Health Advisor Support Cell 5 (Interim) at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

The position strengthens the medical oversight and operational capacity of OCBA’s Cell X by providing delegated technical leadership in pharmacy management, nursing care, IPC, patient safety, staff health and referral systems. It ensures alignment between mission‑level medical strategies and organizational policies while guaranteeing responsible use of medical supplies and data. The role contributes to defining medical needs, validating medical supply plans, and supporting implementation of medical standards across missions. It also provides guidance on emergency preparedness, supports medical reporting, and represents medical perspectives during coordination processes. When required, the position replaces the Cell Health Advisor in specific technical and coordination duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND MAIN TASKS

• Provide technical guidance on pharmacy, nursing, IPC, patient safety, staff health, and referrals to ensure alignment with operational and medical department priorities.
• Define and validate annual medical supply needs and budgets in coordination with finance, supply, and field medical teams.
• Monitor and ensure proper procurement, management, and reporting of medical supplies in compliance with MSF procedures.
• Ensure implementation of staff health, medical evacuation, and referral policies across supported missions.
• Guarantee oversight of medical buffer stocks and emergency preparedness supplies in collaboration with technical referents.
• Verify the quality of medical data and reporting, analysing trends to support operational decision‑making.
• Provide technical briefings and identify training needs for mission medical teams and relevant support staff.
• Conduct field visits to assess medical activities, support mission teams, and contribute to strategic planning.

ROLE’S SPECIFIC ELEMENTS

• Supports the medical oversight of missions in South Sudan, Somalia, and Nigeria.
• Represents medical issues in cell‑level meetings and contributes to cross‑departmental dialogue.
• Replaces the Cell Health Advisor when delegated.
• Works closely with supply, finance, and technical referents to ensure integrated medical support.
• Participates in relevant internal and external meetings as assigned.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Qualified Medical Doctor, Nurse or register Pharmacist with experience in humanitarian context, pharmacy management and international medical orders.
• Field experience with MSF at Coordination level, Senior Project Medical Referent, Deputy Medco or Medco profile is required.
• Previous experience in emergency interventions would be an asset.
• Basic computer skills: Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet are required.
• Knowledge of pharmacy tools (iStock), International Medical Order procedures and medical data software (HMIS/ DHIS2) is a must.
• Fluency in English is compulsory, French and other mission language (as Swahili or Arabic) are an asset.