Volunteer

Description

Immunisation 4 Life or i4Life, is a group of volunteer health professionals who came together in 2009 to organise immunisation programmes and child health clinics for under 5s in the poorer countries of the world and to provide support to existing charities in emergency situations. We introduced immunisation programmes and mobile nutrition clinics in Zambia, with great success and we continue to provide volunteers to support the programme and community needs.

This is the experience that we are now bringing to refugee camps in Athens and Thessalonoki, assisting our fully registered partners, to deliver medical care to refugees and displaced persons who are unable to access even the most basic services they need. We provide general medical care, outpatient medicines, specialist referrals and sometimes emergency care. This is of exceptional importance given the recent changes in legislation banning unregistered refugees from receiving free health care. This particularly impacts on children as they must have received vaccinations in order to attend school. 

We require volunteers who are graduates or are in their final year of medical studies and there will be a maximum of two students per team.

You will be working as part of an international team and interpreters from the refugee community (you must have excellent English) and your team leader assigns duties on a daily basis as the needs may change. However, your general weekly plan will be sent to you approximately one week before you arrive. 

Medical based placements are for a minimum of two weeks and longer placements must be agreed in advance with our partners.

Volunteers are invited to contribute also with a donation to i4Life, donation to our partners, two days pre-departure training, accommodation, orientation on arrival, all administration in Ireland and Greece, support during placement and debriefing on return. 

Working in refugee camps can be tough however you will be supported throughout your placement and debriefing is a vital part of the volunteer cycle.

If you are interested in volunteering with i4Life and assisting medical professionals deliver vital services, please register here  for more information and to commence the application process.

Is training provided?: Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position which will be processed with you after you apply.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

The needs of the refugees may change frequently and the medical teams must be flexible. As such, daily tasks will be assigned by the team leader. 

You will be working in a variety of settings ie refugee camps, social centres, shelters and squat camps.

Volunteers work six days per week and have Sunday's off for a two period.

Skills required for this role:

Final year medical students and graduates only

Excellent written and spoken English

Flexibility

Specialisations:

Doctors

Nurses

Midwifery

Physiotherapists

Paediatrics

Gynaecology

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Minimum two week experience Monday to Saturday Sunday's off

Minimum time commitment per week:
10+ hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
CV Application form Interview Reference Check Vetting Pre-departure training Medical clearance MMR vaccination