Background 

Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural and man-made disasters and exclusion from healthcare in more than 70 countries. MSF offers assistance to people in need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. 

MSF has worked in India since 1999, providing free-of-charge essential healthcare to people in remote areas; treatment and care for people affected by HIV/AIDS, malnutrition; hepatitis C, tuberculosis, kala azar, and sexual and gender-based violence. MSF also responds to natural disasters and other emergencies, provides mental healthcare and advocates for the development of more effective and affordable medicines to improve access to treatment everywhere. 

We currently run projects in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Manipur, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.
MSF was awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development in 1996 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999. 

 MSF OCBA in Bihar 

MSF has been working in Bihar treating kala azar since 2007 with a gradual transition of the project to focus on HIV-kala azar co-infected patients. After treating more than 13,000 patients in Vaishali, MSF began focusing on the treatment of kala azar-HIV co-infection in partnership with the Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS) in Patna in 2016. 

Further, MSF has collaboration with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna and Bihar State AIDS Control Society (BSACS) with whom MSF is conducting two qualitative studies focusing on the perception of quality of life by VL-HIV co-infected patients and the stigma which PLHIV group faces at health facilities and in the community. Anecdotal evidence from different sources suggests that there is a very high level of stigma attached to HIV in Bihar. Data collected from health structures show that PLHIV often seeks for health services with advanced HIV bearing multiple opportunistic infections and complications. To make the matter worse, these patients do not get adequate and prompt healthcare, this leaves them with no option but succumbs to their illness at home. Hence, MSF strives to implement a project for treating life-threatening diseases in people living with HIV in Bihar in collaboration with BSACS and Government of Bihar (GoB). 

This seamless partnership for over more than a decade with the Government of India, the State Government and other stakeholders has enabled MSF to provide the best quality of care, free of cost treatment to the people of Bihar without any discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, religion or economic status. The major beneficiaries of MSF services have been the most vulnerable and the most in need.
Working in HIV-VL confection has led us to realise the systematised discrimination against HIV patients by the community and even by health care providers with them often being excluded from healthcare outside of government ART centres. Bihar, with a population of 110 million people is one of the largest states and least economically developed. It has an estimated adult HIV prevalence in the range of 0.21– 0.25% accounting for 150,000 PLHIV and 7,514 deaths (5,794-10,575) annually. By March 2018, 46047 PLHIV were on ART in Bihar, a number representing under 50% of all diagnosed PLHIV in the state, this is far from the global goal of having on ART the 90% of all diagnosed as HIV infected.

As per July 2017 WHO guidelines for those above 5 years of age, Advanced HIV disease is defined as presenting for care with a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3 or presenting with an AIDS-defining event, regardless of the CD4 cell count. All children less than 5 years are considered to have Advanced HIV Disease.

The mortality rate of advanced HIV disease is estimated to be between 30 to 40%. In Bihar, within MSF´s existing HIV related project we have a number of observed cases bearing severe disease where specialized medical care is required including palliative and end of life care for some among them including psychosocial support for patients and family members. In such situations, where we have tried to refer the patients into the public or private sector, they have been refused admission, ignored, and ultimately sent home to die. 

 MSF Response 

In this situation, MSF in collaboration with MoH (BSACS and NACO) has planned to set up a program as in-patient centre in a district hospital to provide care and treatment for patients in advanced HIV disease with special attention for those with life-threatening conditions. Patients in critical lethal conditions will be able to access to palliative care.
The main purpose of the program is to provide care for seriously ill patients living with HIV in order to decrease mortality and improve the quality of life, paying special attention to patient´s rights and dignity and providing holistic care including medical and psychological support. 

 Referral Criteria to MSF Care Centre 

• HIV patients with CD4 less than 200 plus a threatening condition other than the ones WHO clinical staging 
• Suspected or diagnosed advanced HIV disease regardless of CD4 count 
• Danger signs  (seriously ill patients) in PLHIV, independently of previous CD4 and or WHO clinical status
• Other HIV related life-threatening conditions such as IRIS, suspected clinical failure, and drug hypersensitivity. 

 Project Location 

Guru Gobind Singh Hospital, Patna. In the event of a potential emergency situation, be available to work in other States within India and/or the region.

 Purpose of Post

Performing professional translation activities and delegated duties depending on supervisor’s specialisation and instructions and according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures, in order to ensure proper representation and translation of MSF activities and core values.  

 Functional and Hierarchical Lines 

Hierarchically & functionally accountable to Project HR Manager.

 GENERAL 

Number of post available: 1

Location: Patna, Bihar 

Project: HIV Co-infection

Availability: Minimum 1 year, annual renewal of contract

Last application date: 15th March, 2019

Starting date: ASAP

Email: msfe-delhi-recruitment@barcelona.msf.org AND msfe-patna-fin@barcelona.msf.org  

 Main Responsibilities and Tasks 

• Performing professional written and oral interpretation and translation activities according to supervisor’s specialisation (e.g. MD, RN, IC, Pharmacy, Mental Health, Lab, Logistics, Operations, HR), ensuring medical confidentiality, neutrality and respect towards patients, collaborators, authorities, military factions and MSF staff.
• Performing administrative tasks required by supervisor (arrangement of meetings, minute taking, and follow-up for patient care). Providing necessary feedback to supervisor following discussions and negotiations and. Assisting with report writing (MSF and Government required reports), ensuring that all meeting minutes are recorded and that translated documents are properly filed
• Depending on the supervisor’s specialisation and the needs of the respective department, establishing and maintaining professional contacts with relevant authorities and communicating MSF’s messages to MoH counterparts and authorities (specifically related to patient care);
• Ensuring that supervisor is aware of cultural nuances when dealing with MoH authorities and counterparts to ensure a good working relationship. Educating supervisor on effective methods of culturally sensitive communication and informing international staff about local customs, tradition, etc. that will help in better communication and understanding of the context.
• Immediately informing supervisor of any problems that might be linked to individual behaviour (counterproductive and/or culturally insensitivity) and declaring any “conflict of interest” when asked to translate (e.g. personal involvement).
• Upholding MSF’s core principles, values, quality standards and Code of Conduct. Respecting MSF’s identification materials and not abusing their use aside from their intended purposes.
• Observing security rules and regulations, NOT putting self and others in danger. Promoting and maintaining MSF quality standards

 Specific tasks

• Translate documents from/to mission language into a local language upon request. 
• Translate discussions/meetings/workshops and trainings as requested. 
• Ensure confidentiality of all translation is maintained as directed by the Mission/Project coordination team. 
• Ensure neutrality and accuracy when translating documents.
• Ensure precise interpretation in discussions, meetings and trainings to maintain the same meaning and tone as the original message. 
• 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. 

 Requirements 

 Qualifications 

• Essential Higher education
• Desirable health degree would be an asset and Professional training in translating 

 Work Experience 

• Essential at least two years previous working experience. 
• Experience in written and oral translations and performing administrative tasks.
• Desirable in MSF or other NGOs translation work experience. 

 Languages

Mission language and local language essential

 Knowledge  

Good computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook Express)

 HR & Benefits 

• Salary: Rupees 26,917 gross/month. NON NEGOTIABLE
• Benefit of 13th Month Salary. 
• PF and Gratuity are applicable as per law.
• Total Leaves: 18 days annual leave; 12 days as per organization public holiday list; 
• Sick/Casual leave of 12 days as per calendar year (pro-rated based on hire date).
• Wide Medical coverage (Employee + Direct Relatives), as per organisation policy.

 Application Procedure 

To apply please email your CV and a motivational letter mentioning why you would be interested to apply for the position with the subject Ref: Qualified Translator to msfe-delhi-recruitment@barcelona.msf.org AND msfe-patna-fin@barcelona.msf.org on or before 15th March 2019.  

Applications that are no completed (CV + Covering letter) will not be considered.

ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED AND INVITED FOR INTERVIEW.

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders India is an equal opportunity employer. Women candidates are encouraged to apply.