About MSF

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid in more than 70 countries to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. 

The Main Purpose of the position

Perform a combination of administrative and clerical tasks that helps maintain organization and keep MSF-supported facility & activities running efficiently. Supports the Project Medical Referent through delegated tasks and responsibilities including clinical-related tasks (referral process) within a healthcare setting; work alongside other medical staff under the supervision of the medical referent; establish good relationships with the local authorities and ensuring adequate program management in the project, according to MSF protocols, medical standards, rules of hygiene and the standard precautions in order to deliver quality medical care to patients and their communities as well as to improve the health conditions of the targeted population.

Accountabilities

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

The Medical Liaison Officer are responsible for performing a range of administrative and clerical tasks, including: 

Medical Operations:

• Support the PMR in safeguarding medical ethics and the quality of medical programming (i.e. relevance, effectiveness, safety, accessibility & appropriateness of MSF’s medical interventions as well as “best practices “in MSF Supported hospital (Jinka general hospital) and at Mobile clinic site(s)

• Ensure jointly with the IPC/Watsan supervisor and referral nurses, that the ambulances are cleaned and disinfected post referral; as well as compliance with IPC measures/procedures by all MSF staff

• Establishing and supporting in the development, monitoring and evaluation of data management systems in the hospital and MC site(s). these include monitoring, verying and evaluating existing MSF and MoH data collection and the hospital records systems,  close collaboration with the NTS, NAM and PMR

• Supports the PMR in the introduction of and regular reporting of Patients Safety Incidences and sharing the feedbacks with the medical team

• Ensuring safe archiving of patients’ records/files and compliance with MSf data protection policy, as well as supporting the NAM, NTS and Medical data Processing Officer in compilation and furnishing of medical report/sitrep in a timely manner.

• Support the the PMR in coordinating daily office activities, arranging medical meetings and checking hospital daily patients census, with support from the NTS and NAM

• In close collaboration with the medical team (doctors, Cos and nurses) and the PMR, review and support the implementation of medical related protocols, procedures and standards in respect with MSF & MOH standard policies and guidelines

• Participating in the consumption monitoring and preparation of medical orders needed for MSF supported IPDs and MCs, in collaboration with the NTS, NA, Medical team and PMR

• In close collaboration with the HR department, support the human resources processes (such as recruitment, capacity building training and developmental plans of the national staff) of the medical department

• Participating and reviewing reports (Mortality and morbidity reviews, hospital dashboards, sitreps, Quarterly, external & annual reporting

• Informs the PMR, FieldCo or MedCo of the constraint, problems or rumors of any event that could possibly affect the safety of colleagues or could compromise the implementation of MSF-supported programs/activities.

 Patients’ Referrals:

• Supervise referrals from Mobile clinic site(s) to Jinka Genera Hospital outside health facilities and keep overview on patient discharges from referral hospital

• Support the NTS in the Supervision of referral nurses in collaboration with the NTS, according to the tasks written in their JDs

• Ensure that all incoming referrals are registered, admitted for care and follow up being made, keeps the patients’ referral database and the line list updated and regularly shares with the PMR

• Ensure availability of patients/caretakers’ support & auxiliary services (Food, blood and return transport arrangement) upon discharge

• Be the focal point of contact with JGH matron, Zonal leaders and nearby woreda health authorities, regarding the referral of MSF supported patients to JGH, VL related activities/support and VL context information

• Coordinate with the referral nurses, PMR, Medical team and drivers for patients requiring further referrals

• Monitoring and updating the referral process in a regular basis, in collaboration with the NTS, NAM and PMR

• Ensure contra-referral forms are included in the documentation of all referral cases

• Participate in the health assessment/explo, in collaboration with the PMR and the explo/assessment team

Administrative

• Support the project MD on staff health services and seek ultimate decision from the PMR at project level. These include preparation of staff health first aide medications, Malaria Prophylaxis, vaccination, daily care/consultation, referral etc.

• Communication with the Medco Support in Addis Ababa for accommodation and per diem arrangement, in case of staff or patient’s referral

• Assists in translations, formulations of letters, interpretation… if needed

• Sets up accurate filing systems and ensures that they are being maintained; as well as supporting the establishment/maintenance of project library

• Ensures absolute professional confidentiality of all sensitive information related to MSF under his/her responsibility and whichever other information he/she has access to that could possibly affect MSF

• Provides contextual overview report for monthly project sitrep

• Support the PMR in briefing the newly recruited staff on NS health policy, sick leave procedures and local context, (including new expats)

• Support managers/supervisors to follow annual leave planning for national staff under their respective direct supervision.

 Liaising

• Establish and maintain professional contacts with relevant health authorities, depending on the context and the needs of the project; provides relevant medical context information to the PMR/FieldCo

• Support the PMR in the collection of the national Guidelines/protocol, information on procedures that MSF needs to follow, relating to specific medical administrative dossiers, or MSF medical supports

• Ensures information gathering, and provide analysis and interpretation on the Regional/Zonal legislation and regulations on medical activities of INGOs to improve operation &l coordination

• Keep a complete and updated detailed list of all useful contacts of health actors in South OMO with names, telephones, e-mail addresses and other relevant details

• Ensure regular communication with MoH VL response team.

• Attend regular VL meetings

• Performing other duties as deemed necessary by the PMR and or MedCo.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

Education: Paramedical, Medical  or equivalent in a related allied health (Clinical/Health officer or Medical Doctor).

Experience: At least 2 years experience working in a medical or healthcare setting; MSF experience an asset.

Essential: Experience in VL response, good understanding of the functioning of the different Government bodies and NGO community

Medical Liaison officer is required to have some background and skill proficiency in the following areas:

o   Proficiency in administrative tasks

o   Excellent interpersonal  & Communication skills (written and spoken)

o   Ability to communicate effectively with the medical team and Ministry of health staff

o   Excellent command of English language essential, local languages is essential

o   Familiarity with MSF digital record systems

Experience in emergency preparedness and planning experience is an asset

How to Apply

If you are interested, please submitted/sent your National ID, CV (not more than 3 pages), and cover letter (not more than one page) with application for Medical Liaison Officer (MLO) on the subject line of your cover letter by email: msfocb-snnpr-konsorecruit@brussels.msf.org, or physically TO OUR OFFICE LOCATED AT JINKA TOWN (FORMER SHALEKA PENSION), or KARAT TOWN, KONSO MSF Office (Former Green Hotel)

                                             Deadline: February 13, 2023.

MSF Belgium promotes EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION.

We strongly encourage women and people with reduced mobility (able to work in remote places) to apply.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.