CONTEXT
The medical department of MSF Belgium (OCB – Operational Center Brussels) plays a strategic role by defining the modalities of implementation of MSF’s medical strategy so that both coherence and quality can be safeguarded. Strategical support is given along the phases of the project cycle. It has a normative role and technical support function regarding implementation and follow-up of the projects. The medical department ensures knowledge transfer to the medical workforce and stimulates research and innovation by challenging current medical practices and scanning of new approaches.
It is composed of multiple specialists based across a network of units worldwide (Belgium, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and South Africa) and works in close collaboration with operations, other OCB departments and MSF movement. We are also supporting the projects of MSF WACA.
Malaria is still among the main causes of child mortality and hospitalization in many projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Last year, MSF-OCB treated almost a million cases, including 48,000 who were severely ill and 26,000 who were pregnant women. Encouraging news, in the form of a newly-WHO-approved vaccine and newer technical recommendations, are offering the possibility to implement more comprehensive strategies to fight malaria. OCB is committed to expanding the community malaria management to increase the timely access to detection and treatment of malaria and decrease the number of severe cases and deaths.
As Malaria Mobile Implementation Officer, you play a crucial role in supporting malaria-related activities. You join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team at MSF focused on managing infectious diseases and you bolster our efforts in malaria implementations. You also support projects with technical guidance as discussed with the malaria referent.
Your main objective is to provide technical and implementation support to projects for malaria related topics through focused visits of 4-8 weeks.
Your specific objectives are:
- Support project teams in the practical implementation of malaria activities (preventative and curative strategies)
- Support in identification of gaps in existing malaria activities and formulation of a proposal for interventions tailored to the context
- Visit and support identified priority project with an anticipated average stay of 4-8 weeks. Visit planning and ToR will be done in conjunction with the on-site medical team and the malaria referent
You will work under the technical supervision of the OCB malaria referent.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Malaria related activities
- Assess the quality of malaria case management (from diagnosis to treatment and nursing care) at community and hospital level. Support quality improvement initiatives and identify the need for specific training
- Provide training at project locations with a focus on implementation procedures, diagnostic and treatment protocols, preventative activities, data collection
- Support the implementation of community malaria management: provide on-the-job training for community health workers and support the team in supervising these activities
- Participate in developing or adapting existing tools to the needs of projects: simplified algorithms, standard operating procedures, data collection and monitoring tools
- Collaborate with HP team specifically to increase the proper use of preventative tools among the community
- Assist in the interaction with local and national authorities when requested by the medical coordination team
- Promote a comprehensive malaria approach including vector control, chemoprevention, case management and vaccination
- Participate in operational research focusing on malaria and provide direct on-site support for their implementation
- When the MIO is not working within a mission and after his/her holiday periods, s/he may be
asked to participate in training sessions and meetings at department level and to join the malaria circle
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- Medical doctor, Clinical officer or Nurse
- Postgraduate training in tropical medicine and/or public health is an asset
- Minimum 2 years of experience with MSF in low- or middle-income countries mandatory
- Previous experience in projects in which malaria was a significant component mandatory
- Experience and skills in teaching, learning, and mentoring
- Experience in community health and outreach activities is an asset
Competencies
- High degree of work autonomy
- Capacity to work within agreed timeline and ability to prioritize activities/tasks
- Good communication skills: active listener, clear and effective communication, sense of diplomacy and pedagogy
- Proven training, coaching and mentoring skills
- Results and quality orientation
- Good team player with flexibility, creativity, and management skills
- Strong cross-cultural awareness and adaptability
Languages
- Excellent written and spoken communication in English and French mandatory
- Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic is an asset
CONDITIONS
- Expected starting date: As soon as possible
- Location*: Brussels (Belgium); Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Nairobi (Kenya) but mainly carried out in the countries of MSF interventions
*Due to administrative constraints, given the duration of the contract, candidates might already have the permanent right and/or a valid work permit to work in some of the mentioned locations
*Other location/s where there is an MSF entity could be exceptionally discussed. The final outcome depends on the residency of the candidate, the local legal limitations (residency, work permit, etc.) and on agreement with the hosting MSF entity of these locations
- Mobility up to 70% in projects
- Contract type: Fixed-term contract – Full-time
- Contract duration: 12 months extendable
- Salary according to MSF-OCB Field grid
- Medical Insurance 100% covered as per international package – 45 paid leaves
- The contractual conditions will be established based on the station, on administrative / legal constraints and in respect of MSF function grids and salary policies
- Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
- Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments
Deadline for applications: 17th of June 2024
How to apply
Please, send your CV and cover letter to Recruit-HQ-Med@brussels.msf.org and mention “Malaria MIO” in the subject of your email.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Position only open to candidates with previous experience with MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) !
No MSF experience? Check out other job offers on our website.
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