Emergency Pool Medical Officer

CONTEXT 

Within MSF Belgium (OCB – Operational Center Brussels), the Emergency Pool (Epool) is part of the Operations Department. Our primary objective is to intervene with medical activities directly and quickly in crisis situations like conflicts, epidemics and natural catastrophes while guaranteeing the quality of interventions. As such, the Epool is in charge - anywhere, anytime – of monitoring and identifying crises that may arise. 

The Epool consists of the head of Epool, 1 medical deputy head of Epool and 2 Emergency Coordinators (EMCOs) based in Brussels, as well as officers in logistics, pharma, supply, administration, HR and finance supporting the EMCOs in all emergencies. 25 to 30 emergency responders - i.e. MIO Mobile Implementing Officer. 

Each EMCO manages 1 or 2 emergencies simultaneously, depending on the volume and complexity of the response. The EMCOs - whether medical or non-medical profile - work together with the medical deputy head of Epool and the medical officer to develop, review, implement, and monitor the medical strategy. 

As the Medical Officer for the EPool, you will participate in all aspects of the medical/operational management of Epool interventions as well as supporting the coordination of team resources. You will support the Medical Deputy Head of the Epool and the Medical Coordinators to ensure the quality of the medical response.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategy Implementation Planning 

• Co-design the Medical Operations (MedOps) strategy with the Emergency Co-ordinators (EmCo) and the Medical Deputy Head of Epool for emergency interventions, liaising with relevant medical referents for specific technical support

• Provide strategic input, leadership, and guidance to ensure plans are practical, achievable, and aligned with the medical priorities identified

• Ensure ongoing needs assessment throughout emergency interventions and support adaptation of projects according to both identified needs and MSF resources, aiming for prompt closure of interventions when no longer necessary to free up resources for further interventions

Strategic Oversight and Monitoring 

• Ensure comprehensive monitoring and follow-up of the medical strategy implementation across Epool interventions through regular and ad hoc support to the medical team

 Project Implementation 

• Provide regular support to emergency MedCos and PMRs in the implementation and follow-up of projects in coordination with the Medical Deputy Head

• Offer ad-hoc support as needed, ensuring that MedCos and PMRs have the resources and assistance they need in agreement with the Medical Deputy Head

Quality of Care (QoC) Implementation 

• Guide the medical teams in the programs to develop and enforce quality monitoring and improvement initiatives.

• Monitor the quality-of-care indicators, adapting to the emergency contexts to ensure standards remain high but aims are realistic

 Medical Activity Analysis 

• Monitor and analyze medical activities, ensuring data-driven decision-making in collaboration with the EmCOs and Epool team

• Review and analyze medical reports and data, providing constructive feedback and involving the medical referents and other Epool team members as necessary

• Propose improvements to existing management and follow up tools (dashboards and internal control mechanisms, etc.) that are user-friendly, effective and context adapted to enhance the oversight of emergency interventions.

• Support the compilation of medical data for monitoring, annual reports and typology

 Medical stock strategy and Management 

• Revise and validate medical orders within the agreed framework (budget, activity scope etc) 

• Define medical stock management strategy and monitor its implementation (e.g., GSDP, SoPs etc) in collaboration with the Epool pharma MIO, supply officer and project teams

Human Resources Planning and Management 

• Oversee the regular follow-up of HR needs of the missions, including the revision and planning of HR requirements and effective matching of staff, together with the HROs and Pool Managers

• Provide briefing and debriefing of key medical operations staff in the countries of intervention

• Gap-fill in projects or countries of intervention for E-Medco/PMR positions or participate in exploratory missions and emergency interventions as required

Budget Awareness

• Collaborate with the Epool team to ensure cost-awareness in medical decision-making, balancing quality of care with resource availability and emergency context

• Participate in emergency budget planning and management to ensure efficient allocation of resources to new and evolving emergency projects

Coordination with medical department:  

• Engage with medical referents bilaterally or lead group discussions/working groups to support emergency projects in the field and enhance collaborative efforts between the Epool and Medical department

• Participate in medical department meetings, in relevant circles and in MedOps meetings, contributing to departmental strategies with updates from the programs, and delivering relevant information to the project teams

Transversal/Technical Files 

• Work on transversal and technical files within the Epool remit (Data collection in emergencies, Epool intervention scenario planning, operational research in emergencies etc) within frameworks agreed with the Medical Deputy Head

Represent the Medical Deputy Head during absences or upon request, ensuring continuity of medical technical and strategic decision-making

 REQUIREMENTS 

 Education & Experience 

• Medical or paramedical/allied healthcare degree is mandatory
• Minimum 3 years’ medical team experience with MSF in several contexts
• Experience as Medical Coordinator with MSF
• Experience in MSF emergency interventions  
• Master’s degree in public health/Epidemiology and/or basic knowledge of Humanitarian law is a strong asset 

 Competencies 

• Collaborative approach to working

• Ability to work under pressure

• Medical strategic vision

• Broad medical knowledge related to MSF emergency interventions (Trauma care, Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, Nutrition, Vaccination, Infectious Diseases etc.)

• Ability to coach Epool mobile staff

• Flexibility

• Good communication skills (Written, oral and presentations)

• Demonstrable leadership skills

Languages 

• Proficiency in English and French, both written and spoken is mandatory

• Other languages relevant to MSF contexts (Arabic, Spanish, Swahili etc.) an asset

Other

• Available and willing for rapid and regular visits or assignments in any country of operations

CONDITIONS  

• Expected starting date: August 2025

• Location: Brussels (Belgium) 

• Contract type: Open-ended contract – Full-time  

• Mobility: 2 – 3 visits in MSF countries of intervention (2 to 4 weeks each) per year

• Salary according to MSF-OCB HQ grid 

• Meal Vouchers - Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs – maximum 1 day homeworking/week 

• 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: 8th of May

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 (preferably in PDF)  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. 

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, consult our privacy notice to job applicants.