MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We are a non-profit, self-governed worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people.
We provide emergency medical assistance during armed conflict, natural disasters, outbreaks of deadly diseases, and assist those who are excluded from healthcare. MSF delivers care based on need and when we see injustice, we speak out. We are an organization that remains impartial, knowledgeable, and effective, and this is what makes the difference between life and death.
People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they work together.
The Public Health Department (PHD) is responsible for providing strategic direction and integrated advice on medical and public health issues to project sites and country programmes, in cooperation with other departments in headquarters. The PHD plays a key role in developing and maintaining the medical humanitarian identity and image of MSF-OCA, and in continuing to develop and improve intervention strategies to be relevant and effective.
The department is made up of a group of generalist Health Advisors and Health Programme Managers (based in Amsterdam, Nairobi and Berlin) and medical and public health specialists providing expert support in a wide range of fields: paediatrics, nutrition, water and sanitation, pharmacy, child protection, etc.
The Manson Unit, a medical unit based in MSF-UK and part of the PHD, brings expertise on subjects such as chronic care and infectious diseases, epidemiology, eHealth and social sciences. In addition, the Manson Unit coordinates the operational research we do to assess the provision of healthcare in our projects and suggest improvements that will directly benefit the populations we serve, according to medical, ethical, and humanitarian principles.
With immediate effect, the Public Health Department is looking for a:
Neglected Tropical Diseases Advisor
- Preferably based in Amsterdam -
- 30% in country programmes – 70% in office -
Main objective
The objective of the position is to provide strategic and technical support to OCA’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) projects and promote and support further the integration of NTD services in OCA health projects, to further improve MSF’s capacity to provide quality medical care.
In the next strategic cycle (2026-2031), OCA will build on its current strengths around Noma, leishmaniasis (visceral and cutaneous), and snakebite. We will integrate new models of care for early detection, prevention and to improve access in our existing programmes while we influence global policy. Beyond the current strengths, OCA will improve recognition and detection of dengue, rabies, and female genital schistosomiasis in our existing programmes and support decision-making on our future priorities.
The NTD advisor works in close collaboration with other NTD advisors, colleagues in the field and HQ, as well the laboratory specialists and colleagues supporting the implementation of NTD-related activities in OCA projects. The advisor will be part of the OCA laboratory and NTD team, as well as the MSF intersectional NTD platform.
Responsibilities and activities
Provide specialist strategic, clinical and technical input on NTDs to MSF programmes, initially with specific focus on Noma, but with joint ownership of the entire dossier with other NTD advisors
Provides leadership in operational research for NTDs, and executes field visits for study initiation, monitoring and training
Represent MSF-OCA on intersectional MSF technical platforms (in particular NTD), and synergise capacities between the MSF’s operational centres
Represent MSF-OCA externally: liaise with relevant external specialists and institutions on all aspects of NTDs to cooperate and exchange knowledge
Disseminate MSF’s experience in NTDs including advocacy based on identified needs
Candidate profile
Education, qualification, and experience
Medical doctorate, with additional degrees with focus on relevant infectious diseases or tropical medicine
Valid registration (BIG or similar) as medical doctor
Minimum of 3 years of experience, e.g. as a medical doctor or other specialist within MSF or another relevant humanitarian medical organisation
Proficiency in the English language (C1 level); proficiency in French and/or Arabic will be an asset
In-depth knowledge of relevant medical specialty including post-graduate training if required for that specialty
Experience with, and demonstrated interest in NTDs
Commitment and passion for the goals of MSF
Capacities and skills
Good analytical skills or/and advocacy skills are crucial
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Sensitive towards diverse cultural and professional backgrounds
Independent; able to work with minimal supervision
Able to work under time pressure on various projects and deadlines at any given time
Innovative, able to lead and coach teams, and produce timely outputs
Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams
Willingness and ability to spend approximately 30% of the time in project visits and the remaining time in office. Duration of field presence will typically be 2 to 4 weeks according to needs.
We offer
A Dutch employment contract based on 40 hours per week, for a duration of one year with the possibility of extension based on a satisfactory performance appraisal. This is a permanent position.
A gross monthly salary between €4,875 and €6,711 a month depending on relevant work experience, based on a full-time appointment.
An environment that fosters diversity, with colleagues from around the world representing various cultures and backgrounds.
Other benefits include:
30 days off (based on a full-time employment)
A premium free pension where MSF covers 100% of the monthly pension contribution
8% holiday allowance, paid out with the salary in May
Commuting allowance (terms and conditions apply) & work from home allowance
L&D will support you with a variety of learning and development opportunities with internal and external trainings and courses
An environment that fosters diversity, with colleagues from around the world representing various cultures and background
If you are based outside the Netherlands, local labor law, salaries, and benefits will apply.
Application
Do you recognise yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply directly via our website and upload a letter of motivation + Curriculum Vitae (in English) as one combined document, including a description on your practical and hands on capacity and experience (could be an example of practice), and how you think this will help you in this advisory role.
The closing date for applications is 31 August 2025 at 23:59 CET. Selection will be by means of one or two interview rounds and a test might be part of the process. Additionally, a registration in your expert field and a certificate of good conduct/VOG is needed should you be selected for the role.
Please note the application deadline specified above may be subject to change at MSF-Netherland’s discretion.
The recruitment process could be started with suitable candidates and interviews could be held continuously before the closing date. In the situation that a candidate is found before the closing date, we may close the vacancy earlier.
Information
For more information about the recruitment procedure, please contact Irene Tellekamp (Recruitment Team) at [email protected].
For more information about the position, please contact Erwan Piriou (Public Health Coordinator, Laboratory and NTD team) at [email protected].
***No agencies please***
