Microbiology Mobile Implementation Officer

CONTEXT

The medical department of MSF Belgium (OCB - Operational Center Brussels) plays a strategic role by defining the modalities of implementation of MSF’s medical strategy in order to ensure coherence and quality. Strategical support is provided throughout the phases of the project cycle. It has a normative role and technical support role in the implementation and follow-up of the projects. The medical department ensures the transfer of knowledge to the medical workforce and stimulates research and innovation by challenging current medical practices and exploring of new approaches.  

It is composed of several specialists based in a network of units worldwide (Belgium, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and South Africa) and works in close collaboration with operations, other OCB departments and the MSF movement. We also support the projects of MSF West and Central Africa (WACA).  

Resistance to acute bacterial infections is a rapidly growing problem. WHO and public health leaders now consider antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to be one of the most important global public health issues. 

MSF is increasingly confronted with AMR in many of our projects, while recognizing that we only know a fraction of the extent of the problem, so AMR is a priority for MSF and is supported by a multidisciplinary team made up of members of the medical department (infection control, microbiology, infectious diseases and pharmacy). MSF strategy is based on a 3-pillar approach that includes infection prevention and control (IPC), antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and access to bacteriology diagnostics and surveillance activities (DX). 

Our microbiology laboratory and diagnostic capacity in the project is still very limited and therefore huge efforts are focused on increasing access to microbiology in our projects. Several strategies have been developed to adapt to the different contexts in which MSF works. To name a few, these include working with existing local microbiology laboratories, introducing conventional clinical bacteriology laboratories into our projects and developing innovations such as the minilab a small-scale, quality-assured, stand-alone, and transportable clinical bacteriology laboratory that can be easily used by non-experts after training given by a microbiologist. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

As a Microbiology Mobile Implementation Officer (MIO), your role is to deploy and support microbiology laboratories including the minilab within various projects, including microbiology laboratory assessments, audits, preparation of laboratory supply orders, staff recruitment process, and training of laboratory technicians according to MSF microbiology laboratory protocols. The implementor oversees all the clinical microbiology activities and work with the IPC / AMS team. Your role is to ensure that the clinical microbiology team is autonomous after your departure.  

Support for Microbiology laboratories/minilab 

• Audit and support conventional microbiology laboratories or minilabs in the projects 

• To perform external microbiology laboratory assessments in order to validate laboratories for referral of MSF samples  

• Support projects in the laboratory staff recruitment process, and training of laboratory technicians 

• Support the existing and future microbiology laboratories on local and international orders 

• Assist the stewardship and IPC committee during project visits and assist in collaboration with referents 

• Support the laboratory supervisor in reporting unusual resistance patterns and testing additional agents on request 

• Ensure proper collection, recording and reporting of microbiology laboratory activities, implementing correct use of the WHONET monitoring program during project visits 

• Provide training on  

• Microbiology procedures according to MSF protocols 

• WHONET for project users 

• Interpretation of microbiology test results 

• Engage with the nursing team to ensure proper collection, storage and transport of microbiological samples according to existing standard operating procedures 

Collaboration  

• Reporting is done to the OCB Microbiologist referent Priorities for project visits are decided by the microbiologist referents in consultation with the medical responsible of the cells 

• The position falls under the responsibility of the country medical coordinator during project visits 

• Ensure involvement of Ministry of Health (MOH) staff to promote collaboration and consistency of practice 

• Work closely with the ASand IPC project responsible or MIOs to ensure a holistic approach in regard to prevention and control of infection 

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience 

• Medical Laboratory technologist with a Master/PhD in clinical microbiology OR Biologist with a Master/PhD in clinical microbiology OR Clinical microbiology MD OR Clinical pharmacist with a Master/PhD in microbiology 

• 3 years of experience in a hospital bacteriology department is mandatory 

• MSF experience working in bacteriology laboratories is an asset 

• Hands-on experience in conventional bacteriology laboratory including bacterial isolation, identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and analysis of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms 

Competencies 

• A high degree of work autonomy and diplomacy is required 

• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, contexts, tasks, responsibilities and people 

• Ability to handle large volumes of work under pressure, tracking multiple projects or activities, and deliver quality results on time 

• Good communication and training skills 

• Good analytical skills 

• Teamwork 

• Flexibility 

• Proficient use of MS-Office 365 

Languages 

• Fluency in spoken French and English is mandatory. Excellent writing skills in one of these languages are also required  

• Arabic is an asset 

Other 

• Willingness and ability to spend up to 70% of the time in international projects. Duration of one project presence can vary between 2 weeks up to 2 months to support implementation of a microbiology labs  

• Flexibility for travel at short notice 

CONDITIONS 

• Expected starting date: 01/07/2025 

• Location: based in Brussels (Belgium), Nairobi (Kenya) or Abidjan (Ivory Coast)  

• Other location/s where there is an MSF entity could be exceptionally discussed. The final outcome depends on the residency of the candidate, the local legal limitations (residency, work permit, etc.) and on agreement with the hosting MSF entity of these locations  

• Mobility: up to 70% in MSF projects 

• Contract type: Fixed-term contract – Full-time  

• Contract duration: 12 months (extension possible) 

• Salary according to MSF salary grid 

• Medical Insurance 100% covered as per international package - 45 paid leaves 

• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment 

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments 

Deadline for applications: 2nd of June 2025 

HOW TO APPLY? 

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button   
➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position   
➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete.  Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (preferable in PDF)   

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.  

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