- Mon Nov 24, 2025 9:28 pm#9089
PREPARING FOR THE REFERRAL ASSISTANT POSITION – SAVE THE CHILDREN (TEKNAF)
1. UNDERSTAND THE ROLE
• Core purpose: act as the primary link between referring facilities, emergency transport and the CEmONC clinical team.
• Key responsibilities: receive, log and triage obstetric and neonatal referrals; coordinate transport; ensure timely transfer of clinical information; support high‑risk cases during referral; participate in technical working groups and communities of practice.
• Work environment: fast‑paced, high‑pressure, often remote or insecure locations; requires flexibility, quick decision‑making and compassion.
2. MATCH YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum 2 years experience in a field hospital or primary health care centre – be ready to give concrete examples of daily duties, patient loads, and any emergency coordination you performed.
• Diploma or Bachelor in Midwifery recognised by the Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council (BNMC). Have a copy of your registration certificate and be prepared to show it.
• Demonstrated ability to travel to remote/insecure areas – think of any past assignments in hard‑to‑reach settings; note security briefings you attended, transport methods used, and any challenges overcome.
• Experience with referral protocols and managing obstetric complications during transport – recall specific cases (e.g., severe pre‑eclampsia, obstructed labour, newborn resuscitation) and describe your role in ensuring safe transfer.
3. RESEARCH THE ORGANISATION
• Review Save the Children’s mission, three 2030 breakthroughs and the specific CEmONC programme in Bangladesh.
• Familiarise yourself with the organisation’s child‑protection and anti‑harassment policies – be ready to discuss how you would apply them in daily work.
• Look up recent reports, press releases or field updates from the Teknaf area to understand current challenges (e.g., refugee influx, seasonal floods) and how the referral system fits into the broader health response.
4. TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
• COVER LETTER – start with a strong opening that states the position you are applying for and why you are passionate about linking mothers and newborns to lifesaving care.
– Highlight two‑three achievements that directly relate to referral coordination or high‑risk obstetric cases.
– Mention your familiarity with the local context of Teknaf and your ability to travel safely to remote sites.
– End with a concise statement of your current remuneration and salary expectations, as requested.
• CURRICULUM VITAE – keep it to two pages, chronological, and use clear headings (Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills, References).
– For each role, list duties that mirror the job description: triaging referrals, arranging transport, communicating with clinical teams, using referral registers or digital tools.
– Include any training on emergency obstetric care, newborn resuscitation, security briefings or humanitarian standards (e.g., SPHERE, ICRC).
– Add a short “Key Competencies” section: communication, organisation, stress management, cultural sensitivity, basic IT (Excel, referral databases).
5. PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW
a. KNOW YOUR STORIES – use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure answers. Prepare at least five examples covering:
– Coordinating a high‑risk referral under time pressure.
– Resolving a communication breakdown between a clinic and transport team.
– Adapting plans when a road became unsafe.
– Working in a multidisciplinary team to improve referral tracking.
– Demonstrating cultural respect while dealing with diverse patient families.
b. EXPECT TECHNICAL QUESTIONS – be ready to discuss:
– Standard obstetric referral protocols (e.g., WHO ACOG guidelines).
– Typical complications encountered during transport and immediate interventions you can provide.
– How you would document and hand over patient information securely.
– Basic principles of emergency neonatal care during referral.
c. BE READY FOR BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS – topics may include teamwork, dealing with stressful situations, commitment to child‑protection, and willingness to travel to insecure areas.
d. PREPARE QUESTIONS FOR THEM – show genuine interest:
– How does Save the Children monitor the quality and timeliness of referrals in Teknaf?
– What are the main security challenges for field staff and how are they mitigated?
– Which digital tools are used for referral tracking?
– How does the CEmONC team engage with local health authorities and NGOs?
6. LOGISTICS & READINESS
• Health & safety: ensure you have up‑to‑date vaccinations (e.g., tetanus, hepatitis B, typhoid) and a basic medical kit, as required for field work.
• Documentation: keep copies of your BNMC licence, passport, any security clearance, and vaccination record in a folder that can be scanned and attached to your application.
• Travel preparedness: research the typical transport options (boat, motorbike, 4‑WD vehicle) used in Teknaf; understand the security briefings provided by NGOs operating there.
• Technical tools: familiarize yourself with common referral management software (e.g., DHIS2, ODK) and basic spreadsheet functions, as the role may involve data entry and reporting.
7. FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE SUBMISSION
– Cover letter and CV merged into a single PDF, file name includes your full name and the job title (e.g., “Ayesha_Khan_ReferralAssistant.pdf”).
– Proofread for spelling, grammar and consistency; ask a trusted colleague to review.
– Verify that salary expectations are realistic for a contractual position in Teknaf and clearly stated.
– Confirm the application deadline (22 November 2025) and submit through the provided online portal.
– Save a copy of the submission confirmation email for your records.
8. POST‑APPLICATION ACTIONS
• Set a reminder to follow up with a polite email if you have not heard within two weeks after the deadline.
• Keep preparing for an interview by reviewing the points above and staying updated on any news from Save the Children or the Teknaf health sector.
• Network: if possible, connect on LinkedIn with current or former Save the Children staff in Bangladesh to gain insights into the work culture and expectations.
By systematically covering the role’s requirements, aligning your experience, polishing your application materials, and rehearsing interview scenarios, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Referral Assistant role in Teknaf. Good luck!
1. UNDERSTAND THE ROLE
• Core purpose: act as the primary link between referring facilities, emergency transport and the CEmONC clinical team.
• Key responsibilities: receive, log and triage obstetric and neonatal referrals; coordinate transport; ensure timely transfer of clinical information; support high‑risk cases during referral; participate in technical working groups and communities of practice.
• Work environment: fast‑paced, high‑pressure, often remote or insecure locations; requires flexibility, quick decision‑making and compassion.
2. MATCH YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum 2 years experience in a field hospital or primary health care centre – be ready to give concrete examples of daily duties, patient loads, and any emergency coordination you performed.
• Diploma or Bachelor in Midwifery recognised by the Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council (BNMC). Have a copy of your registration certificate and be prepared to show it.
• Demonstrated ability to travel to remote/insecure areas – think of any past assignments in hard‑to‑reach settings; note security briefings you attended, transport methods used, and any challenges overcome.
• Experience with referral protocols and managing obstetric complications during transport – recall specific cases (e.g., severe pre‑eclampsia, obstructed labour, newborn resuscitation) and describe your role in ensuring safe transfer.
3. RESEARCH THE ORGANISATION
• Review Save the Children’s mission, three 2030 breakthroughs and the specific CEmONC programme in Bangladesh.
• Familiarise yourself with the organisation’s child‑protection and anti‑harassment policies – be ready to discuss how you would apply them in daily work.
• Look up recent reports, press releases or field updates from the Teknaf area to understand current challenges (e.g., refugee influx, seasonal floods) and how the referral system fits into the broader health response.
4. TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
• COVER LETTER – start with a strong opening that states the position you are applying for and why you are passionate about linking mothers and newborns to lifesaving care.
– Highlight two‑three achievements that directly relate to referral coordination or high‑risk obstetric cases.
– Mention your familiarity with the local context of Teknaf and your ability to travel safely to remote sites.
– End with a concise statement of your current remuneration and salary expectations, as requested.
• CURRICULUM VITAE – keep it to two pages, chronological, and use clear headings (Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills, References).
– For each role, list duties that mirror the job description: triaging referrals, arranging transport, communicating with clinical teams, using referral registers or digital tools.
– Include any training on emergency obstetric care, newborn resuscitation, security briefings or humanitarian standards (e.g., SPHERE, ICRC).
– Add a short “Key Competencies” section: communication, organisation, stress management, cultural sensitivity, basic IT (Excel, referral databases).
5. PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW
a. KNOW YOUR STORIES – use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure answers. Prepare at least five examples covering:
– Coordinating a high‑risk referral under time pressure.
– Resolving a communication breakdown between a clinic and transport team.
– Adapting plans when a road became unsafe.
– Working in a multidisciplinary team to improve referral tracking.
– Demonstrating cultural respect while dealing with diverse patient families.
b. EXPECT TECHNICAL QUESTIONS – be ready to discuss:
– Standard obstetric referral protocols (e.g., WHO ACOG guidelines).
– Typical complications encountered during transport and immediate interventions you can provide.
– How you would document and hand over patient information securely.
– Basic principles of emergency neonatal care during referral.
c. BE READY FOR BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS – topics may include teamwork, dealing with stressful situations, commitment to child‑protection, and willingness to travel to insecure areas.
d. PREPARE QUESTIONS FOR THEM – show genuine interest:
– How does Save the Children monitor the quality and timeliness of referrals in Teknaf?
– What are the main security challenges for field staff and how are they mitigated?
– Which digital tools are used for referral tracking?
– How does the CEmONC team engage with local health authorities and NGOs?
6. LOGISTICS & READINESS
• Health & safety: ensure you have up‑to‑date vaccinations (e.g., tetanus, hepatitis B, typhoid) and a basic medical kit, as required for field work.
• Documentation: keep copies of your BNMC licence, passport, any security clearance, and vaccination record in a folder that can be scanned and attached to your application.
• Travel preparedness: research the typical transport options (boat, motorbike, 4‑WD vehicle) used in Teknaf; understand the security briefings provided by NGOs operating there.
• Technical tools: familiarize yourself with common referral management software (e.g., DHIS2, ODK) and basic spreadsheet functions, as the role may involve data entry and reporting.
7. FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE SUBMISSION
– Cover letter and CV merged into a single PDF, file name includes your full name and the job title (e.g., “Ayesha_Khan_ReferralAssistant.pdf”).
– Proofread for spelling, grammar and consistency; ask a trusted colleague to review.
– Verify that salary expectations are realistic for a contractual position in Teknaf and clearly stated.
– Confirm the application deadline (22 November 2025) and submit through the provided online portal.
– Save a copy of the submission confirmation email for your records.
8. POST‑APPLICATION ACTIONS
• Set a reminder to follow up with a polite email if you have not heard within two weeks after the deadline.
• Keep preparing for an interview by reviewing the points above and staying updated on any news from Save the Children or the Teknaf health sector.
• Network: if possible, connect on LinkedIn with current or former Save the Children staff in Bangladesh to gain insights into the work culture and expectations.
By systematically covering the role’s requirements, aligning your experience, polishing your application materials, and rehearsing interview scenarios, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Referral Assistant role in Teknaf. Good luck!
- By bdchakriDesk