Pathologist (MD)

Malawi has the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rate in the world. Eastern and Southern Africa, including Malawi, also has one of the highest HIV prevalence, which contributes significantly to the cancer incidence, as HIV positive women are significantly more likely to develop cervical cancer when infected with HPV.

MSF, in response to this need, is implementing a unique comprehensive oncology project in Malawi. The project aims to encompass all components of gynecologic oncology care (mostly cervical cancers) from primary to tertiary prevention through the collaborative work of a multidisciplinary medical team embedded at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) and community health centers in the Blantyre and Chiradzulu districts in Malawi.

The project is seeking a Histopathologist to work inside the pathology laboratory in QECH to assist the hospital in providing and improving the pathology-related services. Therefore, the diagnostic reading will not only be for gynecological cancers, but all histopathological samples.

The position is an ideal opportunity for a physician with a special interested in building up human resources capacity in resource-limited contexts, offering clinical mentorship and capacity-building of future providers of cancer care in Malawi and engaging in challenging experiences in project management and leadership. As the project is still new in its implementation phase, much flexibility, patience, and diligence will be required. The Histopathologist must be willing to step out of his/her comfort zone, take initiative, and be a proactive and cooperative member of the project team, as he/she may be asked to engage in not only clinical tasks, but also administrative, managerial, and teaching tasks.

Responsabilities

Under the supervision of the Project Medical Referent, the Histopathologist will be required to perform the following main activities:

Clinical Activities

• Oversee the quality of the histopathology services at QECH
• Provide timely and accurate diagnostic histopathology services by releasing histopathology reports and expert clinical feedback to the medical team time according to the needs of QECH laboratory include cytology, biopsy, surgical, and other biological specimens in a timely manner
• Participate in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings with other specialists, ensure that oncology care respects the international clinical guidelines and patients’ interest as best as possible taking in account the resources and context
• Standardize all histopathological reports according to international recommendations
• Supervise the MSF Laboratory Manager in the day-to-day management of the histopathology orders, stock management, SOP development as well as ensuring the safety environment by reducing biohazard risks and improving infection control
• Give technical guidance to the medical and logistical team in the collection, preparation, and transportation of the pathological samples

Teaching

• Provide teaching to medical students, interns and registrars and train the technicians in proper sample handing and preparation procedures.
• In partnership with the College of Medicine, Ministry of Health and external partners, explore the possibility of starting a specialist program in Malawi.

Monitoring and Evaluation / Operational Research

• Participate in the collection and analysis of epidemiological data, checking its validity and informing the line manager about any problem or complication of the patients’ illness, medical error and monitors the proper functioning of the department, equipment or material
• Participate in the development of project strategy, budget planning, and monitoring and evaluation (reporting) of related medical activities.
• Work with the MFP and the coordination in networking with the professional medical societies both locally and internationally. Participate in high-level meetings regarding pathology when requested by the mission
• Build an ambitious operational research agenda with the support of external academic partners and Epicentre.

Profile

• Completion of residency/clinical training in histopathology (essential)
• Board certification in (histo)pathology (essential)
• Experience in clinical teaching in pathology a major advantage
• Experience in resource limited settings are desirable, but not essential
• Ability to work and live with a diverse team
• Fluency in English (mandatory)
• Essential computer literacy (word, excel)
• Commitment to MSF’s principles
• Competencies:

1. Strategic Vision
2. Leadership
3. People Management and Development
4. Teamwork and Cooperation

Terms of Employment

• Field contract: 9-12 months (renewable), salary according to the international remuneration grid
• Vacation: 25 days per year, 5 additional days for a commitment of 12 months and recuperation days depending on workload
• Flight ticket: Supported at 100% when going to the field, coming back home and trips to Paris.
• Accommodation: Supported at 100%

Please submit your CV and cover letter to: [email protected]

Please note: Only selected candidates will be contacted