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. MSF is therefore guided by the principles of neutrality and impartiality. These principles must apply to all MSF staff.

Title:                        Paediatrician

Direct Reports:      Project Medical Referent

Location:                 Liwale, Lindi

MAIN PURPOSE

Providing outpatient and/or inpatient paediatric care to patients/beneficiaries according to adapted and updated medical knowledge, MSF protocols, values and universal hygiene standards to improve the new-born and child/beneficiaries health conditions

ACCOUNTABILITIES

General

·         Applying medical knowledge and skills to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of children, ensuring integrated new-born and paediatric care through Emergency, OPD, and IPD services in New-borns and cases of malnutrition. Prescribing the necessary treatment, respecting MSF protocols.

·         Collaborating closely with the different department of the hospital (e.g. Maternity), Knowing and ensuring all updated MSF medical protocols and universal precautions are followed and implemented, reducing bio-hazard risks and improving infection control.

·         As an expert in paediatrics, proposing strategy (modification on current new-born and paediatric care management) and implementing them after validation of Operation and Paediatric Advisor.

·         Ensuring on-going new-born and paediatric training (formal and bedside) of the medical/paramedical multidisciplinary team in order to optimize the new-born and paediatric quality of care. Reviewing and discussing selected complicated cases or mistakes and giving technical input.

·         Keeping patients and their families informed of the illness and the treatment to follow, checking that they have been understood. Ensuring professional autonomy and confidentiality are respected and a good attitude and proper bedside manner towards the patient and their care takers and the rest of the medical team.

·         Following up the evolution of the hospitalized/IDP patients through daily visits, consultations and examinations, prescribing the necessary treatment following MSF protocols, deciding whether they can be discharged or transferred to other departments – in collaboration with other doctors- and informing their family about the patient’s evolution.

·         Monitoring the proper functioning of the department, equipment or material and addresses the list of the missing item for new-born and paediatric activities. Providing inputs about general organization of the different paediatric wards, including the admission, transfer and discharge criteria + referral procedure from Maternity and post-delivery wards

·         Checking and controlling the rational distribution of medicines and equipment under his/her responsibility and taking care the quality, disinfection and sterilization of the medical material. Assuring general compliance with standing hygiene standards.

·         Participating in the introduction / improvement of the collection and analysis of epidemiological new-born and paediatric data, checking its validity and informing the line manager or project coordinator about any problems or complications of the patient’s illness and medical errors. Collecting Clinical cases for further trainings and list a series of comments to improve the current MSF protocols

·         Managing the team under his/her direct responsibility according to MSF HR policies and procedures, supervising their performance, organizing and scheduling shifts and rotations, directly participating in emergencies and on calls if necessary.

·         Designing and providing training to staff as required.

·         Debriefing with coordination, Headquarter (including Paediatric Advisor) and providing written report on main findings, activities, conclusions and further recommendations.

Quality and clinical care improvement

·         Provide daily clinical management of neonates admitted to the NCU

·         Diagnose and treat common neonatal conditions including: Prematurity, Neonatal sepsis, birth asphyxia, Respiratory distress, Hypothermia, Low birth weight and Neonatal jaundice.

·         Perform neonatal procedures such as: Neonatal resuscitation, CPAP management, IV access and fluid management, Antibiotic management, Feeding protocols (NG feeding, breastfeeding support).

·         Conduct regular mortality/morbidity reviews and Patient safety incident reports involving the neonatal and paediatric team members in the department.

·         Implement evidence-based neonatal care protocols utilising both MOH and MSF neonatal care-paediatric guidelines.

·         Monitor equipment use (incubators, warmers, oxygen, concentrators, infusion pumps, CPAP and phototherapy machines)

·         In collaboration with MOH management team, coordinate referrals to higher-level facilities when necessary.

·         Ensure continuous (24/7) telemedicine referral coordination between primary and tertiary care centers to support timely paediatric and neonatal consultation, triage, and management.

Training and capacity building

·         Conduct regular bedside teaching, mentoring and coaching medical doctors, clinical officers, nurses and midwives.

·         Organize training plans on: Neonatal resuscitation, Essential newborn care, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), Infection prevention, Neonatal emergency management etc.

·         Participate in peripheral facility visit and conduct capacity building in MSF supported facilities.

Monitoring, Data, and Reporting

·         Maintain accurate neonatal admission and outcome records.

·         Use data to guide quality improvement activities.

·         Strengthen documentation and patient records in department by ensuring use of essential monitoring tools NEWS/PEWS etc.

Minimum Educational Qualification:  Master’s degree in pediatrics from recognized university, essential as a Pediatrics Specialist

Experience: 

·         Essential at least 3-year certified work experience in pediatric hospital as a neonatal doctor (not general pediatrician)

·         Desirable previous experience with MSF or other NGOs in developing countries

Knowledge: Essential computer literacy (WORD, EXCEL)

Languages:  Essential English and Swahili

Basic Salary: 4,250,000 tzs/month, non-negotiable

2% seniority added after 12 months of service, additional 2% for every 12 months

Other benefits will be explained during the oral interview

Women, people living with a disability or any person feeling like being part of a minority is encouraged to apply. MSF is dedicated to fostering a safe work environment with zero tolerance for any form of abuse.