ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON LEBANON

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law.  We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Role description

The Orthopaedic Surgeon, as part of an ICRC hospital team working in two hospital settings in Lebanon, performs safe reconstructive orthopaedic procedures during elective surgeries (on exceptional basis for emergencies) for the benefit of trauma and weapon wounded.

S/he coaches and advises local orthopaedic surgeons in orthopaedic and reconstructive surgery and when necessary, undertakes surgical procedures. S/he provides on the job training and supervision to the resident orthopaedic surgeons.

Main responsibilities

• Leads the surgical team in clinical practice in all activities related to her/his specialty.
• Ensures internationally recognized standards are achieved by validating ICRC clinical protocols, guidelines and evidence-based practice related to orthopaedics.
• Together with the Anaesthetist, takes responsibility for the clinical management, pre-operative assessment and postoperative follow-up of patients
• Participates in the hospital emergency plan, if required.
• Identifies and prepares specific cases (eg. hip/knee joint replacement) in line with orthopaedic care.
• Participates actively in team meetings, clinical case presentations and other discussions as necessary.
• In collaboration with the hospital project manager and/or Deputy Health Coordinator, represent the ICRC in front of authorities and organizations relevant to the hospital program.

Desired profile and skills

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
• Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment
• Registered specialist orthopedic surgeon with valid license to practice in your country of residence
• Minimum of five years recent and strong experience/expertise in the treatment of patients suffering from infected nonunion
• ATLS or ETC certification or ATLS or ETC-refresher course, from within the last 5 years
• Familiar with limb injuries and their long term complications, including techniques such as the masquelet procedure and basic plastic principles of soft tissue management - pedicled flaps, etc..
• Excellent command of English. Knowledge of French and/or Arabic is an asset.

Your assets

• Sensitive to cultural diversity
• Previous experience with ICRC hospital projects and/or in international humanitarian environment
• Previous experience within the Red Cross & Red Crescent movement

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving licence (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Attractive social benefits
• Length of assignment: 3 months or more
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere