MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES

Radiologist

The overall purpose of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is to preserve life and alleviate suffering,
while protecting human dignity and seeking to restore the ability of people to make their own
decisions. MSF accomplishes this through the provision of medical aid and a personal
commitment to act as witness to events surrounding populations in danger. This work is
essentially performed in periods of crisis, when a situation is no longer held in balance and the
very survival of a population may be threatened. The underlying basis for realizing MSF’s
objectives is respect for medical ethics, humanitarian principles, human rights and international
humanitarian law.

BACKGROUND OF THE POSITION

In 2007 an MSF intersectional working group on diagnostics was formed including a subgroup,
which focused on Diagnostic Imaging (DI). The working group determined key recommendations
in a “Diagnostic Strategy 2008-2010” and is currently seeking an MSF Intersection radiologist
who can support in the implementation of the following key recommendations:
• Ultrasound for diagnosis in hospitals where MSF supports
obstetrics/gynaecology and/or surgical programs
• X-ray in TB/HIV programs
• X-ray in all surgical programs with orthopaedic focus

PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

• Hierarchically, the radiologist is accountable to the international Medical Coordinator
• S/He works under functional guidance of the Medical Director of the section where s/he
is based
• S/He works under the guidance of the Diagnostic Network leader

OBJECTIVES OF THE FUNCTION

• Support the translation of the recommendations of the “diagnostic strategy 2008-2010”
regarding DI into action
• Increase diagnostic imaging capacity, quality and availability in MSF’s field programs
• Act as diagnostic imaging advisor for medical/public health departments and field staff
for all MSF sections
• Stimulate debate in MSF (Operational Centers and field) by discussing key
issues/questions raised regarding Diagnostic Imaging

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 • Collaborate with the team of biomedical engineers for the selection and follow up of
use/performance of the equipment

KEY TASKS OF THE FUNCTION

• Support health advisors/medical department staff and field teams on the translation of
strategy objectives and policies into a work plan
• Attend and contribute in internal platforms as MSF radiologist (e.g. diagnostic
imaging/surgical/reproductive health/TB WG)
• Report regularly to the DN leader on progress and activities and upon request to Medical
Directors, relevant WGs and DN
• Prepare priority and working plan regarding diagnostic imaging in MSF and present to
DN and medical directors
• Follow-up and ensure realization of disease specific recommendations of the diagnostic
strategy with disease specific WG
• Evaluate use and quality of US/X-rays in field trips and document through report writing
• Develop and establish a quality assurance system regarding DI for MSF
• Develop procedure manual for radioprotection
• Liaise with health advisors (HA) and Medical Coordinators regarding radiation law in
countries where MSF operates
• Maintain up to date overviews on international research and development on new
diagnostic imaging diagnostics relevant for MSF’s programs
• Maintain a relevant folder on Tukul for field and HQ access
• Liaise with training/routine imaging institutions for Expat & National staff training
• Develop training material and conduct trainings for US and X-ray
• Act as focal point on DI for MSF: support and advise HQ and field staff on clinical and
technical aspects of diagnostic imaging
• Ensure dissemination and debate on the Diagnostic Imaging in MSF, especially
Operations and Medical Departments, e.g. by discussing key issues
• Participate to briefing /debriefing of some expatriates in several sections (e.g. surgeons,
gynecologists)
• Participate to the intersectional group for the selection, the availability, the best prices of
quality equipment and advise procurement if needed in collaboration with ITC and the
bioengineers
• Coordinate the establishment and maintenance of contacts/networks between MSF and
international health authorities (e.g. WHO), bioengineering companies and other relevant
stakeholders for technical issues linked with diagnostic imaging

PROFILE
Professional Training
• Medical qualification (MD) with specialization in radiology
• Experience in diagnosing tropical diseases via US and X-ray
Work experience
• Broad international experience in working in resource-limited settings is a MUST
• Extensive experience of US in obstetrics in resource-limited settings

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 • Ideally NGO working experience in humanitarian crisis situations
• Experience in developing manuals and policies
• Experience in management, training and coaching
• Experience in Quality Assurance systems in radiology
Specific skills
• Excellent networking and communication skills incl. proven ability of report writing
• Ability to motivate and lead medical colleagues
• Ability to work as part of a team on cross-cutting themes, and to translate strategy and
policy into operational realities for the field
• Ability to create a supportive and stimulating atmosphere with colleagues
• Proven initiative in taking on new areas of work/skills
• Enthusiastic, motivated and independent; able to work with minimal supervision
• Computer literacy: Microsoft office is essential
• Fluent in English and French (reading and writing)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Expected time period
From September/October 2008 for 6 months full time with possible extension. After 6 months
and an evaluation, the TOR and the time basis will be reviewed.
The position will be based one of the medical departments (Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam,
Barcelona or Geneva). Field visits and regular travels to the other medical departments are
planned.
Salary
At level of a health specialist, to be contracted with section where s/he is posted and invoiced to
the IO (Isabelle Saussereau).
The position is open till 15/08/08
CV and motivation letter should be sent by mail, fax or email to
Isabelle Saussereau Fax: +41 22 849 8404
Email: isabelle.saussereau@msf.org

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