Paediatric Medical Practitioner

Job Description

About MSF

Doctors Without Borders (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, provide essential medical care to people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics, and exclusion from medical services. Present in more than 70 countries, MSF doctors, nurses, logistics staff, and specialists not only provide care but also witness the challenges faced by communities, raising awareness and advocating for change to address crises and inequalities in healthcare.

Headquartered 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 more than 300 members from seven countries in the region, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture where diverse voices thrive. We welcome applications from people of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, abilities, and other diverse characteristics.

• Identification
• Position: Pediatrician
• Reports to: Clinical Team Leader (CEC)
• Functionally reports to: CEC / Hospital Coordinator (CH)
• Area: Medicine
• Mission/Project: Afghanistan / Helmand Project
• Contract duration: 12 months

2. Main Objective: To provide outpatient and/or inpatient medical care to patients/beneficiaries in accordance with current and adapted medical knowledge, MSF protocols, MSF values, and universal hygiene standards to improve their health.

2a. General Responsibilities of the Position:

• Apply medical knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat patients. Conduct outpatient and inpatient consultations, prescribing the necessary treatment and adhering to MSF protocols.
• Keep patients and/or their families informed about the illness and provide clear explanations of the treatment plan, ensuring their understanding.
• Monitor the progress of hospitalized patients through daily visits, consultations, and examinations. Prescribe treatment according to MSF protocols, decide on discharge or transfer (in collaboration with other doctors), and inform families.
• Ensure the rational distribution and quality control of medications and equipment under your responsibility. Maintain the disinfection and sterilization of medical equipment and ensure general compliance with hygiene standards.
• Participate in the collection and analysis of epidemiological data, verifying its validity. Report any patient complications, medical errors, or problems with the department’s operation, equipment, or materials to the supervisor or project coordinator.
• Ensure ongoing training for the multidisciplinary medical and paramedical team to optimize the quality of care.
• Ensure that all MSF medical protocols are followed, universal precautions are implemented, biological risks are reduced, and infection control is improved. Maintain professional confidentiality.
• Manage the team under your direct responsibility in accordance with MSF HR policies, including performance monitoring, scheduling shifts/rotations, and participating in emergencies/on-call duties as needed.

2b. Job Responsibilities – Field Focus: The primary objective is to collaborate with the medical team and local contracted staff (RLC) in the Pediatrics department (including two International Medical Service pediatricians, nurses, and the RLC pediatrician in charge of the wards). Support the RLC in developing their knowledge and skills. With two International Medical Service pediatricians (one male and one female), the wards will be divided to ensure efficiency and high-quality care.

Key areas of focus:

• Primary responsibility for the quality of care in the Pediatric Wards (General Pediatric Ward – 30 beds; Early Intensive Care Unit – 37 beds; Pediatric Intensive Care Unit – 30 beds; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – 53 beds).
• Implementation of standardized protocols and guidelines aligned with MSF standards and international standards, based on priorities in the field.
• Organize and deliver formal training sessions for pediatricians and emergency physicians, in addition to daily bedside training.
• Ensure strict adherence to established protocols by staff.
• Mentor and train resident physicians and postgraduate fellows.
• Lead the Pediatric Department’s morning meetings and other activities; serve as a role model for staff.
• Organize weekly case presentations, monthly mortality reviews, and department meetings.

Clinical Management of Pediatric Cases: a. Apply the ABCD approach to patient assessment and management. b. Ensure proper documentation of clinical findings, vital sign monitoring, and treatment according to LSK hospital protocols (including malnutrition and pediatric protocols). c. Coordinate with the other IMS pediatrician, the department head, and staff to identify and transfer unstable/critical GPW/ITFC patients to the Pediatric ICU in a timely manner. d. Ensure proper patient handover between shifts for all physicians and nurses. e. Maintain clear communication with parents/guardians to prevent treatment abandonment and explain medical decisions. f. Promote teamwork among healthcare professionals in collaboration with the IMS nursing staff and the other IMS physician. g. Monitor compliance with the medical code of ethics.

Technical Support, Protocol Development, Training, and Education: a. Organize and deliver formal training sessions for pediatricians and regular clinical teaching in all departments. Train physicians in collaboration with the head of department from the Ministry of Public Health and PGME instructors. b. Collaborate with the other IMS pediatrician and the head of department to develop clinical protocols tailored to the resources and environment of the Boost Hospital. c. Work with the other IMS pediatrician and the IMS nursing team to organize protocol-based training sessions (including ETAT/HBB) and evaluate the outcomes, with refresher training as needed. d. Implement standardized MSF protocols and guidelines. Conduct regular monitoring of antimicrobial use during ward rounds, ensuring appropriate antimicrobial use and documentation of therapy duration. e. Conduct daily patient reviews and collaborate closely with the responsible IMS nurse/LRS head nurse. f. Ensure proper documentation of ward rounds, including clinical findings, vital signs, and treatment.

Human Resources and Management:

• Support the Head of the Department at the Ministry of Public Health (along with the other IMS pediatrician) to ensure the smooth operation of the department and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Update job descriptions and task lists for national physicians in collaboration with the Clinical Team Leader/Hospital Coordinator.
• Develop and implement competency assessment tools for physicians (from the Ministry of Public Health and MSF) to monitor their performance.
• Report any disciplinary issues, medical errors, or violations of medical ethics to the Clinical Team Leader/Hospital Coordinator.
• Support the updating of the Pediatrics department’s admission criteria in collaboration with the Medical Coordinator.

Data Collection, Reporting, and Meetings: a. Attend physicians’ morning briefings. b. Support the Head of the Department at the Ministry of Public Health in organizing and attending department meetings. c. Report all medical errors immediately to the Clinical Team Leader, the Hospital Coordinator, and the Medical Coordinator, according to hospital procedures, and follow up on the outcomes. d. Organize monthly case and mortality review meetings to foster a culture of learning and greater accountability. e. Attend MSF team meetings, medical meetings, and other relevant project meetings. f. Prepare and submit timely monthly medical reports to the Clinical Team Leader/Hospital Coordinator, in collaboration with the IMS NAM and NS supervisor.

Other responsibilities: a. Act as a substitute for the other IMS pediatrician during their absences and for the IMS health officer/emergency room physician when necessary. b. Support the other IMS pediatrician in the management of the pediatric/neonatal ICU and patients with severe acute malnutrition transferred to the pediatric ICU. c. Provide interdisciplinary consultations and support to other departments/colleagues. d. Participate in the hospital’s on-call system (evenings/weekends). e. Contribute to the Hospital Improvement Plan, ensuring that priorities and objectives are met on time. f. Perform other IMS health duties delegated by the Hospital Coordinator.

3. Requirements

3a. Fixed Requirements

• Education: Medical degree. Desirable: Diploma in Tropical Medicine (required for OCB and OCBA).

• Experience: Minimum 2 years as a physician or in clinical work (may include medical training). Experience in tropical medicine, public health, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, emergency medicine, infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS/STIs, tuberculosis, general medicine, or minor surgery will be considered an asset.

• Languages: Fluency in the mission language is essential. Knowledge of the local language will be considered an asset.
• Skills: Proficiency in computer applications (Word, Excel) is essential.

3b. Additional Requirements (Flexible)

• Academic Background: Medical degree with specialization in pediatrics (essential).
• Experience: Required: The candidate must be a pediatrician or physician with extensive clinical experience in pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
• Languages: English (essential); Pashto/Dari (desirable).
• Skills: Additional training in ETAT/HBB (desirable). Knowledge of ultrasound and willingness to train local physicians.

3c. Competencies (General)

• Stress Management
• Commitment to MSF principles
• Behavioral Flexibility
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Teamwork and Cooperation

3d. Competencies (Field Focus) – Desirable Qualities

• Mature personality
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills
• Good negotiation skills
• Ability to work in a complex sociocultural context and in a confined/unsafe environment
• Previous experience in Muslim/traditional contexts will be valued
• Experience in training and confidence to train/supervise local staff
• Willingness to work evening/night shifts (security permitting)
• Strong team spirit
• Experience with data collection tools and monitoring systems
• Good knowledge of MSF protocols

3e. Technical Skills (Assessed on a scale; emphasis on high competence in:) Clinical competence, Nutrition, Emergency care, Hospital management, Infection control, Data management, Pharmacy/Stock management, Patient management, and related areas.

This job description may be modified depending on the activities or evolution of the mission.

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