Staff Health Responsible

ABOUT MSF

Doctors without Borders (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation committed to two objectives: providing medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, natural and man-made disasters; and speaking out about the plight of the populations assisted. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. Today, MSF is present in more than 70 countries, where thousands of MSF doctors, nurses, logisticians, water-and-sanitation experts, and other medical and non-medical professionals work together to bring essential health services to people caught in humanitarian crises.

SUBJECT AND DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose

Lead the establishment and strategic development of the MSF SnA Staff Health Unit, including staff health policies, systems and services for MSF SnA staff and other MSF staff visiting, transiting, training or referred for medical care in South Africa. Coordinate medical referrals and evacuations with relevant stakeholders. Provide senior-level medical-technical advice and represent MSF SnA in relevant humanitarian medical-operational meetings, networks and coordination platforms, while respecting the mandates of operational and advocacy teams.

Technical and Operational Responsibilities

MSF SA Office Staff Health

• Lead the establishment and ongoing development of the Staff Health Unit, including defining its operating model, priorities, coordination arrangements and medium-term staff health strategy in alignment with MSF standards.
• Provide line management and functional leadership to psychologists and other staff assigned to the Staff Health Unit, including coordination, performance management and oversight of service delivery (subject to confirmation of reporting lines).
• Provide evidence-based strategic advice to the HR and Administration Director and senior management on staff health risks, priorities, emerging needs and improvements to staff health services.
• Support the development and implementation of the necessary sensitization/awareness and training of all staff where necessary.
• Act as the staff focal point on the medical insurance issues for MSF SnA; inform/brief all staff on health coverage; and link with insurance providers, medical specialists, and hospitals for follow-up.
• Inform/brief all staff on the health situation and risks in South Africa; ensure the availability of preventive measures when necessary; and ensure staff have access to necessary information.
  
  MSF Staff in Transit/MEDEVAC
• In collaboration with the OC Staff health Units (SHUs) and Mission Medical responsible, support any staff referred to for medical care per the MedEvac guidelines.
• Review from time to time the health structures in South Africa to maintain an up-to-date list of the level of quality available; and ensure these are covered in the insurance plan and providers lists in the country.
• Identify medical institutions where necessary to facilitate agreements to ensure efficiency in provision of care and support of staff.
• Coordinate contact with the referral hospital in South Africa prior to and during the entire period of stay or follow up of the staff.
• Liaise with ISOS and the MedCo/Staff health referent in cases where further medical intervention is required beyond what is available in South Africa.
• Act as family liaison if needed, provide support to the person/family and make a recommendation for psychological support to the Psychologist where needed (in close collaboration and on request of OC’s).

MSF SA International Mobile staff pool

• Ensure that staff are adequately briefed and de-briefed, with the information necessary provided by and shared/discussed with the contracting OC.
• On OC SHU request, provide support with annual/periodical health international mobile staff who may need to come to South Africa for a health check, ensure that the system is implemented and functioning well.
• Follow-up on post-mission health issues of international/regional staff.
• Update lists of, and foresee agreements, with hospitals/clinics/facilities/specialists where staff can be supported.
  
  Medical-operational Representation, engagement, and coordination
• Represent MSF SnA at senior level in relevant MSF and external meetings, technical forums and coordination platforms concerning humanitarian medical operations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with MSF medical departments, operational centres, relevant health institutions and regional humanitarian medical networks to support medical-operational coordination and collaboration.
• Provide medical-technical input and advice to MSF SnA senior management on emerging humanitarian health priorities, medical-operational developments and opportunities for collaboration.
• Promote coherence and coordination of medical-operational initiatives with other MSF entities in the region, respecting established operational decision-making structures.
• Participate in relevant medical-operational platforms and contribute technical input to discussions and strategies within the MSF SnA mandate.
• Coordinate with relevant operational and advocacy teams where medical-operational matters intersect with advocacy, while maintaining a clear distinction between medical-technical representation and advocacy responsibilities.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure confidentiality of personal/medical information of staff through compliance to General Data Protection Regulation and be the GDPR champion for the Staff Health area.
• Be part of the occupational health and safety committee for the MSF SA office and ensure compliance with the Occupational safety and health (OSH) ACT, through license acquisition and following up implementation of the OSH recommendations.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE

• A degree in Medicine or equivalent (MD or equivalent).
• Must be Registered with the relevant Council.
• Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of French and a third language is an added advantage.
• Good knowledge and understanding of case management
  

YEARS AND NATURE OF EXPERIENCE

• At least two (2) to three (3) years of post-graduate clinical experience.
• At least two (2) to three (3) years of proven leadership and team management experience
• Experience with MSF in medical leadership or other humanitarian NGOs is an added advantage.
• Experience in the field of occupational health and networking is desirable.

CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

Technical Competencies

• Ability to discuss/challenge case management.
• Ability to administer emergency medical care.
• IT Skills
• Medical stock management skills

Behavioral/General Competencies

• Commitment to MSF’s Principles
• Cross-cultural Awareness
• Strategic Vision
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Service Orientation
• Planning and Organizing
• Initiative and Innovation
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• People Management and Development
• Networking and Building Relationships
• Security awareness and Management

Deadline: 26 November 2026

Important note:
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, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other diversity characteristic.
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Kindly note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you don't hear from us after 1 month, please consider your application unsuccessful.