Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality.
A worldwide movement
MSF was founded in Paris, France in 1971. Its principles are described in the organisation’s founding charter. It is a non-profit, self-governed organisation.
Today, MSF is a worldwide movement of 24 associations, bound together as MSF International, based in Switzerland.
Thousands of health professionals, logistical and administrative staff – most of whom are hired locally – work on programmes in some 70 countries worldwide.
Humanitarian action
MSF’s work is based on humanitarian principles. We are committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
MSF operates independently. We conduct our own evaluations on the ground to determine people’s needs. More than 90 per cent of our overall funding comes from millions of private sources, not governments.
MSF is neutral. We do not take sides in armed conflicts, we provide care on the basis of need, and we push for independent access to victims of conflict as required under international humanitarian law.
Bearing witness and speaking out
MSF medical teams often witness violence and neglect in the course of their work, largely in regions that receive scant international attention.
At times, MSF may speak out publicly in an effort to bring a forgotten crisis to public attention, to alert the public to abuses occurring beyond the headlines, to criticise the inadequacies of the aid system, or to challenge the diversion of humanitarian aid for political interests.
Quality medical care
MSF rejects the idea that poor people deserve third-rate medical care and strives to provide high-quality care to patients. In 1999, when MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the organisation announced the money would go towards raising awareness of and fighting against neglected diseases.
Through the Access Campaign, and in partnership with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, this work has helped lower the price of HIV/AIDS treatment and stimulated research and development for medicines to treat malaria and neglected diseases like sleeping sickness and kala azar.Main Objective and Responsibility of the Position
We are looking to fill the Medical Doctor (x4) position in our Zamfara Secondary Health Care Project.
Provide outpatient and/or inpatient medical care to patients/beneficiaries according to adapted and updated medical knowledge, MSF protocols, values and universal hygiene standards to improve the patients/beneficiaries’ health conditions.
Accountabilities
Apply medical knowledge and skills to diagnose and prevention. Carry out outpatient and inpatient consultations, prescribing the necessary treatment respecting MSF protocols.
Keep the patient and/or his/her family informed about the illness and provide appropriate explanations about the treatment to follow, checking they have understood.
Follow up the evolution of the hospitalized/IDP patients, through daily visits , consultations and examinations, prescribing the necessary treatment following MSF protocols, deciding whether they can be discharged or transferred to other departments – in collaboration with other doctors- and informing their family about the patient’s evolution.
Check and control the rational distribution of medicines and equipment under his/her responsibility and take care the quality, disinfection and sterilization of the medical material. Assure general compliance with standing hygiene standards.
Participate in the collection and analysis of epidemiological data, checking its validity and informing the line manager or project coordinator about any problem or complication of the patients’ illness, medical error and monitors the proper functioning of the department, equipment or material.
Ensure ongoing training of the medical/paramedical multidisciplinary team in order to optimize the quality of care.
Knows and ensures all MSF medical protocols are followed and implemented, checking universal precautions are followed at all times and reducing bio-hazard risks and improving infection control. Ensures professional confidentiality is respected.
Manage the team under his/her direct responsibility according to MSF HR policies and procedures, supervising their performance, organizing and scheduling shifts and rotations, directly participating in emergencies and on calls if necessary.
MSF Section / Context-Specific Accountabilities
The MD is overall responsible for medical care provided to all patients accessing the ITFC ward (and isolation) from the screening site to the ward through triage, ER and IPD locations. He is leading patient care in close collaboration with nursing team to ensure patient safety.
Responsibilities
Carry out inpatient consultations, prescribing the necessary treatment respecting MSF protocols.
Informs patient and/or his/her family about the illness, treatment provided the evolution and checking if they understood.
Follow up the evolution of the inpatients, through daily visits and decide to discharge or transfer to other facilities – in collaboration with the MAM.
Ensure ongoing training of the multidisciplinary team in order to optimize the quality of care.
Ensures all MSF medical protocols are followed and implemented, checking universal precautions are followed at all times and reducing biohazard risks and improving infection control.
Ensures absolute confidentiality of medical data and patients’ information.
Responsible for patient safety and apply person centred care.
Carry out duty in the assigned ward by the line manager.
Present at the duty station in due time (According of the roster)
Knows understands and complies with admission and discharged criteria available in the ER and strict adherence to it.
Strict adherence to admission process, respecting all steps of patient examination and initial management.
Writes clearly complains and take meaningful history of the current sickness, physical examination, Lab investigation, initial diagnosis and treatment plan.
Apply actively ETAT principle to identify and treat urgently patients at higher risk and ask for support whenever needed.
Carry out daily ward round in the assigned ward, update diagnosis according to new findings and adapt the treatment plan. Deep and detailed patient examination after thorough review of documentation from the previous colleague.
Discharge patients who meet the discharge criteria.
Proactively Identify patients who need referral to another referral hospital, prepare the referral form, inform the caretaker then the MAM to organize the movement.
Correct use of the prescription for all oral drugs at discharge including bed net for all new admission.
Participate in the Monthly Consumption Analysis and the Rational use of Antibiotics
Fills the epi front page for all exits and the inpatient Mortality sheet immediately after patient death.
Actively prepare and participate in the Mortality review meeting.
Writes Medical Incident Report whenever it occurs and report to the MAM.
The MD is leading the overall patient care; he should therefore be a very good communicator and a team player, guided by Medical Ethic, MSF principle and Values, respectful and respecting all (Para) Medical colleagues. Lead by example, with respect, integrity, humanity, accountability and empowerment.
Efficient and professional communication with Nurses, Nutrition Assistant, Counselor educator, HPO and Hygiene Agent.
Efficient and respectful communication with patients and their caretakers.
Fully responsible of the patient care and outcome.
Requirements (Qualifications / Experience / Knowledge)
To apply for this role applicants MUST meet the following criteria:
Education:
Medical Doctor diploma / Desirable diploma in Tropical Medicine
Experience:
2-year experience minimum as a Medical Doctor or in clinical work.
Desirable in tropical medicine, or post-registration experience in Public Health, obs and gynae, paediatrics, A, infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS/STDs, TB, general practice, general medicine or minor surgery.
Languages:
Mission and local language essential.
Knowledge:
Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
Competencies:
Results and Quality Orientation, Teamwork and Cooperation, Behavioural Flexibility, Commitment to MSF Principles, Service and Orientation and Stress Management
