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 Purpose
Providing outpatient and/or inpatient paediatric care to patients/beneficiaries according to adapted and updated medical knowledge, MSF protocols, values and universal hygiene standards to improve the new-born and child/beneficiaries health conditions.
Job Description
Applying medical knowledge and skills to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of children, ensuring integrated new-born and paediatric care through Emergency, OPD, and IPD services in New-borns and cases of malnutrition. Prescribing the necessary treatment, respecting MSF protocols.
Collaborating closely with the different department of the hospital (e.g. Maternity), Knowing and ensuring all updated MSF medical protocols and universal precautions are followed and implemented, reducing bio-hazard risks and improving infection control.
As an expert in paediatrics, proposing strategy (modification on current new-born and paediatric care management) and implementing them after validation of Operation and Paediatric Advisor.
Ensuring on-going new-born and paediatric training (formal and bedside) of the medical/paramedical multidisciplinary team in order to optimize the new-born and paediatric quality of care.
Reviewing and discussing selected complicated cases or mistakes and giving technical input.
Keeping patients and their families informed of the illness and the treatment to follow, checking that they have been understood.
Ensuring professional autonomy and confidentiality are respected and a good attitude and proper bedside manner towards the patient and their care takers and the rest of the medical team.
Following 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.
Monitoring the proper functioning of the department, equipment or material and addresses the list of the missing item for new-born and paediatric activities. Providing inputs about general organization of the different paediatric wards, including the admission, transfer and discharge criteria + referral procedure from Maternity and post-delivery wards
Checking and controlling the rational distribution of medicines and equipment under his/her responsibility and taking care the quality, disinfection and sterilization of the medical material.
Assuring general compliance with standing hygiene standards.
Participating in the introduction / improvement of the collection and analysis of epidemiological new-born and paediatric data, checking its validity and informing the line manager or project coordinator about any problems or complications of the patient’s illness and medical errors.
Collecting Clinical cases for further trainings and list a series of comments to improve the current MSF protocols
Managing 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.
Designing and providing training to staff as required.
Debriefing with coordination, headquarter (including Pediatric Advisor) and providing written report on main findings, activities, conclusions and further recommendations.
MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities
Staff Training Supervision and transfer of skills:
Lead ongoing training (formal and bedside) for medical and paramedical staff.
Ensure that training is relevant to the latest medical trends, treatment techniques, and MSF protocols.
Review complex cases, guide staff in technical aspects, and correct mistakes to enhance overall team competencies. Foster a collaborative learning environment.
Patient Follow-Up and Care Coordination:
Conduct daily rounds to assess patient progress, including those admitted to the IPD.
Regularly examine hospitalized patients, manage ongoing treatment, and collaborate with the medical team to determine if discharge or further treatment is necessary.
Keep families informed of patient progress.
Department Oversight and Resource Management:
Oversee the effective functioning of pediatric wards and neonatal areas, ensuring appropriate organization for patient admission, transfer, and discharge procedures.
Provide regular feedback regarding the status of resources and equipment, including identifying missing or needed items to improve care delivery.
Quality Assurance and Infection Control:
Ensure the rational distribution of medicines, equipment, and materials within the department. Adhere to hygiene, sterilization, and infection prevention standards.
Conduct regular checks to maintain the highest standards of patient safety and care.
Training and Capacity Building:
Identify the training needs of the pediatric medical team and design relevant training modules.
Actively participate in team development through workshops, case reviews, and practical sessions aimed at improving overall healthcare standards.
Reporting and Documentation:
Regularly brief Project/coordination teams and provide written reports on key activities, observations, challenges, and outcomes. Include insights and recommendations for further improving pediatric care within the organization.
Emergency Care Involvement:
Actively participate in emergency responses, ensuring the efficient management of pediatric cases during critical situations, including trauma, epidemics, or natural disasters.
Collaborate closely with the emergency medical teams to provide comprehensive, immediate care to affected children.
Quality Control and Protocol Review.
Actively engage in the continuous review and updating of pediatric care protocols.
Participate in reviewing clinical cases for training purposes and suggest updates based on recent medical evidence and MSF practices.
Requirements
Educational Qualification:
Candidates should posssess a Medical Doctor Diploma in a recognized university
Paediatrics specialist qualification
Experience:
3 years experience minimum as a Medical Doctor in paediatric hospital
Experience in other NGO’s and /or developing countries is desirable
Language:
Essential English and Hausa languages are desirable
Knowledge:
Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet).
Updates his / her knowledge before each mission, according to the most updated MSF new-born and pediatric protocols
Competencies:
People Management and Development
Results and Quality Orientation
Behavioral Flexibility
Commitment to MSF Principles, and
Teamwork and Cooperation.
