Job Opportunity: Project Medical Referent

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Operational Centre Brussels is looking for a: Project Medical Referent for the People Who Use Drugs, Kiambu Project in Kenya (m/f/x)

Operational Context

Our project aims at providing integrated medical care (including opioid substitution therapy OST) to People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) in Kiambu County, Kenya. Apart from the goal to ‘reduce morbidity and mortality among PWUD in the catchment population’, we also expect to gain experience as MSF in the delivery of comprehensive quality medical care to PWUD and document on our experience, not only to build institutional knowledge, but also to share lessons learned through publications, increasing our added value in developing programs elsewhere and to advocate for improved health care services for PWUD and for other key populations.

MSF runs a medically assisted therapy (MAT) clinic, in which free quality out-patient care (OST, mental health, Hepatitis C, HIV, TB, non-communicable diseases & social consultations) is offered to PWUD in Kiambu.) For end of 2021, the project aims to set up decentralized fixed dispensing of OST in 2 sites, in collaboration with the County. On top of this, a new component has been added to the strategy about MSF supporting the creation of a PWUD lead organization with the aim to conduct community activities link with Harm Reduction toward drug use.

An important component in the project is the partnership with National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP) and Kiambu County Ministry of Health, as integrating medical care to PWUD into public healthcare services relies heavily on the participation and engagement of the County. The MAT clinic is set up in a MOH health facility (Karuri hospital in Kiambaa Sub county), key staff is provided by the county, as well as some commodities (Methadone and Buprenorphine, ARVs, TB drugs, test kits, etc…), guidelines and standard procedures.

MSF partners as well with Liverpool Voluntary Counseling and Testing Health (LVCT) in charge of the drop-in centers and outreach Harm Reduction activities.

A communication, advocacy and lobby strategy is supporting the project development all throughout to push for the adoption of all aspects we are working on.

Main objectives

Purpose of the post

Participates in defining, planning and monitoring medical activities and programs in the project in accordance with MSF’s protocols as well as coordinates human and material related resources needed in order to ensure the quality of care provided by MSF.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the quality of medical activities in the MAT clinic as per national guidelines & MSF recommendations including toward Harm Reduction.
• Ensure integration process within Karuri Level 4 is ongoing to facilitate the exit strategy
• Ensure optimal data collection, analysis, reporting, documentation and develop operational research
• Develop, promote & implement Decentralization Strategy of OST & medical services
• Develop, promote & implement innovative community-based program for Harm Reduction services
• Develop, promote & implement lower threshold access to OST through review of the National Guidelines
• Ensure Liaison with partners form civil society and other stakeholders to coordinate different components of the project
• In collaboration with the project Coordinator, ensure the formation of PWUD led organization, support the training and empowerment of the members.

Requirements

Profile

• Medical Doctor
• INGO experience in coordination position

Experience

•  At least 2 years of clinical experience in care for People Who Use Drug, Opioid Substitution Therapy (both Methadone and Buprenorphine) and Harm Reduction program is mandatory.
• At least 2 years of INGO international experience in humanitarian settings in a similar coordination position is mandatory

Competencies

• People Management and Coaching skills
• Planning and organization
• Strategic vision
• Flexibility, adaptability and willingness to work in unstable environments
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Teamwork and Collaboration

Technical skills

• Data analysis, management and reporting
• Pharmacy management
• Clinical competencies

Languages

• Fluent English is mandatory – Swahili is an asset

Knowledge

• Essential computer literacy (Word, Excel, and internet)

Conditions

• Expected starting date: as soon as possible
• 24 months fixed-term field contract, based in Kiambu/ Kenya.
• Salary according to MSF-OCB Field salary scale. Transport, accommodation, vaccinations are taken in charge by MSF. Per diem + medical insurance.
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments
• A dynamic and stimulating work environment alongside multicultural colleagues.