MOBILE SUPPORT TECHNICIAN SURGERY

GENERAL CONTEXT

Médecins Sans Frontières is an international independent medical-humanitarian 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.

MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association.

Each individual working with MSF does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

MAIN PURPOSES

To provide practical technical support to surgeons and medical doctors (MD) with surgical responsibilities and other relevant functions in MSF missions in surgical care and to contribute to capacity building of field staff through the application and transfer of medical-technical know-how according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to ensure the delivery of quality surgical care for patients and their communities as well as to improve the health condition of the target population.

TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES

In collaboration with the Medical Coordinator and under the supervision of the HQ referent provide practical support in surgery to surgeons and MD with surgical skills in accordance with Terms of Reference agreed for each assignment, normally comprising the following responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Surgery Advisor, Medical Operations (at HQ and Mission level) and Learning & Development (L&D) referent in the definition of the Terms of Reference for each visit.
• Supporting the surgeons or MD with surgical skills in the practical implementation of program activities, including the formulation of protocols and/or orders, strategies, planning, interaction with external actors (e.g. authorities, health committees), the correct sizing and composition of the HR set-up, etc.
• Carrying out a functional evaluation of surgical services, assessing quality of care, practices and organisation within the framework of MSF standards in order to identify the main areas for improvement in the provision of surgical care at the different structures.
• Initiating and overseeing the implementation of the improvement plan based on the recommendations arising from the assessment (including objectives, priorities, strategies and tools to realise the strategy).
• Supporting and guiding the field teams with the implementation of (new or revised) surgical protocols, surgical devices/materials etc. and/or best practices in line with MSF frameworks (antibiotic prophylaxis, post-operative pain management, thrombo-prophylaxis, blood transfusion, infection prevention, etc.).
• Upon request of the hierarchical manager and in coordination with the relevant technical referents in HQ, develop new policies, tools, protocols and SOPs related to surgery (with a local, regional or even global approach).
• Surveillance & monitoring: Assisting the field team with ensuring an adequate set up for data management (data collection), monitoring and analysis, including the implementation, monitoring and analysis of qualitative and quantitative indicators for surgical activities.
• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with MSF protocols and standards for o hygiene, biohazard prevention, and infection control and provide guidance and advice when necessary
• Contributing to capacity building by:
  • Identifying training needs and contributing to the definition of training content for the area of expertise.
  • Coaching the surgeons and MD with surgical skills or other relevant functions, facilitating team training, using simulation when relevant, and providing on-the-job training to surgeons and MDs with surgical skills on fundamentals  of surgery according to MSF standards to ensure best practice is delivered.
• Contributing to the continuous learning and development of the medical department in order to improve health care practices through:
  • Drafting reports and action plans following field visits to capture experiences, “lessons learnt”, learning outcomes and the quality and status of the integration of surgical component into the mission.
  • Contributing to the research & development of field tools, practices, guidelines and policies based on insights gained in the job.
  • Developing and maintaining knowledge of practices and approaches within the area of expertise, and to share this knowledge with others to enhance operational effectiveness.

Providing direct field intervention

• Upon request, participate in emergency operations.
• Perform surgical interventions as required to support training or patient care needs.

Other:

• Upon request from the Hierarchical Manager, participate in congresses, workshops, seminars, etc.
• Upon request from the Surgical Referent, participates in the International Surgical Platform.
• At the request of the Hierarchical or Functional Manager, maintains ongoing communication and support with field teams between visits to ensure continuity of learning and drive quality improvement over a specified period.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education and experience

• Essential diploma as Medical Doctor.
• Essential specialization in General Surgery.
• 2 years’ experience in relevant field or HQ positions in MSF or in another humanitarian organization in a low resource setting as a practicing general/global surgeon.
• Minimum 2 years’ post qualification Professional experience.
• Validation for covering Medical Activity Manager’s positions.
• Experience providing training to adult learners.
• Proven experience in training, mentorship, or clinical coaching roles.
• Experience as a clinical instructor or university lecturer is desirable.
• Experience or certification in simulation or coaching is desirable.

Knowledge

• Broad surgical knowledge across general, obstetric, orthopaedic, and trauma care.
• Familiarity with MSF surgical protocols and hospital management practices.
• Basic pedagogical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet).
• Proficiency in English and French is needed. 

CONDITIONS

• Position home based with frequent travels to the missions (at least 60-80 % of the time).
• Full time position.
• Annual Gross salary: IRP2 Level 5 (divided in monthly payments) + secondary benefits based on MSF OCBA Reward policy. Subjected to local conditions.
• Practical working conditions while in the field are as per MSF-OCBA guidelines.
• Contract duration: until December 2026.
• Starting date: 1st January 2026.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter.
• Closing date: December 8th, 2025 at 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.