Medical Coordinator – Brazil
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 70 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed or political affiliation.
Medical Coordinator (m/f/x) – Brazil – MSF Belgium
CONTEXT
Brazil is a country where more than 60% of the population (total 215 million) is covered by the Unified Health System (SUS). In 2023, MSF started working in the country supporting different health structures with the aim to cover the gaps of SUS in certain vulnerable populations like indigenous communities, riverine populations, and quilombolas, and populations suffering from extreme weather events. In this line, the MSF program has two regular projects: Yanomami, where MSF is supporting the DSEI institution (part of SUS), working with Yanomami Indigenous communities in Yanomami Territory in Roraima State, and Marajó project, in Para State, where MSF is supporting the Portel health system in order to provide quality and humanized medical care to survivors of sexual violence. Both projects are expected to be closed at the end of 2025. Meanwhile, it is planned to do an exploration in Rio de Janeiro with the population deprived of liberty.
In 2025, the program is developing an EPREP in order to respond to extreme weather events in the country. For that, capacity building in this thematic will be done within MSF staff as well as with SUS members and their emergency team called Força Nacional. Advocacy, networking, and capacity building are some of our main pillars in the Brazil program activities. While the training activities will be carried out with the help of HQ, it will be necessary to lead these activities, which will be of great strategic importance for MSF in the country.
MAIN OBJECTIVE
In close collaboration with the Country Operations Responsible (COR) and the Medical Department, defining and implementing the medical strategy of the mission. Being responsible for the planning and coordination of all medical activities and resources in the programs, according to MSF’s charter, policies, and ethical principles with consideration of international and national laws, in order to ensure the delivery of quality medical care for patients and their communities as well as to improve the health condition and humanitarian living conditions of the target population.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
As Medical Coordinator (MedCo) you are:
Responsible for defining, monitoring and updating the medical content of the MSF country policy, medical strategy, annual plan and budget, translating the identified health needs into a medical strategic vision and project objectives, priorities and resources needed in order to cover the medical and humanitarian needs of the population at risk, and ensuring that the objectives and goals set in the program’s annual plan, Country Policy Paper (CPP) and project plans are achieved
Responsible for the overall appropriateness and quality of medical interventions conducted by MSF projects and being expected to identify and work on removing barriers to better patient safety, effective medical care, and better patient-centered activities
Continuously monitoring the medical and humanitarian needs in the country through exploratory missions, the use of health information systems, monitoring and reviewing project proposals, determining necessary resources in order to cover medical and humanitarian needs of the population at risk. It’s essential to be attentive to potential areas of lobbying and advocacy to make changes in public policies that help vulnerable populations in Brazil, where humanitarian or health gaps may not be very perceptible
Responsible for the supervision and monitoring of the medical technical aspects, humanitarian needs and in coordination with the Logistics Coordinator, the material aspects of the programs through regular field visits, analyzing difficulties during the implementation and reporting deviations as they appear, in order to proactively provide the necessary solutions and achieve operational results
In close collaboration with the HR Coordinator, participating in the planning, definition and sizing of the health workforce in the programs and supervising the associated processes (recruitment, validation of medical staff, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, development and communication). Coaching and directly supporting project coordinators and medical teams in the implementation of the medical activities
Together with the HR Coordinator, defining, updating and implementing the MSF country Health and Safety Policy Framework including medical insurance, social packages and repatriation policy. Ensuring the guarantee of the highest possible level of medical related security issues (mental and physical health and safety in the workplace) and monitoring the psychological status of MSF staff, suggesting solutions to help improve mental health related issues
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- Essential degree on medicine or other paramedical studies
- Training in tropical medicine or public health is an asset
- Essential international MSF work experience of at least two years Deputy MedCo or MedCo
- Experience in opening/ closing projects/ explos is considered an asset
- Experience in emergency response is an asset
Competencies
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills to coordinate with other teams and authorities.
- Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
- Leadership to manage resources and staff during crisis.
- In case of emergencies, ability to make quick and effective decisions under pressure.
- Analytical capacity and strategic vision
- Knowledge the context is desirable to facilitate networking and understanding the public health system, including Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), Medical/Academic Institutions/NGOs
- MSF has experienced several gaps in key positions, so great flexibility is needed to adapt to changes and be available to travel to the country whenever required
Other:
- Since the Country Management Team (CMT) is a small team, ability to work in a team providing support and take on COR responsibilities is required
Languages:
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) essential
- Good knowledge of Portuguese essential
CONDITIONS
- Expected starting date: 24th of March 2025
- Location: Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); other locations within Brazil might be discussed
- Contract type: fixed-term contract – full-time
- Contract duration: 12 months
- Mobility: at least 50% travelling in the country
- Salary according to MSF salary grid
- Family position possible
- The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate and in compliance with the standard MSF function and salary grids
- Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
- Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments
Deadline for applications: 23 February 2025
How to apply?
➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button
➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position
➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload
Position only open to candidates with previous MSF experience! (“Médecins Sans Frontières)
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Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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