife endorsement
Registered Nurse Certificate or Bachelor of Health Science / Nursing
Child Health qualifications or extensive experience in this field
Qualifications in Public Health an advantage
Essential Skills & Experience
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Practical approach to adapting to work in an environment where there are shortfalls in drugs
and equipment but an enthusiastic staff
Demonstrated midwifery experience with some experience working in Indigenous health
services in remote Australia or elsewhere
Knowledge of tropical medicine and vector borne diseases, HIV/AIDS
Demonstrated success in building the skills of others through formal and/or informal training
and coaching
Demonstrated success in consulting with stakeholders and facilitating the work of others to
achieve an agreed outcome
Preparedness to work with limited resources within a challenging environment
Desirable Skills & Experience
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Accept that “a great day” is one where less things went wrong than usual
Previous experience in an indigenous health service would be an advantage
Previous exposure to public health, community health an advantage
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Allowances & Support
These allowance levels are based on the Cost of Living in country. They will be reviewed periodically
and may increase or decrease. Volunteers will be given notice of any change to the allowance level.
Living Allowance
Accommodation Allowance
AUD 1300.00 per month
AUD 0.00 per month
NB: If accommodation is provided by the Host
Organisation or the program, this allowance will
be reduced to zero.
Housing
The program will be providing accommodation in a secure house, with basic furnishings. It may be
necessary for the volunteer to share with other volunteers due to shortages in housing options
throughout PNG.
Electricity is usually pre-paid and will be the volunteer’s responsibility. There may not be back-up power
available for when power shortages occur and the volunteer should be aware of this.
Other Allowances & Support
All AVID Volunteers receive the following:
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Pre-departure Briefing in Melbourne
In-country Orientation on arrival
Pre-departure vaccination expenses
Visa expenses
Pastoral care, assignment monitoring and security guidance
Return airfare to country of assignment
Psychological and medical advice and support services
Re-entry Support services
Settling in allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
Re-settlement allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
How to Apply
Should you wish to apply for this position please visit www.australianvolunteers.com.
Select the assignment you are interested in and follow the prompts at the end of the page.
This assignment is part of the Australian Volunteers for International
Development program, an Australian Government initiative.
www.australianaidvolunteers.gov.au/
Australian Volunteers International
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