Ebola Focal Point

Ebola Focal Point

In just two months since the official declaration of the Ebola disease outbreak, we are already confronted with the third largest Ebola outbreak and the fastest on record, with nearly 2,000 confirmed cases in DRC to date. Additionally, the current outbreak has already achieved a broader geographic footprint than the 20182020 outbreak and has done so in a matter of months. With more than 700 deaths since the official declaration of the Ebola disease outbreak in Uganda and DRC, the situation remains a public health emergency. More than 1,400 MSF staff are currently responding in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, working alongside the Congolese health authorities.

The MSF USA Ebola Focal Point will act as the centralized focal point of contact for an efficient emergency staffing response from MSF USA coordinating essential information flow, processes and resources pertaining to the Ebola outbreak response from MSF USA IHR Department. The Ebola focal point will lead the MSF USA core response team which include representatives from IHR, People OPS, Talent, US Medical Unit and other stakeholders as needed. The Ebola Focal Point is accountable for the implementation of US staff return protocols and post assignment observation period follow-up as per MSF and US CDC standards. This role is temporary and will fulfill a vital immediate need and has an anticipated duration of 6 months, minimally through the end of 2026.

The Ebola Focal Point will:

• Coordinate MSF USA Ebola response multi-disciplinary team composed of representatives from IHR, Talent, People OPS, US Medical Unit and acts as Team Lead overseeing preparedness, implementation and follow-up of MSF USA staffing response.
• Report regularly on MSF USA response, challenges, achievements and plans.
• Serve as a point of contact for non-medical matters for the OC SHU Ebola Focal points to ensure MSF-USA is up to date on their policies and procedures, overseeing information flow to the relevant personnel in the P&C department and others in MSF-USA.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders to ensure that MSF-USA policies for post-return surveillance and employment are approved by OC counterparts and compliant with US specific (USG, CDC) and MSF standards.
• Support IHROs and P&C department in confirming OC and MSF-US pre departure and post return requirements.
• Oversee the department's Ebola action planning tool in collaboration with the IHR Director, ensure that adequate support and resources are available to the team.
• Liaise with the P&C subunits (People OPS, IHR, Talent team) and other relevant stakeholders as needed to ensure optimal communication and information sharing.
• Conduct as required Ebola specific briefings/debriefings for Mobile Staff to maintain clarity of information, coherence of preparedness and feedback loops.
• Coordinate pre-departure health related questions (between IMS<->SHU) and ensure that answers provided are consistent with OC and MSF USA Policies.
• Work in close collaboration with the Global Mobility team to anticipate and manage IMS movements to and from the Ebola context, ensuring all staff returning from the Ebola context complete the 'Return Form' and are informed of what to expect upon return.
• Liaise with Director of US Health Unit in order to finalize return plan for IMS based on risk assessment, MSF-USA policy, and local health authority guidelines.
• Conduct regular check-ins with IMS during their monitoring period post return (as needed per CDC/local health authorities recommendations)
• Refer medical questions/concerns to the Director of US Health Unit as needed
• Update internal Ebola knowledge management repository on Sharepoint to ensure traceability of decisions/ actions/ communications and capitalization of knowledge
• Provide comprehensive wrap-up /lessons learnt assessment at end of the intervention for the continuous improvement of processes in MSF USA ahead of future interventions.

The Ebola Focal Point will use comprehensive knowledge and skills to act independently while guiding and training others on making sure that the organization manages its employee relations within a clear framework that embodies corporate values and policies, while also complying with all legal requirements. The Ebola Focal Point will also use comprehensive knowledge and skills to work independently while providing guidance and training to others on developing, monitoring, interpreting and understanding policies and procedures, while making sure they match organizational strategies and objectives.

MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity, and contribute by creating the new and different. MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs. MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals. MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and by continuously seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.

Desired Qualifications & Experience: At a minimum the Job Holder should possess: demonstrated experience with and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Adherence to MSF safeguarding principles, culture and standards. Genuine interest in and commitment to the humanitarian principles of MSF. Minimum 2 years of international humanitarian experience in supervisory/coordination roles. Demonstrated understanding of, and prior experience with, HR policies applicable to international mobile staffing.

Preferable assets: Medical or paramedical background with prior knowledge of US health authorities' structure (central/state/county level). Prior experience in Viral Hemorrhagic Fever outbreak response (based in US or in programme-countries). Good knowledge and understanding of MSF emergency response structures, Operational Centers, Staff Health Units and Mobile staff deployment process.

Travel Requirements: Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international business travel.

Office Location: NYC (Hybrid- in office Tuesdays and Wednesdays) This role is based in New York, where most of the team and operational infrastructure are located. Due to current staffing and budget constraints, we're unable to support this position in our Washington, DC, or California offices.

Compensation: $78,399 to $117,599 annually; In alignment with MSF USA's compensation framework, new hires are generally offered between the minimum and midpoint of the range based on relevant experience, skills, and internal equity.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations Statement: MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws. We seek a diversity of experience and skills for our workplace and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our openings. We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at recruitment@newyork.msf.org.

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.

Safeguarding Statement: All Employees and Representatives of MSF USA have a duty to treat the individuals, families, and communities with whom we interact and serve with dignity and respect, and to ensure their safety and protection. We are committed to fostering a workplace and organizational culture that is safe, inclusive, and free from harassment, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. This commitment is supported by policies and procedures that promote an environment where misconduct and abuse are not tolerated. Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory reference checks and/or background screening appropriate to the responsibilities of the role.