About MSF

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid in more than 70 countries to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from healthcare.

The purpose of the Position 

Supporting the Head of Mission (HOM) in security management and coordination tasks, ensuring a smooth relation with local and national authorities, contributing to the context analysis and follow-upto the management of information, providing translations and interpretations according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to facilitate the mission coordination tasks.

Accountabilities

• Supporting the HoM in promoting and protecting the MSF image externally and assisting in context analysis, disseminating relevant context information to the coordination team, regularly informing them on key issues, updating general information on the context for MSF internal documents and advising on cultural appropriateness of organized activities and individual behaviors.

• Analyzing the risks and the security level of the context of the mission and assisting in conducting risk assessments and in the development of security plans for the mission and projects. Advising the Project coordinators (PC) and HoM on aspects of security management.

• Establishing and maintaining external relationships with relevant authorities and stakeholders. Keeping good knowledge of counterparts in different administrations and departments and keeping up to date records of field contacts (other NGOs, UN agencies, local authorities, etc.) together with PCs and PC supports/ assistants verifying that they are easily accessible, in order to facilitate contacts and meetings.

• Upon request of the Head of Mission, assisting the HoM or representing MSF in meetings (NGOs, official bodies and administrations, etc.) and report on it.

• Ensuring the follow up of relevant administrative dossiers such as the MSF registration in the country, working permits, immigration policies, national protocols, etc.

• At the request of the HoM, preparing and conducting an information briefing, focusing on the country context for International Mobile and Relocated Staff.

• Guide and facilitate the management of MSF information and essential records and documents by the mission team, following MSF policies and guidelines.

• Translating sensitive documents and acting as an interpreter when needed. Writing letters and correspondences with officials and partners and preparing reports, internal memos and formal requests. Monitoring the correspondences in the absence of the HoM.

• Assisting in the elaboration of the advocacy plan of the mission in collaboration with the PC, MedCo and the Communications responsible and supporting its implementation and follow up.

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

• In regular contact with MSF-B project coordinator assistants and supports throughout the mission, support the development a common context analysis.

• Support MSF-B project coordinator assistants and supports throughout the mission on MSF’s context and security monitoring tools.

• Alert the HoM on any new humanitarian and medical development of interest in line with MSF’s medical and operational priorities in the country.

• Support MSF in fulfilling its reporting requirements in line with MSF’s legal status in the country.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

Education: • University degree or similar level of education (international relations, law or public health).             

Experience: Experience in humanitarian aid preferably within MSF (at least 5 years). Essential strong understanding of the country’s political and administrative structure.

Languages: English, mission and local language essential. 

Knowledge & Skills required: Computer proficiency in MS Excel and Word.

Excellent communication and diplomatic skills, including writing skills

• Experience working in political, security and humanitarian issues in the country. Demonstrated capacity for analysis, networking and negotiation

• Good analytical skills, at ease with figures and economics data,. 

Competencies: 

• People Management and Development L2

• Commitment to MSF Principles L2

• Behavioural Flexibility L3

• Results and Quality Orientation L3

• Teamwork and Cooperation L3

MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association.

Each individual working with MSF does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

How to Apply

If you are interested, please send your National ID, CV (not more than 3 pages), and cover letter (not more than one page) with “Head of Mission Support” written in the subject line through Msfocb-addis-recruitment@brussels.msf.org. 

Deadline: October 11, 2023.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

MSF Belgium promotes EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION.

We strongly encourage women and people with reduced mobility (able to work in remote places) to apply.