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As an extension of its humanitarian action and in response to a tenfold increase in poverty throughout the country, the Order of Malta has added to its network of five mobile medical units (MMUs) that roam across the Lebanese territory, a sixth one in the north of the country, covering Tripoli and surrounding areas.

After Akkar,the Beqaa, Siddikine and the southern borders, a sixth mobile medical unit (MMU), launched in partnership with the Charitable Trust CPVG (Caritas Pro Vitae Gradu), was deployed on September 1st, from the Order of Malta’s primary health care center located in Khaldieh-Zghorta, to provide comprehensive and free health services to the inhabitants of the region from al-Mina Tripoli to Sir el-Denniye, passing through Mejdlaya, Meryata, Bakhaoun, Bkaa Safrine, Izal and Bkarsouna.

The locations itinerary visited weekly by the MMU was set up following an in-depth field assessment, carried out with the collaboration of the North Mohafez and the heads of municipalities in the region, in order to determine the most important needs. Two socio-economic experts also participated in the identification of pockets of poverty in order to target the most vulnerable areas, including al-Mina, Tripoli and Sir el-Denniye.

A halt on Tripoli

Witness to constant renewed tensions, Tripoli has been suffering for too long. The inhabitants of the “second capital of Lebanon”, with a high urban density, consider the city abandoned to its fate. “It’s as if Tripoli is not on the map of Lebanon” they say, criticizing the lack of development projects in the city, where unemployment and poverty rates are among the highest in Lebanon.

Indeed, the multiplication of crises added to the deep recession experienced by the country have led to the impoverishment of the middle classes, while the most underprivileged strata have become even poorer. A growing number of Tripolitans have today sunk into extreme poverty and do not benefit from any social safety net.

“The situation is more than catastrophic. People don’t have enough food to eat, let alone the basic medicines they need,” said one city resident. Hence the fundamental role of the Order of Malta’s action through its team and the weekly visit of its mobile medical unit, bearing the Order’s cross in its red coat of arms, which was received with open arms by a worn-down population, thirsty not only for care, but also for listening and attention.

Following his visit to the MMU, which has been specially refurbished into two consultation rooms, the president of the municipality of Tripoli, Riad Yamak, congratulated the team, composed of doctors, nurses, a field coordinator, a social worker, an administrative manager and two drivers. “The presence of this MMU is of utmost importance today, not only because of the excellent medical services it offers, but also because it provides free medicines in a time of significant shortages” he said.

After having followed the awareness session on prevention against Covid-19, he added: “We can only thank the Order of Malta for this project, especially in the crisis situation we are experiencing in Tripoli, both economically and socially, as well as in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The explanatory session given to the patients who were waiting their turn is also essential; the Tripolitan population needs this kind of clarification to show them how to protect themselves against this virus, without giving in to destabilizing and harmful panic. »

Healing the wounds of the body and soul

In the first operational phase of the MMU, free medical consultations and supply of medicines will be provided. The second phase will include, as in all of the Order of Malta’s MMUs, free referrals to specialized doctors, laboratory tests and even possible hospitalization, reaching around 3,000 medical acts per month.

Hala, coming from Bab el-Tebbané, witnesses: “It was one of my nephews who was informed by a WhatsApp message of this MMU’s presence, that pushed me to come and benefit from a free consultation. I am extremely satisfied: not only did the medical team take the time to explain to me what I was suffering from before giving me all the medication I needed, but they calmed me down about my aches and pains and I came out reassured and with a lighter heart, as if I had been relieved of a burden. If similar initiatives were to multiply, the world would be a much better place. »

An instrument of coexistence

One of the main objectives of the Order of Malta is to uphold “Lebanon, the Message” (as described by St John Paul II) that is currently suffering… The choice of this region is not incidental, since the Order, with its neutral, impartial and apolitical status, aspires to play a key role in social cohesion and peace. Indeed, in these disregarded zones where the population is composed of multiple denominations, extremist groups could take advantage of the vulnerable and hopeless youth by providing them with vital support.

Therefore, one of the criteria of the Order of Malta in setting up this itinerary was to cover sensitive areas in terms of community diversity, in order to pursue its mission of promoting and consolidating a culture of peaceful coexistence, through access to quality services for all, thus reassuring the population with effective support and thereby reducing tensions. An objective in harmony with those of its partner in this MMU, the Charitable Trust CPVG (Caritas Pro Vitae Gradu) that supports projects promoting change, with a strong humanitarian and social impact, furthering the values of compassion and commitment to the most vulnerable.

The Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta / Order of Malta Lebanon has vacancies for the following positions:

– Human Resource Manager
– Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
– Procurement Officer
– Senior Accountant
– Communications Officer
– Social Health Worker

The Order of Malta Lebanon has been operating in the health and social welfare sectors since 1957. It manages a network of 30 projects serving the most vulnerable populations, across the Lebanese territory including primary healthcare centers, mobile medical units, elderly day care centers, hosting centers for the differently-abled and projects for the displaced and refugees.

The Order of Malta Lebanon, with the support of its partner Malteser International (MI), has developed a comprehensive multi-annual program to strengthen its social and health services as well as its structures.
In this framework, the Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta / Order of Malta Lebanon is looking for experienced candidates to fill the mentioned positions.

Please click on the position you are interested to apply for, in order to download its Terms of Reference.

As part of the humanitarian operation “Un bateau pour le Liban” (“A boat for Lebanon”) carried by the CMA CGM Foundation in partnership with the Crisis and Support Center of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Lebanese Association of the Order of Malta, represented by François Abisaab, chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Lebanon, received 9 pallets of medicines and medical devices and 9 pallets of medical equipment, in the presence of the French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to Beirut.

These donations were made possible thanks to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Health Agency and the Hôpitaux universitaires de Marseille, as well as the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, which joined forces in adding 30,000 surgical masks and 5,000 FFP2 masks to the donation.

May they receive our gratitude, and through them France, which never fails to stand alongside the Lebanese people and support them, especially in these difficult times they are going through. 

Photos © Patrick Baz

In light of the immediate crisis response to the explosion that shook the core of Beirut City on August 4, 2020; amidst a pre-existing financial, economic, social and sanitary crisis – the ‘Order of Malta Lebanon’, thanks to its generous donors, was able to initiate a rapid response plan to address the different unprecedented and emerging repercussions from the recent blast in Beirut, while continuously responding to the healthcare and social welfare needs across the country, in addition to addressing the resurgence outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic.

Read the full report on this link: http://orderofmaltalebanon.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ORDER-OF-MALTA-LEBANON-CRISIS-RESPONSE-250820-.pdf

Our partner, Malteser International, has a vacancy for a Partner Advisor Administration and Compliance (m/f/d)

In the Middle East Region, Malteser International (MI) is operating in the context of the humanitarian crisis in Syria since 2012 implementing emergency relief measures in Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon and since 2014 in Iraq. Malteser International’s programs cover needs mainly in the health sector and are mostly partner implemented.
In Lebanon, Malteser International works in cooperation with the Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta (LAKM) to implement projects in the framework of humanitarian assistance and transitional aid funded by the German Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. LAKM and MI are currently in the process to jointly set-up a comprehensive multi-annual program to strengthen the social and health services of LAKM all over Lebanon and further professionalize LAKM as Non-Governmental Organization.

In support of our work and to strengthen the capacities of our local Partner in Beirut, Lebanon, Malteser International is looking for an experienced 

Partner Advisor Administration and Compliance (m/f/d)

As Partner Advisor Administration and Compliance, you will support the partner organization LAKM in all financial, administrative and logistic aspects of the new planned program, as well as the current running projects, ensuring and maintaining compliance with Malteser International and donor procedures, standards, rules and regulations. You will work closely with the partner organization and the MI Partner Program Coordinator in Beirut.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure compliance of the partner organization with the financial, administrative and logistic procedures of Malteser International and the donors during program planning, implementation and closure
• Supervise, monitor and advise relevant staff of the partner organization to ensure that the administration, logistic and finance system adheres to Malteser International’s and donor’s standards and provide training as necessary
• Ensure sound planning and preparation of budgets, amendments and forecasts together with the partner organization and the Partner Program Coordinator
• Ensure proper cash flow management according to available Malteser International and donor funds
• Review donor financial reports and ensure that they are prepared in line with Malteser and donor reporting requirements
• Ensure correct utilization of relevant procurement guidelines, supply chain management forms and oversee fleet management
• Set-up a new administrative location of Malteser International (opening of bank account, defining standards for cash handling, keeping of cash books, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 4 years professional experience in financial and administrative management
• In depth knowledge of financial control systems, accounting, budget planning and financial reporting in humanitarian/development aid projects
• Experience in working with national partner organizations and implementation of trainings
• Proven experience in administrative standards and requirements of institutional donors
• Proven experience in logistics, office organization and human resources management
• Ability to be a flexible team player and to promote productivity in a pleasant working environment
• Good coordination and organizational skills such as timely follow-up
• Physical and mental strength, readiness to live in Beirut or surroundings
• Fully computer literate (Microsoft Office, accounting software), ability to implement new soft-ware packages in field locations
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); French/Arabic/German would be an asset

CONDITIONS:

• Start Date: as soon as possible, but no later than September 15, 2020 
• Duty Station: Beirut, Lebanon with very frequent travels to program/project areas 
• Duration of contract: 12 months (extendable)
• Salary according to qualification and experience, insurance package, accommodation in team house, 30 paid leave days per year plus 13 public holidays, 1 home flight per year 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS POSITION, PLEASE APPLY ONLINE AT https://bit.ly/3eIsjNN

Please submit your application (CV, letter of motivation, copies of diplomas and three references) until August 2nd, 2020.

Please note that due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on a regular basis and we may offer this post before the closing date.

Malteser International
D-50825 Cologne / Germany
www.malteser-international.org

A new Doctor to Doctor meeting took place on Wednesday 10 June with Lebanese, Italian and German health experts. Aim of the virtual meeting, one out of several that the Order of Malta has been convening with Middle Eastern countries together with the London based think tank Forward Thinking, is to allow doctors and health specialists to share knowledge on the management and treatment of Covid 19. Like many other countries, Lebanon too has been hit by the pandemic at two different levels, at a national and hospital level as well as in the more remote areas in the country. Thanks to a swift reaction with an early lockdown implemented, health authorities were able to contain the spread of the virus narrowing the pressure on the country’s infrastructures – a decision that proved pivotal considering the shortage of ICU beds.

As explained by Lebanese doctors during the online meeting, an effective communication, partnered with a local media campaign urging people to stay home and involving family practitioners informing patients on the importance of hand hygiene and of wearing masks, was also key in managing the first outbreak. A scientific committee was created and was summoned regularly twice a week in order to discuss prevention and treatment of the virus, indications on which drugs to use as well as which literature to refer to. The committee produced a protocol in order to have a consistent strategy in the management of the patients which led to a successful containment of the epidemic. The data, with 32 deaths and just over 1,460 cases detected so far, is encouraging when compared with many other countries dealing with the pandemic.

Participants in the meeting, including professors from several universities and medical institutions, representatives from the Red Cross doctors and health workers from the many facilities run by the Lebanese association of the Order of Malta. stressed the importance of establishing a strong collaboration between the different authorities in order to promote an orderly and coherent management. The importance of promoting knowledge and best practices was emphasized by the participants, also in light of the constant development of the scientific community in understanding the nature of the virus.

Dr. Issa Farkh, Medical Director the Order of Malta Lebanon spoke about the challenges faced in providing aid to the needy amid the restrictions. Throughout the lockdown period, which saw a first lifting as from 4 May, serving the poor and disadvantaged through its several mobile medical units remained top priority for Order’s association. Albeit not all services were able to continue fully running, most activities are now being resumed. This is particularly important given the dire situation the country is living with an ongoing political, economic and social crisis which has led to rising tensions and a surge in poverty across the country.

For four decades the Order of Malta in Lebanon has been serving the most marginalized, the sick, the disabled, the elderly and the many refugees living in settlements. With 10 operating medical centres and many mobile medical units, the Order of Malta in Lebanon operates a network of 30 different projects spread throughout the country.

The Lebanese Association particularly thanks the participation and interventions of:

Dr. Salim Adib, Epidemiologist, American University of Beirut; Prof. Fadi Haddad, Infectious diseases, Hotel Dieu – CHU; Dr. Shawky Amire Eddine, Training director and Assistant medical director Lebanese Red Cross; Prof. Marianne Abi Fadel, dean of the faculty of Pharmacy – St Joseph University and director of Laboratoire Merieux – USJ and Dr. Josette Najjar, Fondation Merieux representative in Lebanon; Prof. Michele Asmar, dean of Public Health Superior Institute – St Joseph University; Cdt Habib Abdo, Pharmacist, Head of Lebanese Army Laboratories; Dr. Marianne Antar, Pharmacien biologiste du Laboratoire Mérieux; Dr. Sandy Bitar, Maître de conférences à la faculté de Pharmacie de l’USJ; Dr. Petra el Khoury, Maître de conférences à la faculté de Pharmacie de l’USJ; M. Nabil Makhlouf, Public Health Superior Institute – St Joseph University.

Our partner, Malteser International, has a vacancy for a Consultant (m/f/d) – Mid-Term Evaluation

Malteser International the worldwide relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta for humanitarian aid has more than 50 years of experience in humanitarian relief and covers around 100 projects in some 20 countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas, annually. 
In the Middle East Malteser International is operating in the context of the humanitarian crisis in Syria since 2012 implementing emergency relief measure in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and since August 2014 in Iraq where the fight of the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria caused a displacement of over 3.4 million persons inside of Iraq. Malteser International’s programs cover needs mainly in the health sector and are mostly partner implemented.
 
To conduct a mid-term evaluation within the German Government funded project “Mobile health care for conflict-affected Syrian refugees and host Lebanese communities in Akkar, Baalbek and Nabatieh, Lebanon”, Malteser International is looking for a 

Consultant (m/f/d)  – External Mid-term Evaluation

Background of Project / Objectives of Mid-term Evaluation:

In Lebanon, Malteser International supported its partner organization “The Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta (LAKM)” by providing medical drugs, food and hygiene-kits for Syrian refugees in the Socio-Medical Centres of LAKM in 2012 and 2013. Starting from 2014, LAKM with the support of Malteser International operates three medical mobile units (MMU) in North Lebanon (Akkar), in Ras Baalbek and in the South of Lebanon (Yaroun) founded by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and further provides primary health care to Syrian refugees and the needy Lebanese population through an extended PHC in Deir el Ahmar, founded by the Ministry of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). LAKM operates in the region for over 50 years with many local programs and a backbone network of nine socio-PHC spread all over the country. 

The genesis of the consultancy assignment refers to an ongoing AA-funded project which is being implemented by LAKM with the support, technical advice and monitoring of the Country Coordinator located in Beirut, Lebanon. The present project is running since January 2019 and has a duration of 24 months. A continuation of the project activities after December 2020 for further 24 months and possibly extended services is intended.

Timeframe:

The mid-term evaluation is planned to take place as early as feasible, preferably in the month of June 2020.

Draft work plan (to be discussed):

• Preparation/Briefing and reviewing of documents – 1 day
• Field visit – 4 days
• LAKM HQ visit – 3 days
• Final report – 2 days
• Total –  10 days

Deliverables:

• Inception Report. 
• Debriefing note (2 pages) 
• Final Report (electronic version in English, max. 20 pages)

Expertise of the evaluator(s):

The evaluation can be carried out by a single experienced evaluator or a team with proven expertise in the areas of intervention. The evaluator is required to have

• Proven evaluation experience of humanitarian projects required, preferably in a related field (Health)
• A minimum of five years of experience with humanitarian and/or developmental projects
• Experience in the context of the Middle East, preferably with Lebanon and with the Syrian crisis
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of French/Arabic would be an asset
• Postgraduate university degree or equivalent in the wider field of Health would be an added value
• AOB: The evaluator shall be currently present in Lebanon, due to the travel restrictions caused by the COVID19-crisis

For more information, please see the Terms of Reference

The Order of Malta Lebanon has a vacancy for a:

Social vulnerability Analyst & Project monitoring

• Duration of Assignment : Full time for a period of 5 months (June-November 2020)
• Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Assess recent vulnerability to financial crisis and covid-19 pandemic.
2. Review the concept of social vulnerability applicable to the 9 Community Health Centers of the Order of Malta across the Lebanese territory and its implication.
3. Conduct a consultation with focal points in main villages to identify criteria that impact social vulnerability and identify appropriate standards for drawing up vulnerability criteria catalogue.
4. Strengthen centers cooperation and staff knowledge on vulnerability process implementation.
5. Provide technical assistance of project implementation.
6. Monitor, control and follow up the project implementation.
7. Comply with the project guidelines.

• Competencies:

Professionalism – Demonstrated ability to coordinate tasks to meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner

Teamwork – Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts. ability to contribute to a team.

Communication – Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally. attention to detail.

• Skills and qualifications:

Education: A master’s degree in a filed related to social vulnerability (economics, social sciences….).

Work experience: A minimum of 6 years in creating policies and programs related to social vulnerability.

Previous experience in poverty aid/development

Language proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English, French and Arabic.

Interested candidates should send an email to info@ordredemalteliban.org to receive the full TOR.

“We recognize our friends when they stand by our side in difficult times. The Order of Malta is more than a partner, it’s a loyal friend. Our relationship is not new, it started years ago, has grown and has been strengthened through numerous joint actions, both with the Saint Joseph University and with Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital (HDF). I hope it will last a long time”.

It is in these heartfelt words that Father Salim Daccache s.j., HDF President of the Board of Directors and USJ Rector, thanked the Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta (LAKM) for its gift to the hospital: a batch of medical equipments consisting of 4 ventilators and 1,000 rapid screening tests, all part of the association’s campaign to help support healthcare staff in the fight against Covid-19 and withhold its spread.

Father Daccache, alongside the General Manager of the hospital Martine Orio and a team of doctors, received the LAKM delegation formed by its president Marwan Sehnaoui, its Vice-President Patrick Jabre, its Hospitaller Paul Saghbini and its Medical Director Dr. Issa Farkh, who all came to deliver the donation to Hôtel-Dieu de France.

In his address, the Rector highlighted the active role of HDF, which was the first university hospital to join the fight against the pandemic since the end of February. All of the hospital’s human, material and financial resources were put to use to save lives and alleviate the suffering of people fighting the virus.

This is how the two institutions are linked by the same message of humanity and the same voaction: the service to the sick. “Because ultimately, this donation benefits the patient, not the hospital”, said Father Daccache. “And the Order of Malta has accustomed us to this notion of giving, which is inherent to its mission.”

“The human being at the heart of our work”

President Sehnaoui confirms it: “The Order of Malta always places the human, creation of God, at the center of its action. If existential decisions are made without taking man into consideration, they will lead the world to its demise. This is the reason our commitment to the poor and sick has never stopped, despite the many obstacles we face daily. It continues all over the Lebanese territory, through our Community Health Centers and our Mobile Medical Units. This perseverance in our efforts and the excellence of our services force our credibility with our local and international benefactors. Perhaps I should mention that our association lives only through the financial donations it receives, and we chose to draw on some of it to benefit HDF”.

Therefore, in the context of the severe health and economic crisis that the country is facing, the LAKM has chosen to draw on the financial donations granted to it to benefit the institutions that play a key role in the fight against the coronavirus: the Lebanese Army Forces, Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital and the Lebanese Red Cross, by equipping them with treatment and screening equipment for the Covid-19 (10 ventilators, an automated extraction device for PCR with its accessories and more than 3,000 rapid screening tests and PCR tests).

“It is our duty to stand by these 3 trusted institutions during this troubled period, and so we did. We have a responsibility to stand with each suffering person, and we will continue to do so”, said the president of the LAKM.

“Supporting HDF means supporting all of us as well as supporting our country, because your action is courageous and essential, both in terms of health and education that you provide to our young people through the courses of the USJ”, continues Mr. Sehnaoui. “With the Lord’s help, we will maintain the hope of a better tomorrow, despite the difficult circumstances we are going through, and we will continue to defend the dignity of all human beings, respecting their differences, in this Holy Land of Lebanon.”