Infectious Diseases Referent (m/f/x) – MSF Belgium –Brussels

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 60 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed or political affiliation.

Infectious Diseases Referent (m/f/x) – MSF Belgium –Brussels

CONTEXT

The aim of the MSF Operational Centre Brussels (OCB)Medical Department is to support medical strategies and improve the quality of MSF interventions in its countries of operations.

MSF has for years been on the forefront of responding to filovirus outbreaks in different countries and regions with a variety of lessons learned. While there is a lot of experience, the recent smaller outbreaks have shown that there are still many needs to be addressed, within MSF, to be truly prepared for rapid and effective interventions. This responsiveness also demands networking and liaison with key actors, at the global and governmental level in countries at risk and the appraisal of new initiatives, research and innovations.

The ongoing COVID pandemic has shown the importance for MSF, to be prepared for novel emerging diseases and potential pandemics and there is an anticipation to further develop an emerging infections dossier.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepare, in collaboration with colleagues, the strategic approach and tactical guidance and tools to prepare and respond to viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) and emerging infection outbreaks, including, where relevant, research, innovation and advocacy strategies.
2. Support country teams and operations by providing remote technical advice, conducting project visits, and directly supporting the implementation of activities. This could be in relation to emergency preparedness, surveillance, contact tracing, community engagement, infection prevention and control, clinical and psychological management, monitoring and evaluation, staff health, experimental products and research priorities.
3. Take an active role in the outbreaks in the field, coach field teams.
4. Develop, support or lead specific trainings, tutorials, headquarter presentations, including providing guidance to a potential VHF training center.
5. Develop networks and participate in relevant meetings / consortia to be cognizant of new developments, provide MSF perspectives as appropriate and ensure learning contributes to MSF’s development.
6. Contribute to information knowledge management in relation to VHF and emerging infections within MSF
7. Support colleagues beyond the medical department notably Human Resources, the Staff Health Unit, Logistics and Biomedical unit, where referent input supports the wider MSF response and organisational development.
8. Remain flexible to evolving needs in a dynamic environment.

REQUIREMENTS

• Infectious disease doctor or doctor with clinical experience in viral hemorrhagic fever outbreak investigation and management
• Public health, epidemiology degree or equivalent is an asset
• 3 years of field experience with MSF or a comparable organization in resource-limited settings
• Research experience including post-publication experience to influence guidelines and translate research into practice is an asset
• Experience in mentoring, coaching and training is an asset
• Analytical skills to enable an assessment, its interpretation and subsequent action plan
• Ability to plan, set priorities and organize his/her own work in stressful environments.
• Good teamwork and cooperation capacity / excellent team player
• Mobile & flexible
• Proactive and willing to propose innovative ideas and solutions rapidly
• Good oral and written communication in English and French (C1/C2 level). Additional languages are an asset

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: 01/09/2022
• Location: Brussels (Belgium)
• 40% of time in the field
• Contract type: Fixed-term contract
• Contract duration: 2 years
• Full time
• Salary according to MSF-OCB HQ grid
• Meal Vouchers – Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments

Deadline for applications: 10/07/2022