NATIONAL COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR
AMAUDO ITUMBAUZO, Nigeria

Summary

The role of the National CPP Co-ordinator is to oversee the effective provision of care for the mentally ill under the Community Psychiatric Programme.  To supervise the development and expansion of the Programme to improve the quality and extent of its services in Nigeria.

Accountable to:

• The Welfare Officer, Amaudo Itumbauzo Management and Board. 

Where this post is by secondment from another source, the immediate management remains under Amaudo Itumbauzo who if necessary will liaise with other agencies for resolution of specific issues.

Responsible for:

• State Community Psychiatric Programme Supervisors (currently 3)
• Community Psychiatric Nurses (currently 48)
• Amaudo CPP Drivers (currently 2)

Where these personnel are on secondment from another source (eg Government), the management is in collaboration with the employer.

TASKS:

Training:

To increase the skills of the State CPP Supervisors and Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) in order to improve the standards of care provided.  

• Hold regular training for CPNs involving teaching and skill development (either personally or by arrangement with an outside facilitator).

• To develop the skills of CPP Supervisors in personnel management , finances and record-keeping.

• Maintain the network of Village-based Health Workers in each State to work alongside the Community Psychiatric Programme by planning and implementing training.

Finances:

To maintain high standards of accountability and efficient use of resources.

• To ensure that CPP Supervisors keep accurate and transparent accounts of CPP budget.
• Provide monthly accounts of money spent by the Programme.
• To ensure the continued viability of the CPP Drug Revolving Fund.
• To secure appropriate funds from Government and other agencies and ensure appropriate allocation of these funds.

Personnel:

To ensure staff and supported and enabled to fulfil their designated tasks

• Manage and supervise State CPP Supervisors.
• Oversee management of CPNs by State Supervisors. 
• Liase with Government agencies at all levels to ensure good working relations are maintained and responsibilities (eg. Financial) are kept towards CPNs and seconded workers.

 Development:

To improve the quality of, and expand the geographical spread of, the Community Psychiatric Programme.

• Widen community knowledge of mental health issues (eg human rights).
• Improve the quality of service provided.
• Expand the CPP by opening new clinics in existing states and moving into new states.
• Promote the need for Mental Health services at all levels of government (Federal, State and Local), in order to increase commitment to this end.

Administration:

Ensure the smooth running of the Programme.  Keep accurate records and provide reports to relevant bodies.

• To produce an annual budget in consultation with the CPP Supervisors and Welfare Officer.
• To produce annual CPP report and specific reports as required by Amaudo and outside agencies.
• Attend Amaudo Itumbauzo Management and Board meetings, and sub-committees as appointed.
• Chair quarterly CPN meetings and monthly State CPP Supervisor meetings.
• Make effective use of CPP resources such as vehicles.

Working conditions:

The project is located in Abia State, near Umuahia. It has good local support, a local management team,  an d is supported by the UK Methodist Church and a separate charity called AmaudoUK. Accommodation is free and there is electricity and water available, together with food which is shared with the residents and other staff.  UK support will include payment of a 'local salary', plus travel and health insurance, air fares and baggage allowance, a small recruitment payment and a small resettlement grant. The initial appointment is for 12 months beginning in early 2008,  It will berk possible to link appointed person with the present and previous holders of the post. Currently there is no suitable local candidate.