Paediatrician

Primary Objective


Deliver outpatient and/or inpatient pediatric care to patients/beneficiaries in accordance with current medical knowledge, MSF protocols, values, and universal hygiene standards to enhance the health conditions of newborns and children/beneficiaries


Role Overview


Utilize medical expertise for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of children, ensuring comprehensive newborn and pediatric care through Emergency, OPD, and IPD services in Newborns and malnutrition cases. Prescribe necessary treatments while adhering to MSF protocols
Work closely with various hospital departments (e.g., Maternity), ensuring all updated MSF medical protocols and universal precautions are followed and implemented, minimizing bio-hazard risks and improving infection control
As a pediatrics expert, suggest strategy modifications for current newborn and pediatric care management and implement them after validation from Operation and Pediatric Advisor
Provide ongoing newborn and pediatric training (formal and bedside) to the medical/paramedical multidisciplinary team to optimize newborn and pediatric care quality
Examine and discuss selected complex cases or errors and provide technical input
Inform patients and their families about illnesses and treatments, ensuring comprehension
Maintain professional autonomy and confidentiality, demonstrating a proper bedside manner towards patients, caretakers, and the medical team
Monitor hospitalized/IDP patients through daily visits, consultations, and examinations, prescribing necessary treatments according to MSF protocols, determining discharge or transfer to other departments in collaboration with other doctors, and updating families on patient progress
Oversee the proper functioning of the department, equipment, and materials, addressing missing items for newborn and pediatric activities. Contribute to the general organization of pediatric wards, including admission, transfer, and discharge criteria + referral procedures from Maternity and post-delivery wards
Verify and manage the rational distribution of medicines and equipment under your responsibility, ensuring quality, disinfection, and sterilization of medical materials
Ensure compliance with hygiene standards
Participate in improving the collection and analysis of epidemiological newborn and pediatric data, verifying its validity and informing the line manager or project coordinator about patient complications and medical errors
Gather clinical cases for future training and compile suggestions to enhance current MSF protocols
Manage the team under your direct supervision according to MSF HR policies and procedures, overseeing their performance, organizing shifts and rotations, and participating in emergencies and on-call duties when necessary
Develop and conduct staff training as required
Debrief with coordination, headquarters (including Pediatric Advisor) and provide written reports on main findings, activities, conclusions, and recommendations


MSF Section/Context Specific Duties

Staff Training Supervision and Skill Transfer:


Conduct ongoing training (formal and bedside) for medical and paramedical staff
Ensure training aligns with the latest medical trends, treatment techniques, and MSF protocols
Analyze complex cases, guide staff on technical aspects, and address mistakes to improve overall team competencies. Foster a collaborative learning environment


Patient Follow-Up and Care Coordination:


Perform daily rounds to assess patient progress, including IPD admissions
Regularly examine hospitalized patients, manage ongoing treatment, and collaborate with the medical team to determine discharge or further treatment needs
Keep families informed of patient progress


Department Oversight and Resource Management:


Supervise the effective operation of pediatric wards and neonatal areas, ensuring appropriate organization for patient admission, transfer, and discharge procedures
Provide regular updates on resource and equipment status, identifying missing or needed items to enhance care delivery


Quality Assurance and Infection Control:


Ensure rational distribution of medicines, equipment, and materials within the department. Adhere to hygiene, sterilization, and infection prevention standards
Conduct regular inspections to maintain the highest standards of patient safety and care


Training and Capacity Building:


Identify pediatric medical team training needs and design relevant training modules
Actively participate in team development through workshops, case reviews, and practical sessions aimed at improving overall healthcare standards


Reporting and Documentation:


Regularly update Project/coordination teams and provide written reports on key activities, observations, challenges, and outcomes. Include insights and recommendations for further improving pediatric care within the organization


Emergency Care Involvement:


Actively participate in emergency responses, ensuring efficient management of pediatric cases during critical situations, including trauma, epidemics, or natural disasters
Collaborate closely with emergency medical teams to provide comprehensive, immediate care to affected children


Quality Control and Protocol Review:


Actively engage in the continuous review and updating of pediatric care protocols
Participate in reviewing clinical cases for training purposes and suggest updates based on recent medical evidence and MSF practices


Requirements

Educational Qualification:


Candidates must possess a Medical Doctor Diploma from a recognized university
Pediatrics specialist qualification


Experience:


Minimum 3 years experience as a Medical Doctor in a pediatric hospital
Experience with other NGOs and/or in developing countries is preferred


Language:


Essential English and Hausa languages are desirable


Knowledge:


Essential computer literacy (word, excel, and internet)
Updates knowledge before each mission, according to the most current MSF newborn and pediatric protocols


Competencies:


People Management and Development
Results and Quality Orientation
Behavioral Flexibility
Commitment to MSF Principles
Teamwork and Cooperation