Head of programs OCP – Afghanistan

MSF is one of the largest independent medical humanitarian organizations in the world, with projects located in 65 countries worldwide. MSF’s work is based on the humanitarian principles of medical ethics; the goal of MSF is to provide emergency care to people who are affected by armed conflicts, epidemics and natural or man-made disasters.

MSF has been present in Afghanistan since 1980. In June 2004, the 5 MSF operational centres (OCs) closed their missions. In 2009 MSF reopened Afghanistan under conditions agreed upon by all OCs. MSF would be present in Afghanistan as a unique organization with a single representation. The Country Representative lead all Operational Centers present in the country (OCB since 2009, OCA in 2012, OCP in 2014, OCBA in 2022). Early 2022, MSF operates 9 projects in different provinces (Kabul, Kunduz, Khost, Helmand, Kandahar, Herat and Bamiyan soon we might have another project for OCBA). These projects represent around 100 international staff and more than 2.700 nationals. The current set-up is of one Country Representative assisted by 4 heads of programs (HoP), each of them steering the daily operations of her/his OC, in collaboration with a medical coordinator and a national deputy Medco for each OC. The Country Representative remains the final decision maker in the mission for what concerns security, representation, communication.

MSF is looking for his/her :

Head of programs OCP – Afghanistan M/F

CONTEXT:

Following the events of August 2021, the security situation in Afghanistan has changed markedly. The end of hostilities has marked an improved security environment, with security incidents falling dramatically compared to 2021. Despite this improvement, Afghanistan remains a country that faces various challenges in terms of security. With the economic deterioration, a marked increase in criminal activities for financial gain (from robberies to abductions) have been noted. In addition, though it has been quiet following the Taliban takeover; resistance in country could resurface as spring commences (with spring traditionally heralding increased hostilities as the natural impediments of snowfall disappears), as well as infighting amongst various Taliban factions. Finally, it cannot be discounted that the presence of some extremist Islamic groups such as ISK continue to pose a threat in Afghanistan; and could become an increasing threat if the Taliban fails to control it, as well as other groups in its territory.

Herat:

Herat is the 2nd largest city and 2nd most populated Province in Afghanistan with an estimated urban population of 600,000 inhabitants, and a Provincial population of between 2.5 – 3 million people. Herat City is a significant trade and commercial hub, aided by its proximity to the Islam Qala border crossing with Iran which makes it one of the country’s most important main cash gates. Security in Herat is currently stable, with the IEA enforcing strong control over the City. Considering its economic importance, it is expected that the IEA will invest in ensuring strong control over security in Herat – which can currently be seen through its efforts in ensuring the follow up with regards to economically motivated abductions (of mainly children and businessmen) and common criminality. Herat is a mixed city which is for the majority Tajik, and Dari speaking. Herat has a significant presence of ethnic minorities, including Hazara, and therefore also has a significant Shia presence within Herat (also due to its presence to Iran). In terms of ISK; while there has been some activity from ISK in Herat – with occasional attacks and incidents claimed; it is considered that there is no significant and permanent cell of ISK in Herat.

Malnutrition remains a key concern for MSF in Herat and the surrounding regions. To respond to the needs, MSF has been supporting Herat Regional Hospital’s (HRH) inpatient therapeutic feeding centre (ITFC, 74 beds) since 2019 and has been treating moderate acute malnutrition for children and pregnant and lactating women in the internally displaced camps through our primary health care centre in Khadestan since December 2018. To respond to emerging gaps in quality paediatric care, on the 10th December 2021, MSF began supporting the intensive care unit (20 beds in December 2021, 30 beds since March 2022) and emergency room of Herat regional hospital’s paediatric department.Paediatric IPD will be taken over in the coming months. Measles outbreak have started in January 2022, MSF undertook an emergency intervention (Case management in HRH, outreach strategy, support to vaccination) that will last several months.

In response to COVID-19 pandemic, MSF opened an emergency COVID-19 treatment centre (CTC) several times since 2020. MSF has closed the CTC in March 2022 as the 4th wave is now ending. MSF may reactivate the CTC for responding to a potential new wave.

Bamyan

Opening of a new project in 2022, a first team composed by 1 Project Coordinator and 1 midwife arrived in Bamyan in February 2002, a logistician will come end of March. MSF will set up a network of Family Health Houses. The Family Health House model (FHH) is a Pilot Project introduced since 2010 by UNFPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health. It is qualified as a low-cost and sustainable approach, a community-based health facility. It aims to increase access to basic reproductive health and childcare in un- served / under-served districts.

Kabul

Following the attack of the maternity in Dasht-e-Barchi (DeB) in 2020 (24 people killed) and the closure of the project, MSF decided in 2021 to support the Afghan Midwives Association (AMA) that aims to increase access for DeB residents to quality Maternal and Newborn Child Health Services. MSF supports financially AMA but intends also to bring a technical support and to strengthen the partnership.

MAIN PURPOSE

The main purpose of the position is being responsible for MSF’s operational response in the Mission. In collaboration with the operational cell, defining the mission operational strategy. Coordinating MSF’s program execution, identifying humanitarian challenges, representing MSF’s interests before third parties. Ensuring compliance to MSF’s charter, ethical standards and policies as well as international and national laws and regulations, in order to realize organizational objectives and reach quality targets for the Mission.

MISSION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Initiating and leading the mission-wide operational strategyannual plan, budget and policy frameworks. Leading the management team translating the strategic objectives into operational activities. Monitoring developments in MSF’s general policies and strategies and adapting the annual plan of the mission accordingly.
2. Monitoring and analyzing the political, humanitarian and medical situation in the country and in the region. Determine response strategies for emergencies situation
3. Representing MSF towards external actors (national authorities, NGO’s, donors, military organizations, media, etc.) to create commitment and negotiate terms and conditions for field operations. The global representation for security and MSF mission is done by the country representative, the HOP will be in charge of the representation for operational purpose.

• Integrating an internal and external communication policy for the mission to advocate for change.

1. Leading the implementation of medical-humanitarian activities in the mission.

• Coordinating with the integrated MSF intersection set up, coordinate and develop short- and long-term strategies in-country.
• Evaluating the progress and outcomes of activities to ensure that objectives are achieved and reporting to Headquarters

1. Being responsible for the planning and coordination of all human, material and financial resources to ensure the overall performance of the mission; coordination of the intersection section coordinator position.
2. Leading the mission and its staff, providing a clear vision for the direction of the OCP mission and bringing staff together across functional and geographical lines to achieve the mission’s objectives

• Managing, coaching and developing direct reports in line with human resource policies
• Implementing Human Resources-policy and ensuring that MSF acts as a responsible employer in terms of working conditions and reduction of security and health risks.
• Ensuring staff and management team are aware of mission strategies, ambitions and implementation plans
• Ensuring the associative character of MSF is reflected in the briefing of all MSF staff.

1. Ensuring the internal and external flow of information.

• keeping staff and HQ informed and updated of context and security related issues.
• producing all required planning and program performance reports in line with the HQ reporting cycle.

1. Being responsible for all security aspects of the project, mission global security will be under the country representative.

• Defining and ensuring the implementation of the security framework in the project, in order to ensure safety of staff and visitors across the mission.
• Ensuring the implementation of the Inter-operational directorate Security Agreement (ISA) in the mission, both in spirit and letter, promoting a culture of pro-active information sharing and collaboration.”
• Being in regular contact with the CR for all security matters

PROFILE/REQUIREMENTS :

EDUCATION

• University degree. Particularly in medicine, public health or paramedical or the field of international relations is a plus.
• Desirable degree in project management or HR management.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• At least two years in Project Coordination and management positions in humanitarian aid.
• Essential experience with MSF or other NGOs.
• Essential working experience in developing countries.
• A knowledge of Afghani context is an asset.

LANGUAGE

English essential – French and Farsi are an asset

KNOWLEDGE

Computer literacy (word, excel and internet)

COMPETENCES

Strategic vision

Leadership

Networking

People Management and Development

Commitment to MSF Principles

Cross cultural awareness and Behavioral Flexibility

Results and Quality Orientation

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position to be filled in November for 12 months in Afghanistan (based in Kabul with frequent field visits Herat and Bamyian).

Fixed term contract .

Field position with perdiem and housing.

Salary status according to the MSF salary grid and your previous experience in international NGOs.