Medical Liaison Officer - Project Survivors of Torture - Palermo

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was founded in 1971 in Paris by a group of journalists and doctors. We provide medical assistance to people affected by conflicts, epidemics, natural disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Our teams consist of tens of thousands of healthcare professionals, logistics staff, and administrative personnel, all united by our Charter and guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality. We are a non-profit, self-governed organization based on an associative structure. MSF has identified migrant and refugee survivors of torture and ill‑treatment (SoT) among the most vulnerable and neglected people. For this reason, since 2020, MSF has developed in the Palermo metropolitan area a program specifically aimed at this target population through a multidisciplinary model of care (medical, psychological, and socio‑legal support). From October 2023 two memoranda of understanding have been signed with the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) "Paolo Giaccone" and the University of Palermo with the aim of strengthening the SoT program in both clinical and research components. Reports to (Hierarchical): Project Medical Coordinator Reports to (Functional): Project Medical Coordinator Main Purpose Ensure quality of care as part of a multidisciplinary team across the entire patient pathway—from initial assessment through follow‑up to discharge—applying evidence‑based medical practices and MSF guidelines, and integrating a trauma‑informed approach throughout. Accountabilities

Participate in the collection and analysis of epidemiological data, check its validity, and inform the line manager of any problems or complications in patients' illnesses or medical errors; monitor the proper functioning of the department and equipment. Ensure ongoing training of the medical/paramedical multidisciplinary team to optimize the quality of care. Know and ensure all MSF medical protocols are followed and implemented, check that universal precautions are followed at all times, reduce bio‑hazard risks, and improve infection control. Ensure professional confidentiality is respected. Ensure good communication with involved health facilities and external medical stakeholders.

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

Implement the strategy for identification and management of SoT cases, with the support of the Project Medical Coordinator and Mental Health Specialized Activity Manager (MSAM), in collaboration with National Health System staff and other service providers. Monitor the multidisciplinary medical team conducting first‑need assessments, according to a trauma‑informed approach. Monitor and follow up patients’ medical safe referrals. Ensure MSF medical protocols are understood, followed, and implemented in line with a trauma‑informed approach, while maintaining strict professional confidentiality. Keep updated mapping of relevant stakeholders, establish and strengthen networking with different medical specialties (AUOP, ASP, etc.), with particular attention to the physiotherapy referral pathway, integrating trauma‑informed care approaches; ensure information sources are accurate and available regularly. Participate in coordination meetings with hospital departments and involved health facilities to strengthen referral systems; write meeting minutes. Contribute to the collection of red flags within responsibility area and report them for inclusion in the project logbook. Implement and standardize the assessment and management of chronic pain, ensuring consistent, high‑quality, and evidence‑based care across the program. Provide health sessions as part of the patient’s engagement strategy when required. Participate in the collection and analysis of epidemiological data, record medical database, verify its accuracy, and report any complications, medical errors, or system issues to the line manager. Lead and follow up the development and implementation of a hybrid data management system, ensuring clear differentiation between SoT and non‑SoT interventions, promoting data quality over quantity, and enabling effective cross‑departmental data analysis, while aligning with NHS systems and constraints. Contribute to the preparation of the monthly, quarterly and annual medical report, in coordination with the Project Medical Coordinator. Support the Project Medical Coordinator in organizing trainings and provide updates on the needs of NHS staff, MSF staff, and other organizations working with survivors of torture. Contribute to the writing of medical case reports and/or research conducted at project level. Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and lead medical meetings in the absence of the Project Medical Coordinator. Attend monthly team supervision meetings and participate in case discussions and reviews. Ensure that first‑aid kits in the office are regularly updated and compliant with applicable legal standards; monitor the availability of basic medications for staff, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Note: This role does not demand direct patient case management or “prise en charge”. Education

Medical Doctor diploma (Essential) Tropical Medicine diploma (Desirable)

Experience

2 years experience minimum as Medical Doctor or in clinical work (can be within medical training) (Essential) Experience in tropical medicine, or post‑registration experience in Public Health, obstetrics and gynaecology, infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS/STDs, TB, general practice or general medicine (Desirable) Experience in migration contexts (Highly considered) Knowledge of Italian and local NHS system (Desirable) Experience with MSF or other NGOs (Desirable) Data analysis skills (Desirable)Epidemiology experience (Desirable) Languages

Italian C1 (Essential) English B2 (Desirable)

Knowledge

Strong computer literacy e.g. Word, Excel (Essential)

Competencies

Commitment Flexibility Adherence to MSF principles Willingness to achieve goals and quality Stress management Teamwork and cooperation

Conditions Contract: Fixed‑term contract of 12 months, Full‑time. Level II of CCNL. Candidates must have a valid work permit to work in Italy. Gross Annual Salary: Min €35 008,10 – Max €42 010 depending on the MSF experience of the selected candidate. Duty Station: MSF office and other health facilities in Palermo. Benefits

Health coverage is provided through the Italian National Health Service (SSN), complemented by supplementary private health insurance (Sanimpresa) for contracts lasting 90 days or longer. This coverage includes medical expenses, illness and hospitalization, permanent disability, and death benefits. Staff members are entitled to a meal voucher worth €5 for each working day on which they have worked at least 4 hours, for the entire duration of the contract. Accommodation: MSF may provide accommodation in the form of shared housing (collective accommodation). Employees are required to contribute to the accommodation costs, with the amount varying according to the duty station. MSF covers the cost of one round‑trip ticket at the beginning and end of the contract.

Deadline for application: 01/07/2026 Desired starting date: July Only short‑listed candidates will be contacted. MSF Italy is an inclusive employer that fosters diversity and engages systematically to ensure that equal employment opportunities are provided without regard to age, race, creed, religion, sex, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin or any other legally recognized status entitled to protection under applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr