Paediatric Medical Doctor

About MSF

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Southern Africa is a vital part of a global network of compassionate professionals dedicated to medical humanitarian work. Guided by medical ethics and a shared commitment to humanity, our teams-both small and large-deliver critical healthcare to people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics, and exclusion from medical services. Operating in over 70 countries, MSF’s doctors, nurses, logisticians, and specialists not only provide care but also bear witness to the challenges faced by communities, raising awareness and advocating for change to address crises and healthcare inequities.

Based in Johannesburg with an office in Cape Town, MSF Southern Africa serves as a dynamic hub for recruitment, communications, and operational support. Governed by the MSF Southern Africa Association, with over 300 members from seven regional countries, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture where diverse voices thrive. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, abilities, and other diversity characteristics.

• Identification
• Job Title: Paediatric Medical Doctor
• Reports to: Clinical Team Leader (CTL)
• Functional Reports to: CTL / Hospital Coordinator (HC)
• Area: Medical
• Mission/Project: Afghanistan / Helmand Project
• Contract Duration: 12 months
• Main Purpose Provide outpatient and/or inpatient medical care to patients/beneficiaries according to adapted and updated medical knowledge, MSF protocols, MSF values, and universal hygiene standards to improve patients’/beneficiaries’ health conditions.

2a. Generic Job Accountabilities

• Apply medical knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat patients. Carry out outpatient and inpatient consultations, prescribing necessary treatment while respecting MSF protocols.
• Keep patients and/or their families informed about the illness and provide clear explanations about the treatment plan, ensuring understanding.
• Follow up on the evolution of hospitalized patients through daily visits, consultations, and examinations. Prescribe treatment per MSF protocols, decide on discharge or transfer (in collaboration with other doctors), and inform families.
• Ensure rational distribution and quality control of medicines and equipment under your responsibility. Maintain disinfection, sterilization of medical materials, and general compliance with hygiene standards.
• Participate in the collection and analysis of epidemiological data, verifying validity. Inform the line manager or project coordinator of any patient complications, medical errors, or issues with department functioning, equipment, or materials.
• Ensure ongoing training of the medical and paramedical multidisciplinary team to optimize care quality.
• Ensure all MSF medical protocols are followed, universal precautions are applied, bio-hazard risks are reduced, and infection control is improved. Maintain professional confidentiality.
• Manage the team under direct responsibility according to MSF HR policies, including performance supervision, shift/rotation scheduling, and participation in emergencies/on-call duties as needed.

2b. Job Accountabilities – Field Focus The main objective is to collaborate with the medical team and locally recruited staff (LRS) in the Paediatric department (including 2 IMS Paediatricians, nurses, and the LRS Paediatric MD managing wards). Support LRS in developing their knowledge and skills. With two IMS Paediatricians (one male, one female), wards will be divided to ensure efficiency and high-quality care.

Key Focus Areas

• Main responsibility for the quality of care in the Paediatric wards (General Paediatric Ward – GPW 30 beds, ITFC 37 beds, PICU 30 beds, NICU 53 beds).
• Implementation of standardized protocols and guidelines aligned with MSF and international standards, based on field priorities.
• Organize and deliver formal training sessions for Paediatricians and ER MDs, plus daily bedside teaching.
• Ensure strict staff adherence to implemented protocols.
• Coach and train junior national MDs / PGME trainees.
• Lead Paediatric Department morning meetings and other activities; act as a role model for staff.
• Organize weekly case presentations, monthly mortality reviews, and department meetings.

Clinical Management of Paediatric Cases: a. Apply the ABCD approach to patient assessment and management. b. Ensure proper documentation of clinical findings, vital signs monitoring, and treatment per LSK hospital protocols (including malnutrition and paediatric protocols). c. Liaise with the other IMS Paediatric MD, Chief of Department, and staff to identify and transfer unstable/critical patients from GPW/ITFC to PICU in a timely manner. d. Ensure proper handover of patients between shifts for all doctors and nurses. e. Maintain clear communication with parents/caretakers to prevent defaulting and explain medical decisions. f. Promote teamwork among health professionals in collaboration with IMS nurses and the other IMS MD. g. Supervise adherence to the code of medical ethics.

Technical Support, Protocol Development, Coaching & Training: a. Organize and deliver formal training sessions for Paediatric MDs and regular bedside teaching across departments. Coach MDs in collaboration with MoPH Head of Department and PGME trainers. b. Collaborate with the other IMS Paediatric MD and Chief of Department to develop clinical protocols suited to Boost Hospital resources and setting. c. Work with the other IMS Paediatric MD and IMS nursing team to organize protocol-based training sessions (including ETAT/HBB) and evaluate outcomes, with refresher trainings as needed. d. Implement standardized MSF protocols and guidelines. Conduct regular antimicrobial stewardship during ward rounds, ensuring appropriate antimicrobial use and documentation of therapy duration. e. Perform daily patient reviews and collaborate closely with the responsible IMS nurse / LRS nursing head. f. Ensure proper documentation of ward rounds, including clinical findings, vital signs, and treatment.

HR & Management

• Support the MoPH Chief of Department (with the other IMS Paediatric MD) in ensuring smooth department operations and inter-departmental collaboration.
• Update Job Descriptions and task lists for national doctors in collaboration with the Clinical Team Leader / Hospital Coordinator.
• Develop and implement competency assessment tools for MDs (MoPH and MSF) to monitor performance progress.
• Report any disciplinary issues, medical errors, or breaches of medical ethics to the Clinical Team Leader / Hospital Coordinator.
• Support updating of Paediatric department admission criteria in collaboration with the Medical Coordinator.

Data Collection, Reports & Meetings: a. Attend morning MD reports. b. Support the MoPH Chief of Department in organizing and attending department meetings. c. Report all medical errors immediately to CTL, Hospital Coordinator, and MedCo per hospital procedures and follow up on outcomes. d. Organize monthly case and mortality review meetings to foster a learning culture and increased responsibility. e. Attend MSF team, medical, and other relevant project meetings. f. Prepare and submit timely monthly medical reports to the Clinical Team Leader / Hospital Coordinator, in collaboration with IMS NAM & NS supervisor.

Other Responsibilities: a. Act as backup for the other IMS Paediatric MD during absences, and for IMS Health responsible / ER MD when needed. b. Support the other IMS Paediatric MD with PICU/NICU management and SAM patients transferred to PICU. c. Provide interdisciplinary consultations and support to other departments/colleagues. d. Participate in the hospital on-call system (evenings/weekends). e. Contribute to the Hospital Improvement Plan, ensuring priorities and objectives are met on time. f. Undertake other IMS health tasks delegated by the Hospital Coordinator.

• Requirements

3a. Fixed Requirements

• Education: Medical Doctor diploma. Desirable: Diploma in Tropical Medicine (essential for OCB & OCBA).
• Experience: Minimum 2 years as a Medical Doctor or in clinical work (can include medical training). Desirable experience in tropical medicine, public health, obstetrics/gynaecology, paediatrics, A&E, infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS/STDs, TB, general practice, general medicine, or minor surgery.
• Languages: Mission language essential. Local language desirable.
• Knowledge: Essential computer literacy (Word, Excel).

3b. Additional (Flexible) Requirements

• Education: Medical Doctor Diploma with Paediatric specialization (required).
• Experience: Compulsory – candidate must be a Paediatrician or MD with strong clinical experience in Paediatrics, Neonatal ICU, and management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
• Languages: English required; Pashto/Dari an asset.
• Knowledge: Additional training in ETAT/HBB desirable. Knowledge of ultrasound with willingness to train national MDs.

3c. Competencies (Generic)

• Stress management
• Commitment to MSF Principles
• Behavioural Flexibility
• Results & Quality Orientation
• Teamwork & Cooperation

3d. Competencies (Field Focus) – Desirable Qualities

• Mature personality
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills
• Good negotiation skills
• Ability to work in a complex socio-cultural context and confined/insecure environment
• Previous experience in Muslim/traditional contexts is an asset
• Training experience and confidence in training/supervising national staff
• Willingness to work evening/night shifts (if security allows)
• Strong team spirit
• Experience with data collection tools and monitoring systems
• Good knowledge of MSF protocols

3e. Technical Skills (Assessed on a scale; focus on high competence in:) Clinical Competence, Nutrition, Emergency Care, Hospital Management, Infection Control, Data Management, Pharmacy/Stock Management, Patient Handling, and related areas.

This job description may be amended in line with mission activities or evolution.

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