Staff Health Officer/Medical Doctor

at  Mdecins Sans Frontires Suisse

CONTEXT & MISSION

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent, international medical humanitarian organization that delivers care to people affected by natural disasters, human-made disasters, and armed conflicts, irrespective of race, religion, creed, or political affiliation. MSF’s Operational Center Geneva (OCG) oversees operations in approximately 30 countries, employing around 6000 Locally Hired Staff (LHS), managing around 1000 International Mobile Staff (IMS) field assignments annually, and maintaining a headquarters staff of approximately 400 in Geneva and affiliated offices.
The SHU, based in Geneva, is dedicated to advising on all work-related health issues for MSF staff, aiming to provide a holistic approach to health and wellbeing throughout the employment cycle. The unit is responsible for ensuring that MSF staff are adequately prepared for health risks they may encounter, offering direct technical support for specific cases, and playing a critical role in medical evacuations and ongoing medical care. The SHU consists of 2 psychologists, 2 medical doctors, a manager, and is supported by an intern.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Staff Health Officer/Medical Doctor is vital for ensuring the health and well-being of MSF staff, especially those on international assignments. This role involves pre-departure health check-ups, advice on specific health conditions, briefings and debriefings, management of health policies, and direct involvement in medical evacuations. The position requires on-call availability during nights and weekends, according to a specific shared schedule, and includes field visits to support missions as requested.

EDUCATION

• Medical Doctor degree

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years of clinical experience, including Tropical Medicine, is essential.
• Field experience with MSF or another international NGO
• Experience in Travel Medicine, Medical Coordination position, and Occupational Health is highly desirable.

SKILLS/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Proficient in interpreting medical reports and offering informed recommendations.
• Knowledge of medical evacuation procedures and protocols is beneficial.
• Skilled in providing medical guidance and support during critical incidents.
• Familiar with occupational health principles and practices.
• Excellent organizational skills with a strong ability to solve problems effectively.

PERSONAL ABILITIES

• Flexible and approachable demeanor.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong intercultural competencies.
• Effective stress management.
• Empathy and sensitivity in dealing with health concerns.

• Conduct pre-departure health check-ups and ensure that staff are informed about health risks and care available in mission areas.
• Support the update and implementation of health management policies for staff, both locally hired and international.
• Manage the health concerns of staff in the field, providing direct medical input or external advice as needed.
• Facilitate medical evacuations, maintaining communication with all parties involved until the individual returns home.
• Ensure that HQ employees receive first aid training, organize access to flu vaccinations, and contribute to health and safety committee activities.
• Collect, monitor, analyze, and report on health data, participate in unit meetings, and propose recommendations to improve staff health management.