Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international humanitarian organization providing assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters, and to victims of armed conflicts, irrespective of race, religion, creed, or political convictions. MSF observes neutrality and impartiality in the name of universal medical ethics and the right to humanitarian assistance and claims full and unhindered freedom in the exercise of its functions.

Vacancy Notice 

MSF – Belgium is recruiting

Head of Mission Advisor 

Main Purpose:

Together with the Head of Mission and the Coordination Team participates in the analysis and follow-up of humanitarian context and security situation. Advising, participating, and when requested, representing the HoM with regards to relevant national partners/stakeholders. Support the Mission in understanding the present and the evolving environment, power structures, and changing dynamics. Support in the development, implementation, and maintenance of a networking and communication strategy, ensuring contacts with authorities, local communities, and external actors.  Participating and advising the HoM in the preparation of the overall planning of operations, including the review and update of the country policy, action plan.

Accountabilities:

• Undertake country-level actor mapping looking at national, provincial, and regional (as relevant) authorities and conflict dynamics and support HoM(s) with context analysis.
• Develop and maintain a network of contacts in order to share information on the context, follow trends, identify new risks and threats.
• Gain an understanding of how MSF is perceived by health professionals, population, and relevant actors (political, armed groups, religious authorities…).
• Produce context analysis briefings highlighting the latest social, economic, political, and security trends with (potential) impact on the security and humanitarian contexts
• Map armed actors, community key-individuals, and (ethnic) groups customary and political structures.
• Analyse the impact of local dynamics on project staff’s safety and security as well as the impact on the population at large.
• In his/her advisory capacity, review, propose updates, and advise the HoM in implementing the Country Security Plan, risk analysis/risk reduction measures, in accordance with MSF Security Policy.
• Assist the HoM in dissemination of relevant context information to the coordination team, regularly inform them on key issues, update general information on the context for MSF internal documents, and advise on cultural appropriateness of organizational activities and individual behaviors
• Support the HoM in official representation. Upon delegation, represent MSF in meetings.
• Participate actively to the negotiation of access, identify gaps that prevent MSF to operate
• Liaise with local potential stakeholders and help the HoM to create, reinforce and maintain links with local leaders, tribes, authorities, armed forces.
• Advise on and be involved in the negotiations, finalization, and maintenance of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MSF and the Government / any other institution involved.
• On request of the HoM, fill gaps and participate to the elaboration of different mission strategic documents, contributing to the mission´s strategic planning and objectives.
• Raise security awareness among the staff through regular meetings on the security context
• Write up reports on each security incident affecting MSF personnel and monitors its aftermath.
• Introduce actor-mapping methodology that can be independently maintained (regularly updated and improved) for each project.
• Support and coach Coordination team members and Project Coordinators, on culturally sensitive manner of representation to local contacts, provide advice and support as needed evolution/challenges faced.

Specific Accountabilities:

• Understand, adhere and respect the MSF charter and the organization principles
• Understand, adhere and respect the MSF code of conduct
• Understand, adhere and commit to a responsible behavior conduct
• Support the Coordination team in monitoring the organisation’s principles compliance
• Contribute in constantly survey and assess MSF’s operational pertinence.
• Produce context analysis briefings highlighting the latest social, economic, political, and security trends with (potential) impact on the security and humanitarian contexts by carrying on in-depth and independent analysis of the political and humanitarian context at the national and/or regional level
• Participate in analyzing the information received from the field in order to support the HOM in identify-ing population’s health needs.
• Support and coach Coordination team members and Project Co-ordinators, on culturally sensitive manner of representation to local contacts.
• Develop and deliver a cultural briefing for new international staff.
• Elaborate reports, as requested by the HoM.
• Assist in Emergency Preparedness capacity in-country
• Propose and assist in the preparation and implementation of exploratory missions
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line manager
• Always perform all duties with the required standards of confidentiality
• Flexible in performing tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary

Education:

University Degree in Medicine, Political Science or equivalent

Experience:

• Essential working experience in Iraq
• Capacity to analyze, network, and negotiation
• experience working with INGOs with the same or higher level of responsibilities will be preferred 
• Languages: Fluent in Arabic & English is essential. knowledge of Kurdish will be an added value 

If you are confident that you meet the above requirements:

Send your Motivation Letter & CV in English to: [email protected] or drop your application in the CV box at MSF OCB Baghdad Office 

The deadline for applications: 10^th April 2022

ALWAYS CLEARLY MENTION THE POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR 

Head of Mission Advisor

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Shortlisted but not selected CVs may be kept in a file in case of future vacancies. MSF has the right to postpone or cancel this recruitment.