Fistula surgeon Consultant – Baidoa Regional Hospital – Baidoa, Somalia

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

FOR CONSULTANCY

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF) – SOMALIA MISSION

MSF is an independent humanitarian medical organization providing emergency medical aid to populationsin need.

MSF Somalia mission is seeking a qualified person for the position below:

	Job Title	: Fistula surgeon Consultant
	Work Location	: Baidoa Regional Hospital_Somalia
	Start date	: As soon as possible
	Length of contract	: 2 weeks (Dates to be defined)

Background

Women in Somalia live in a highly uncertain context where healthcare infrastructure and maternal health programs have been disrupted and limited in availability for decades. Somalia, along with South Sudan and Ethiopia, faces significant challenges in accessing obstetric care, leading to higher rates of VVF following vaginal births at home. The majority of fistula cases in Somalia are due to obstructed labor, which are mainly driven by the limited access to maternal health centers and poor health-seeking behavior of the mothers. Another major contributing factor to fistula prevalence in Somalia is the widespread practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). According to a 2023 report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), approximately 98% of women in Somalia have undergone FGM, which significantly increases the risk of obstructed labor and subsequent fistula development. Furthermore, access to repair surgery is limited in Somalia, with 45% of patients waiting over a year for treatment.

Based on that, in October 2024, MSF conducted a fistula assessment in Somalia, which confirmed the high burden of fistula and the scarcity of services, as well as the lack of awareness of the community. The decision was taken by MSF to initiate a comprehensive fistula repair program, providing holistic Obstetric Fistula care, including a capacity-building component. Given the fact that MSF is already supporting a CEmONC in Baidoa Regional Hospital, in southwest state of Somalia, the Fistula care program proposal insists on the integration of the fistula care within Baidoa project.

However, the knowledge & experience in dealing with fistula care within Somalia, especially within MSF Baidoa medical team, is quite limited for now. That is the reason why, the mission would appreciate to benefit of the expertise of an experienced fistula surgeon.

Purpose of the position

Organize and carry out surgery activities, ensure pre and post-operative surgical care, in accordance with MSF policies, protocols and universal hygiene standards and in close collaboration with medical staff in the emergency, intensive wards and operation theatre in order to improve patients’ health conditions.

Contribute to the proper roll out of the program in working in close collaboration with the managerial and medical teams. Progressively contribute in building capacity of the medical and paramedical team.

Accountabilities

Coordinates the implementation of MSF clinical policies, tools, guidelines, and protocols (antibiotic prophylaxis, post-operative pain management, thrombo-prophylaxis, caesarean section, vesico-vagina fistula/ recto-vagina fistula repair, blood transfusion, etc) and recommendations (standard hygiene and sterilization rules, prevention to HIV, TB, Syphilis and Hep B exposure) in order to minimize clinical risks.

Undertake pre-operative consultations, evaluating the surgical risks with the anesthetist and/or other medical staff involved, and obtaining the patient’s signed consent to operate.

Carry out emergency and programmed surgical intervention following MSF protocols and policies including swab counts, ensuring appropriate use of surgical equipment and proper OT registry entry/documentation of all OT intervention.

Carry out post-operative clinical care and ward rounds collaborating with the anesthetist, the Operating Theatre Nurse and ward staff or other Unit Managers to ensure compliance with MSF protocols and rational use of medicines. Attend OPD, emergency room when required.

In collaboration with the anesthetist, carry-out the collection and analysis of quantitative surgical- anesthesia data, using post-operative observation sheets, routine data collected, patient files, operating department register, patient file, etc to monitor quality. Monthly revue data and analyze clinical trends and comment on adverse events / poor clinical outcome. Support organizing the operating program and with OT staff monitor use of material and equipment and advice on instrument needs and coordinates patient referral.

Carry out planned surgical intervention (VVF, RVF and perineal tear repair) following MSF protocols and policies including swab counts, ensuring appropriate use of surgical equipment and proper OT registry entry/documentation of all OT intervention.

Provide health care related to gynecology and obstetrics to patients, including prevention, diagnosis and treatment of obstetric fistula e. g implementation of indwelling urinary catheter for mothers who suffered prolonged labour with bladder atony, stress incontinence, Detrusor over-activity, suspected bladder injury during surgery, or rectovaginal fistula.

Knows and helps implement the accidental blood exposure policy.

Participate in the regular review and update of the VVF nursing protocol in collaboration with other team members, managers, and the surgical referents.

Plan, evaluate, and supervise the training of the staff (Doctors, Nurses, counsellors, Physiotherapist, Occupational therapist) in order to ensure the amount of knowledge required and to improve people diagnosis, triage, and early detection capabilities.

Participate and conduct surgical trainings and workshops with the VVF managing teams to improve the quality of care for the VVF and RVF patients.

Supports other medical teams/wards when needed (i.e. midwifes and obstetric teams in the maternity ward, etc.)

Project Site Specific accountabilities

INITIATE the following activities, in collaboration with the Medical Activity Manager:

Daily round and clinic reviews for inpatients and patients on follow-up for decision making, especially complicated cases who are inoperable

Preparation of surgery list. Prepare for and participate in pre and post-operative clinics. Ensure treatment plan is clear/ understood by residing medical doctor.

Prepare qualified patients for final discharge on possible or best obstetric options and future avoidance for risk of fistula reoccurrence.

Propose or Review unit protocol from time to time and organize trainings for Fistula care unit staff. Ensure physiotherapy and counselling are spelt out on first visit and subsequently post operatively. Review statistics and share analysis with Medical Activity Manager /Medical Team leader

Requirements

Education:		Medical degree with specialization in Surgery, Gynecology, or Obstetrics.
	FIGO Fistula Surgery Training is mandatory
Experience:		Significant Fistula Surgical experience
	Desirable experience with MSF or other NGO’s in developing countries.
Languages:		Essential: English; Somali would be an asset.
Knowledge:		Computer literacy essential.
Competencies:		People Management.
		Commitment.
		Flexibility.
		Results.
		Teamwork.

If you meet the above requirements, please apply through the link attaching your CV & motivation letter as a single file by 31^st January 2026”. The detailed advertisement and application portal can be accessed via the following link: https://ko-hr.kenya.msf.org/jobs

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

(MSF is an equal Employer and does not charge any application/recruitment or training fee).

Disclaimer – Qaran Jobs

Qaran Jobs is an independent job advertising platform in Somalia. We are not the employer or recruiter and do not charge any fees. While we strive for accuracy, vacancy details and closing dates may change; applicants should verify information with the recruiting organization and apply only if they meet the stated requirements.

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