What we do
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an independent and neutral organization that works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. When working in situations of armed conflict and immediately post-conflict, the ICRC regularly faced with challenges related to weapon contamination. Medical expertise is critical for managing risks associated with the effect of conventional and CBRN weapon events to ensure the health, safety and security of ICRC staff and partners while maintaining operation continuity and assisting the affected communities
Purpose
The Weapon Contamination (WeC) Medical Adviser is the focal point and provides clinical medical expertise and strategic orientation on the health impact (at individual, group or community level) of the use or suspected use of conventional and non-conventional – chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) – weapons and weapon systems and the accidental or deliberate release of toxic industrial chemicals and radioactive leaks
The Weapon Contamination Unit at the ICRC is looking for a Medical doctor, specialized in trauma anesthesia, trauma surgery and/or emergency medicine (min 12 years exp). With strong experience in management of blast trauma victims, and CBRN (toxic industrial chemical) hazards. Ideally certified as an ATLS and AHLS instructor with a strong experience in training. The successful candidate should be enthusiastic to work and lead colleagues in fields and research contexts related injuries from conventional and non-conventional weapon effects
Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities
- Provides technical medical expertise and guidance to operational regions at headquarters and delegations in the field, helping identify appropriate strategies, facilitating successful implementation of strategic objectives, and supporting any emergency-and security-related weapon contamination cases they put forward.
- Provides the medical lead and direction as regards the ICRC’s conventional and non-conventional response practice, reviews and maintains its quality by testing and updating all operational guidelines, technical standards, material specifications and other tools as appropriate.
- Reviews and revises, as appropriate, the ICRC’s CBRN training on medical assistance and support at field level and provides this training to medical and non-medical personnel.
- Organizes, conducts, and follow-up the Blast Trauma Care (BTC) training courses which is provided to partners at field locations. Responsible of technical updates and revision of the training course. Together with the HR Talent Manager, executes the assignment of the ICRC’s instructors for the BTC Course.
- Provides the medical lead in the ICRC’s WeC activities and develops standard operating procedures (SOP) for carrying out related training, evidence gathering and analyses from a medical-expertise point of view.
- Ensures, in conjunction with other ICRC units concerned, the relevance and application of ICRC occupational health guidelines for CBRN response, including decision-making on the fitness of CBRN responders, and the suitability and availability of human and material resources to allow adequate CBRN medical assistance and support.
- Represents the ICRC in external fora on all issues related to the health impact of the use of or suspected use of conventional and non-conventional (CBRN) weapons.
- Coordinates with external actors such as the UN and INGOs on mine action, providing health-oriented solutions regarding the assistance to victims from weapons contamination.
- Liaises with external CBRN medical specialists within the ICRC’s response capacity to ensure/confirm compliance of staff and material resources with defined practice.
Scope & Impact
As the medical adviser for the WeC Unit at the ICRC and HQ focal point, you will interact internally with the field, humanitarian and development organizations, UN agencies and local authorities
Engaging with national authorities, defense agencies, and the Red Cross Movement on good practice for medical conventional and non-conventional (CBRN) response
Profile required
Medical doctor, with a specialization in anesthesia or, Emergency Medicine (ER) or, trauma surgery, with 12 years' professional experience
Certified instructor (e.g. ATLS/AHLS)
Practical experience in war surgery or other health activities related to conflict and other trauma medical emergencies. Knowledge on weapons systems, and their health impact
Fluent in English. French, Arabic, Russian and Spanish an added value
At least 2 years humanitarian experience
Additional information
- Type of contract: Open ended
- Working rate: 100%
- Starting date: June 2021
- Location: HQ - Geneva
- Application deadline: 31.12.2020
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome application from all qualified candidates.