Clinic Project Coordinator, Swaziland Breast Cancer Network (SBCN), Swaziland - SWA004-002

Management and coordination of Breast care clinics in the four regions of Swaziland. To assist in improving the survival rates of people directly affected by breast cancer in Swaziland through awareness, de-stigmatisation leading to early to detection, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Country:   top of page

The Kingdom of Swaziland shares its borders with South Africa and Mozambique, and covers an area of 1,734 square kilometres. It is a low middle-income country with an annual per capita income of about US$1,350. However, 69% of the population live below the poverty line (of which 63% are females and 37% males) and survive on less than US$24 per person per month (2004 UN figures). Poverty indices also show that women are the worst affected in Swaziland and as such, female-headed homes account for the highest number of poverty stricken families. Swaziland has one of the world's highest rates of income inequality, with the top 10% of the population controlling 40% of wealth, while the bottom 40% of the population controls only 14% of the wealth. The unemployment rate increased from 22% in 1997 to 29% in 2001, and among young people has often been twice as high. Government and private sector efforts to create new jobs have not been able to keep up with the loss of jobs arising from erosion in Swaziland's comparative advantages as an investment destination, and recent changes in global trading rules threaten a further loss of jobs. In 2006, the HIV and AIDS pandemic remains one of the greatest barriers to human development in Swaziland. At the end of 2005, UNAIDS estimated that over 33% of the adult population were living with HIV and AIDS. Estimated HIV prevalence amongst women attending antenatal clinics rose to an unprecedented 42.6% in 2004 according to UNDP figures. HIV and AIDS statistics vary, and according to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office around 43% of the population is living with HIV. In 2003, there were an estimated 17,000 HIV and AIDS related deaths. There are currently an estimated 69,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Swaziland and it is also projected that there will be 120,000 by 2010.

Skillshare International, PO Box A129, Mbabane, Swaziland
Tel: +268 551 6141 Fax: +268 404 3128
E-mail: swazilandinfo@skillshare.org

Duties and Responsibilities   top of page

The organisation is the first of its kind in the country and it is still at its early learning stages hence it is hoped that the placement will assist the organisation to design and develop internationally acceptable standards of care and support to breast cancer patients.

This placement is not just a benefit to the Network but also to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which is currently under equipped in the management of Breast Cancer. In addition, the expansion of the program to the other regions will increase accessibility of services for the underprivileged, poor, and thus ensuring that the effects of Breast cancer are curtailed at an early stage.

Duties and responsibilities :

• Devise and implement a patient tracking /management tool.
• Facilitate the establishment of 3 clinics in the three regions
• Develop training modules and train Nurses on breast care and management.
• Advice the Network on best practices on breast cancer awareness and management
• Conduct related research on different cancers
• Support resource mobilisation activities.
• Assist in establishing of an information centre on other Cancers
• Assists the Information & Resource Mobilisation Officer in awareness creation.
• Facilitate linkages and networks with other institutions working in Breast cancer and other related cancers.

In addition to providing development workers to our partner organisations, Skillshare International also works on policy and advocacy activities to reduce poverty, injustice and inequality. Skillshare International development workers are a key resource for this area of work during their placements and when they return. Development workers will have the opportunity to work with Skillshare International on a variety of activities in different areas of work, including communications, campaigns and development awareness; and should expect some contact during their time in placement.

Person Specification   top of page

• Possess a recognised general nursing diploma or degree
• Has worked with a cancer association for at least three years, work with breast cancer an added advantage.
• Holds a certificate in counselling skills and theory
• Research skills and project write up.
• A valid drivers licence
• Computer skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to work under pressure with minimal supervision
• Understands and respects multicultural differences.

Placement Information   top of page

Four women who were either survivors or relatives of breast cancer survivors started the SBCN; the organisation was then launched in November 2000. Their activities bordered mostly around October, which is internationally recognized as breast cancer awareness month. The first awareness campaign saw 700 women coming up for examination. In September 2002, the organisation was allocated space by the Ministry of Health to run a clinic once a week at the major referral hospital. The clinic continues with the use of volunteer nurses every Thursday. In 2004, the organization undertook an evaluation to assess its impact and this study revealed that there was a great need for the services.

What are the objectives of the SBCN?

• The aims and objectives of the Swaziland Breast Cancer Network are to raise awareness of all aspects related to breast cancer including the increasing of the incidence of the disease, promotion of self- examination and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment;
• To provide a support network for those who are affected directly or indirectly by breast cancer;
• To work closely with the medical community to assist in establishing efficient channels of referral in both the public and private medical sectors and to be aware of trends of breast cancer incidence and survival rates on an on going basis;
• To provide breast cancer counselling;
• To engage in fund raising ventures to support the activities of the Network;
• To promote research on breast cancer;
• To engage in other activities in furtherance of the aims and objectives of the Network.
• To consider expanding the activities of the Network to include other cancers

What are the activities of SBCN?

• Raising awareness & education on all aspects related to breast cancer, including promoting self-employed-examination and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment; currently we operate a clinic once a week in the country’s referral hospital.
• Promoting, and establishing counselling support networks for those directly or indirectly affected by the disease; we have trained volunteers who assist in providing counselling and support to newly diagnosed patients.

Other Information   top of page

Current and or past working partnerships with local, national and international organisations (including Skillshare International)

The organisation though fairly new has enjoyed some good working partnerships:

• From the year 2000 when the Network was launched it has enjoyed the support of the Mbabane City Council which has provided infrastructure for holding meetings and personnel to operate the once a week Breast clinic at the government hospital at no cost.
• 2001/2002 ( Phase I ) & 2003/04 (Phase 2) was the major turning point for the Network where in major funds were sourced from Canada Fund. These funds enabled material development .
• In 2003, the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare provided space and allowed the training of staff to run the clinic.
• In 2006, the UNDP provided office space to the Network at no cost and this saw the appointment of a part time administrator.
• In 2007, the International Community of Women living with HIV (ICW) provided space for the Network and currently the business of the Network operates from there.

Currently the organisation is a member of the Coordinating Assembly of NGO’S (CANGO) a local organisation and in the recent annual Meeting; the Network was elected to be part of the executive board of CANGO. In addition, the newly appointed executive director has been assigned into a committee reviewing the NGO Code of Ethics and Standards.

Internationally we have established support links with LANCET Laboratories AND Reach for Recovery in South Africa .

Again, the year 2007 saw the acquisition of major donor funds to assist set up an office and expand services to other regions, since the organisation was new it managed to get support form Skillshare International for the management of these funds

Accountability: The Development worker will report to the Executive Director.

Terms and Conditions:

Hours of work per day (Monday to Friday): 8 hours (flexible) weekend duty can be arranged now and then depending on needs of stakeholders.

Times of work: 08h00 to 17h00 (with one-hour in-between for lunch)

Annual leave entitlement: HR policies are still under development

Office facilities: Currently the SBCN is housed by the ICW and hence office space is limited and will be on a sharing basis. The office has a computer, which has window 2003 a telephone line

Managerial responsibility: The DW will manage or coordinate all nurses working at the different clinic and volunteer counsellors.

Transport: The DW will be required to drive a car in order to be able to fulfil the objectives of the position.

Child Protection: Working with vulnerable population in development countries, Skillshare International is particularly committed to the protection of children. We use strict screening procedures for development workers, we have a Child protection policy and a guiding Code of Conduct which applies to all development workers.

Skillshare International offers accommodation, a modest monthly living allowance, national insurance, flights to the placement and return, medical cover, and pre and post placement grants to assist with relocation. The living allowance is adequate to cover your living costs whilst in the country of placement but not adequate for savings or meeting other costs you may have in your country of residence (home).

How to apply: Please apply online by clicking on the link ‘Application Form.’ If you do not wish to apply online, please contact +44 (0) 116 257 6616 or by email: recruitment@skillshare.org requesting a Recruitment Pack quoting reference (SWA004-002) . Please note that we do not accept CVs.

(Closing date for applications is Monday 28th April 2008)

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