Country: Lesotho
Closing date: 02 Jan 2016
Title: Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Coordinator
Reports to: Lesotho Country Director and Lesotho Deputy Executive Director
Location: Maseru, Lesotho
Organizational Profile:
Partners In Health (PIH) is an international health organization relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized. PIH partners with local governments to build local capacity and works closely with impoverished communities to deliver high-quality health care, address the root causes of illness, train providers, advance research, and advocate for global policy change.
PIH currently has implementation programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Sierra Leone and Navajo Nation. Through our partnership with Harvard Medical School and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, we support a wide range of programs in dozens of other countries around the world.
PIH Lesotho Background:
Known locally as Bo-Mphato Litšebeletsong tsa Bophelo, Partners In Health began working in Lesotho in 2006 at the invitation of the Ministry of Health. Today PIH Lesotho (PIHL) continues to support the Lesotho Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (LMoHSW) at the district and national levels, to improve the health and promote the rights of the people of Lesotho by ensuring universal access to high quality, comprehensive care. PIH Lesotho manages and operates eight health facilities in the remote mountain districts, with targeted programs to improve health outcomes for HIV and TB patients, pregnant women and children under 5, all in the context of comprehensive primary care. PIHL also manages the national MDR-TB treatment program, including the MDR-TB hospital in Maseru.
Position Overview:
In Lesotho, electronic medical records (EMR) make a major contribution to PIH efforts to strengthen the national and local healthcare systems. PIH and its partners pioneered the development of OpenMRS, an open source electronic medical record system. PIHL, in partnership with the LMoHSW, develops and supports the electronic medical record system in use in rural health centers, with patient records supporting care for HIV, TB, non-communicable disease, and maternal and child health.
The EMR Coordinator is responsible for supporting PIHL’s computer and health information systems, including its Electronic Medical Record system. In particular, the EMR Coordinator is responsible for managing all electronic-related data collection tools, including the medical record repository, pharmacy inventory and the laboratory information systems, as well as the staff using those systems. The EMR Manager also assumes IT responsibilities by ensuring the proper functioning of all IT-related areas, including network / VSAT, solar power and computer equipment management. This position also presents a fantastic learning and growth opportunity for a candidate interested in a unique overseas job with Partners in Health Lesotho.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Develop and extend tools to facilitate improvement of data quality and increased data utilization.
- Ensure high fidelity of electronic and paper data to actual operations.
- Manage and extend existing electronic systems: Medical Record Repository System (OpenMRS), Pharmacy Inventory System, Laboratory Information System.
- Mentor and build technical capacity within PIHL.
- Communicate closely with Boston-based Lesotho Project Coordinator, especially in relation to data requests and donor-required information.
- Liaise and communicate periodically with Boston IT department regarding knowledge sharing activities and Boston-based IT coordination.
- Collaborate with the Lesotho Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (LMoHSW) to ensure compliance with government protocols and initiatives.
- Provide technical input on all IT-related procurement decisions.
- Ensure uptime for network / VSAT systems, solar power, computer and other IT-related equipment.
- Produce an EMR unit report monthly, quarterly and annually.
- Perform other duties as required by managerial or supervisory staff of the employee.
Technical Qualifications and Experience Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or other relevant field required; Master’s Degree preferred.
- At least two years of experience in IT support required.
- Knowledge in the following areas, and the ability to pick up new competencies quickly: SQL Programming, Windows and Linux server administration, Network administration, Web application development - Java, Ajax, Javascript, HTML, Server-side Scripting languages.
- Strong critical analysis and data analysis skills.
- Strong communication and writing skills.
- Proven ability to exercise good judgment and diplomacy.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple assignments, prioritize work flow, adapt to fluctuating workload, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to take initiative and work with minimal direction.
- Experience working with a team.
- Demonstrated ability to interact professionally within culturally diverse settings.
- Prior experience working in resource-poor settings preferred.
- Minimum two-year commitment to relocate to Maseru, Lesotho.
- Willingness to travel by small plane in Lesotho at least 25-45% time.
- Willingness to stay overnight in remote mountain sites in rural Lesotho.
- Commitment to social justice preferred.
How to apply:
Online applications only, please apply through our website: https://chj.tbe.taleo.net/chj03/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=PIH&cws=1&rid=896