Medical Interpreter at Medecins Sans Frontieres (French)

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid in more than 60 countries to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters or exclusion from healthcare.

The French Section of Médecins Sans Frontières is currently recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Medical Interpreter

Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Start Date: 3rd July, 2025
Work state End Date: 10th July, 2023
Contract: 208 working hours per month and roster flexibility required

Main Purpose

• Perform oral and written translation, from the mission language to local language(s) or vice versa, in order to ensure simultaneous, accurate, friendly, respectful, objective and fluent communication between MSF staff and local population.

Job Description

• Translate medical terminology, instructions, diagnosis, and discharge plans into Hausa, Kanuri Shuwa arab and Gamargu -speaking caregivers or guardians.
• Interpret verbal communication accurately and sensitively between Medical Team and Hausa, Kanuri, Shuwa arab and Gamargu -Speaking patients and caregivers.
• Provide cultural insight to help the medical team better understand traditional beliefs and practices that may impact pediatric care.
• Support the medical team during morning round in terms of verbal communication.
• Translate documents from / to mission language into a local language and vice versa upon request.
• Translate discussions / meetings as requested
• Always keep respect towards patients, collaborators, authorities, military factions and MSF staff participating in discussions.
• Ensure confidentiality of all translation is maintained as directed by the Mission/Project coordination team.
• Ensure neutrality and accuracy when translating.
• Declare any “conflict of interest” when asked to translate (e.g. personal involvement) which would necessitate using other staff members for translation.
• Inform international staff about local customs, tradition, etc., that will help understand better the context and better communicate.
• Assist/ call for help in case of medical emergencies or report any anormalies with the patient to the Doctor and supervisor
• Always be professional, observe the MSF charter, arrive at work on time and maintain good relationship with all staff.
• Be presentable, example appropriately dress, hygienic body and behave appropriately in front of patient at all time  
• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality, and that patients cannot be discussed outside of work.
• S/he should be flexible as duties can be changed according to the program needs.
• To respect the time schedule and be at work on time
• Maintain good relationship with other team members
• Participate in monthly Community leaders (Bulamas) meeting which happens once per month.
• To provide the translation without modification on the meaning of the information’s spoken.
• Taking time to explain the patients on the doctor’s prescriptions as indicated to make sure that the patients understand on how to take their treatments while they will be at home.
• To be available in any activities where the translator will be requires such as in wards, Health Promotion, and counselling team etc. and keep secret to all information’s that are considered as confidential.
• To participate in other external activities like blood drives and assessments if necessary

Requirements
Educational Qualification: 

• Essential: Secondary education. Health oriented background is an asset.
• Desirable: Official translator degree (Mission working language)

Experience: 

• Previous working experience required. Desirable with MSF or other NGOs

Languages:

• Essential knowledge of English, Hausa and Kanuri.

Knowledge:

• Essential computer literacy (MS office)

Competencies:

• Results
• Teamwork
• Flexibility
• Commitment
• Service
• Cultural.

Remuneration
Monthly Gross salary according to MSFF salary scale, plus 13th month allowance equivalent to 1 month of gross salary.

Application Closing Date
10th July, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Qualified females are highly encouraged to apply.
• Only successful applicants will be called for the next steps and are obligated to disclose any information about family member(s) currently in the employ of MSF-France in any location.
• No monetary transactions, neither demands of favours in kind, nor other types of favouritism will be tolerated in the MSF recruitment process.
• MSF reserves the right to refuse to hire a candidate having benefitted from any such acts.
• All illicit demands may be pursued through the judicial system.
• MSF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages any Nigerian citizen to apply irrespective of race, gender, religion, creed, political affiliation.
• Dual Employment is considered gross misconduct and hence not acceptable.
• MSF reserves the right to cancel any step or whole of the recruitment process at any stage.