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
Perform oral and written translation, from the mission language to local language(s) or vice versa, in order to ensure simultaneous, accurate, friendly, respectful, objective and fluent communication between MSF staff and local population.
Job Description
Translate medical terminology, instructions, diagnosis, and discharge plans into Hausa, Kanuri Shuwa arab and Gamargu -speaking caregivers or guardians.
Interpret verbal communication accurately and sensitively between Medical Team and Hausa, Kanuri, Shuwa arab and Gamargu -Speaking patients and caregivers.
Provide cultural insight to help the medical team better understand traditional beliefs and practices that may impact pediatric care.
Support the medical team during morning round in terms of verbal communication.
Translate documents from / to mission language into a local language and vice versa upon request.
Translate discussions / meetings as requested
Always keep respect towards patients, collaborators, authorities, military factions and MSF staff participating in discussions.
Ensure confidentiality of all translation is maintained as directed by the Mission/Project coordination team.
Ensure neutrality and accuracy when translating.
Declare any “conflict of interest” when asked to translate (e.g. personal involvement) which would necessitate using other staff members for translation.
Inform international staff about local customs, tradition, etc., that will help understand better the context and better communicate.
Assist/ call for help in case of medical emergencies or report any anormalies with the patient to the Doctor and supervisor
Always be professional, observe the MSF charter, arrive at work on time and maintain good relationship with all staff.
Be presentable, example appropriately dress, hygienic body and behave appropriately in front of patient at all time
Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality, and that patients cannot be discussed outside of work.
S/he should be flexible as duties can be changed according to the program needs.
To respect the time schedule and be at work on time
Maintain good relationship with other team members
Participate in monthly Community leaders (Bulamas) meeting which happens once per month.
To provide the translation without modification on the meaning of the information’s spoken.
Taking time to explain the patients on the doctor’s prescriptions as indicated to make sure that the patients understand on how to take their treatments while they will be at home.
To be available in any activities where the translator will be requires such as in wards, Health Promotion, and counselling team etc. and keep secret to all information’s that are considered as confidential.
To participate in other external activities like blood drives and assessments if necessary
Requirements
Educational Qualification:
Essential: Secondary education. Health oriented background is an asset.
Desirable: Official translator degree (Mission working language)
Experience:
Previous working experience required. Desirable with MSF or other NGOs
Languages:
Essential knowledge of English, Hausa and Kanuri.
Knowledge:
Essential computer literacy (MS office)
Competencies:
Results
Teamwork
Flexibility
Commitment
Service
Cultural.
Remuneration
Monthly Gross salary according to MSFF salary scale, plus 13th month allowance equivalent to 1 month of gross salary.
