Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) Lead

JOB PURPOSE

• Facilitate implementation of the AMR strategy, coordinating the three pillars against antibiotic resistance (ABR) and collaborating with the Chronic and Infectious Diseases team in their strategies against TB, HIV, and Malaria resistance, coherence, and critical analysis.
  
• Strengthen and further establish the wider MSF and field networking including on the relevant AMR international platforms. The postholder would work with actors across the MSF movement as well as external actors / initiatives in the global health and humanitarian sector, including acting as primary representative for MSF towards relevant actors. A key part of the role is to bring to MSF the analysis of the external environment related to AMR, to challenge and stimulate MSF on the development of their AMR programming and policies.
  
• Act as the focal person within OCA for AMR, from different sources and specialties (other infectious diseases e.g. HIV, TB, Malaria); together to inform policy, advocate for change and to achieve the OCA AMR objectives.
  

• Advance the integration of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) into MSF operations with a focus on risk identification and mitigation in emergency settings, and targeted approaches for high-risk populations.
  
• Oversee the development of transdisciplinary strategies to identify and address critical points along the chain of infection for priority populations, aiming to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases and AMR.
  
• Coordinate the three pillars of antibiotic resistance (ABR) and ensure coordination with the Chronic and Infectious Diseases Advisor – ABR Stewardship and the wide team regarding TB, HIV, and Malaria resistance strategy and health programme planning.
  
• Ensure AMR strategy aims, materials and research are shared with relevant multi-disciplinary teams to enhance quality of care and promote integration at the project level.
  
• Lead the integration of AMR risk identification and mitigation within Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPREP) planning across various emergency scenarios, in coordination with the E-Desk.
  
• Spearhead the diagnostic access initiative in order to expand operational access to diagnostic microbiology and near point of care testing.
  
• Provide expert advice and technical support to colleagues on interdisciplinary issues regarding AMR implementation.
  
• Advise on OCA planned AMR related Operational Research and the development of associated research concept notes and provide guidance on the dissemination of AMR related news, research and publications.
  
• Strengthen and widen MSF networking by engaging in the relevant AMR intersectional platforms to ensure coordination and cohesion to maximise the benefit to MSF operations.
  
• Ensure MSF is kept informed of and understands the external AMR environment.
  
• Execute field visits to coach and advise field staff on operational response to AMR.
  
• Ensure adequate reporting and presentation on the progress on AMR strategic plan objectives.
  
• Internally within OCA represent and promote the AMR dossier in meetings, events such as PHD Block days, CoDays and relevant trainings.
  
• Support MSF Communications and Fundraising aims, ensuring relevant outputs are available for donors.
  
• Collaborate with OCA entities and relevant Transformational Investment Capacity (TIC) projects.
  
• Be available to assist in emergency responses specific area of expertise with associated health and security risks.
  

▪ Specialist advisors working on AMR (diagnostics, stewardship, IPC) are dispersed in relevant teams across the OCA PHD, in order to increase visibility of the topic. The AMR Lead position therefore does not directly line manage the individual specialists, but coordinates their work in advancing OCA’s AMR goals.
▪ Support missions implementing AMR programming to plan the budget implications, including material and HR resourcing.
▪ People: Ensure MSF’s medical training, staff briefings and mentoring activities include awareness of AMR and the impact this may have on MSF’s future health programming.

Other Dimensions

The postholder will regularly engage with the OCA Public Health Department technical advisors working on AMR:

1. Chronic Care and Infectious Disease advisor – ABR Stewardship
   
2. IPC advisor
   
3. Microbiology advisor
   
4. Epidemiology advisor
   
5. Chronic Care and Infectious Disease Advisors – TB, HIV and Malaria
   
6. Research Lead
   

1. Health advisors
   
2. PHD Coordinators
   
3. Medical Coordinators
   
4. Medical Team Leads
   
5. Project AMR focal points
   

1. ABR coordination group
   
2. AMR advocacy and Analysis subgroup
   
3. ABR operational research subgroup
   

Requirements

• Generalist knowledge and understanding of current issues relating to AMR – especially within humanitarian settings.
  
• Knowledge/experience of current issues relating to global health policymaking, access to medicines and healthcare systems.
  

▪ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, listening and negotiation skills.

▪ Significant managerial experience working in humanitarian setting with MSF (or similar organisation) at country management and/or headquarters levels.

▪ Skilled at stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and building trusted relationships at all levels.

▪ Solid interpersonal skills with willingness and ability to communicate effectively with senior operational management, national authorities and other international organisations.

▪ Fluency in English is essential, with French and/or Arabic language ability being advantageous.

▪ Proven ability to translate complex data, insights, and trends into clear strategic recommendations.

▪ Knowledge and understanding of how global medical policies and guidelines are developed.  

▪ A demonstrable network of contacts within relevant medical and humanitarian actors, NGOs, academics.

▪ Ability to identify emerging risks, opportunities, and external trends that may impact organisational priorities.

▪ Strong understanding of strategic frameworks (e.g., SWOT, PESTLE, OKRs, Theory of Change).

Competencies

• Respect
  
• Integrity
  
• Humanity
  
• Accountability
  
• Empowerment:
  
• Collaboration
  

Benefits