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HEALTH ADVISOR SUPPORT CELL 5 (INTERIM)

KE

Full Time
Operations

 

 

Do your skills and experience not precisely match the requirements? MSF-OCBA is an organization committed to promoting diversity and equity by providing equal access to professional opportunities. We understand that women, people of colour, indigenous individuals, members of the LGTBI+ community, and other underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply for employment if they don't meet all the requirements. At MSF-OCBA, we strive to create a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. Therefore, if you're interested in this position but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the selection criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the ideal candidate for this or other positions.

 

 

GENERAL CONTEXT

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international independent medical humanitarian action-driven organization, which offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. The MSF movement is built around six operational directorates supported by MSF’s 21 sections, 24 associations and other offices together worldwide.

 

MAIN PURPOSE

To support the Cell Health Advisor in ensuring the quality, coherence, and medical relevance of OCBA Operational Cell 5 projects by providing technical guidance, monitoring medical activities, and reinforcing medical standards, pharmacy management, IPC, patient safety, and staff health systems.

 

JOB OVERVIEW

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

 

  1. Provide technical guidance on pharmacy, nursing, IPC, patient safety, staff health, and referrals to ensure alignment with operational and medical department priorities.
  2. Define and validate annual medical supply needs and budgets in coordination with finance, supply, and field medical teams.
  3. Monitor and ensure proper procurement, management, and reporting of medical supplies in compliance with MSF procedures.
  4. Ensure implementation of staff health, medical evacuation, and referral policies across supported missions.
  5. Guarantee oversight of medical buffer stocks and emergency preparedness supplies in collaboration with technical referents.
  6. Verify the quality of medical data and reporting, analysing trends to support operational decision‑making.
  7. Provide technical briefings and identify training needs for mission medical teams and relevant support staff.
  8. 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.

 

CONDITIONS

  • Position based in Nairobi.
  • Duration of position: Temporary position due to maternity leave: 6 months with possibility of extension.
  • Full-time position.
  • Annual gross salary: level HQ-4A (divided in 12 monthly payments) + secondary benefits based on MSF OCBA Reward Policy.
  • Starting date: May 1st, 2026.

 

HOW TO APPLY

  • To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter.
  • Closing date: March 22nd, 2026, 23:59 CET (Central European Time).

 

MSF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, race, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to achieving a balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.

 

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. MSF provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo reference checks.

 

Médecins Sans Frontières, as a responsible employer, under the¨Ley General de la Discapacidad de 2013 (LGD)¨ invite those persons with a recognized disability and with an interest in the humanitarian area to apply for the above-mentioned position.

 

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