PROJECT MEDICAL REFERENT SUPPORT

Main Purpose

Supporting the Project medical referent (PMR) through delegated tasks and responsibilities including administrative tasks related to the coordination of work, ensuring good relationships with relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations and ensuring adequate program management in the project, according to MSF protocols, (para)medical standards, rules of hygiene and the standard precautions in order to ensure the delivery of quality medical care for patients and their communities as well as to improve the health conditions of the targeted population.

Accountabilities

• Monitoring, supervising, and evaluating the implementation of medical activities in the project and participating in defining the human resources needs, materials and techniques. Assisting in the implementation of MSF protocols, (para) medical standards, the rules of hygiene and universal precautions in service.
• Assisting in the collection of information on national and regional health policy (meetings, reports, articles, etc.), collecting and participating in the analysis of epidemiological data (meetings, reports, articles, etc.) from relevant sources.
• Ensuring medical follow up of patients (treatment, improvement) in collaboration with the medical referent of the health structure and overseeing all medical expenses associated with the patient, in collaboration with the supervisors. Organize the administrative and medical information (reports, ongoing treatments), the discharge of patients and return to their homes.
• Supporting and supervising the medical teams and participating in the management of the medical team in the project (recruitment, training, monitoring their work, vacation planning, assessments, etc.). Participating in briefings and debriefings of the (para) medical team members and promoting communication and active participation in the development of the project.
• Applying the employee health policy and participating in the evaluation of hospital structures that can serve as reference structures for national staffs. Participating in the medical monitoring of MSF personnel and overseeing all medical expenses associated with various consultations and hospitalizations in collaboration with the line manager.
• Participating in the data collection and management as well as preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports and organizing · data archiving and medical reports in the project.
• Performing other duties at the request of the PMR (exceptional strengthening of a medical team, involvement in evaluations, etc.). Performing other duties at the request of Medco (exceptional strengthening of a field team, involvement in evaluations, etc.)

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

Medical Liaising

• Ensure regular and punctual attendance at key regional coordination meetings, including the Nutrition Cluster, Health Cluster, Emergency Operations Center, and others as relevant.
• Prepare and disseminate detailed meeting minutes to the Project Medical Referent (PMR), Project Coordinator (PC), and other project staff, in close coordination with the PMR.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between MSF and external stakeholders, such as the Regional Health Bureau, Dubti General Hospital, Woreda Health Offices, WHO, UNICEF, and other NGOs.
• Maintain consistent communication with Dubti General Hospital and the regional blood bank to support timely blood transfusion services for patients at the Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Center (ITFC).

Support to Project Medical Referent

• Provide support to the Project Medical Referent (PMR) in all medical, managerial, and administrative tasks as required.
• Actively participate in project medical meetings and other departmental discussions, contributing to the continuous quality improvement of MSF activities.
• Actively participate and contribute to the monthly, quarterly and annual medical reports.
• Serve as acting PMR when necessary, ensuring continuity of medical leadership and coordination during absences.

National staff health responsibility

• Conduct medical consultations for national staff and their eligible dependants by organizing regular schedules at both the Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Center (ITFC) and the base office.
• Facilitate staff referrals to Designated Medical Institutions (DMIs) within and outside the Afar Region, ensuring timely access to appropriate care.
• Review and verify the validity of staff reimbursement requests and coordinate the approval process as per the national staff health policy in collaboration with the PMR and finance department.
• Check and process payment requests from DMIs and other medical service providers, in coordination with the PMR and finance office.
• Follow the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DMI’s to ensure validity of dates and inform PMR and finance department in a timely manner.
• Assess and evaluate new medical centres, laboratories, and pharmacies for potential use in staff healthcare and other operational needs, as required.

Outreach mobile nutrition team coordination

• Coordinate the Outreach Mobile Nutrition Team, ensuring effective planning and implementation of activities.
• Closely monitor the performance and operational quality of outreach teams to ensure adherence to MSF standards.
• Conduct regular site visits to observe the quality-of-service delivery and compliance with standard MSF protocols.
• Manage the outreach teams in collaboration with the team supervisor to ensure smooth functioning and team cohesion.
• Organize regular meetings, case discussions, trainings, and chart reviews to enhance the quality of care provided.
• Compile, analyse, and narrate outreach data for inclusion in monthly, quarterly, and annual medical reports.
• Advise and support the outreach team during referrals from outreach location to ITFC /secondary health care in collaboration with PMR.
• Conduct field assessments when required and produce comprehensive assessment reports to inform programmatic decisions.

Emergency response

• Monitor, analyse, and regularly update trends related to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
• Conduct field and facility-based assessments as needed, in coordination with the Project Medical Referent (PMR).
• Coordinate public health campaigns and outbreak response activities when required, ensuring alignment with MSF protocols and regional health strategies.
• Collect and present timely reports on outbreaks and emergency events occurring in the region.

Education

• Essential: Medical Doctor Degree with valid professional license
• Desirable: Training or experience in tropical medicine and/or public health

Essential Experience

• Minimum 3 years or more in a similar position with related responsibilities
• Proven experience in medical team management and coordination in public medical sector or NGOs
• Proven Emergency Response Experience
• Proven work experience working with other NGOs is desirable

Required Skills Competencies:

• Language: Essential Fluency in English and Other local languages
• IT Skills: Advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Competencies: People Management, Commitment to MSF principles, Behavioral Flexibility, Results and Quality Orientation, Teamwork and Cooperation