EA Climate and Environmental Adaptation Head at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Tasks & Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the development and review of the overall MSF EA organizational strategic plan.
• Develop, review, and implement MSF EA Climate Unit strategic plan with clear workplans for implementation.

Technical and Operational Responsibilities

Leadership

• Co-Develop, support, and/or manage MSF EA Climate adaptation initiatives in the region and globally.
• Develop MSF's technical expertise on the interaction between climate change, environmental degradation, conflict and population displacement.
• Propose investment in emergency preparedness and climate-linked early warning systems to enhance resilience and improve disaster response.
• Coordinate climate adaptation efforts in East Africa amongst all MSF operational directorates (ODs) present in the region. Advocate for open collaboration, mutualization, shared workstreams for MSF climate adaptation efforts.
• Manage climate-related information for East Africa.
• Lead MSF Eastern Africa’s climate mitigation efforts, with support from the climate focal point, and develop or co-develop a comprehensive climate reduction roadmap
• Actively network and engage with climate adaptation actors in Nairobi and throughout the region.

Climate Change Adaptation 

• Coordinate the development of climate adaptation capacity at regional and national levels.
• Develop tailored products (seasonal outlooks, spotlight reports, seasonal calendars, risks assessments, etc.) and services.
• Foster ongoing awareness and proactivity in decolonizing humanitarian and climate action, engaging MSF colleagues and communities in climate hotspots.
• Communicate climate and environmental knowledge.
• Participate in strategic webinars, workshops, and other MSF discussions to contribute to capacity building and knowledge exchange.
• Contribute relevant climate adaptation content to the MSF Climate Hub platform.
• Promote and facilitate the integration of climate adaptation and anticipatory initiatives into the MSF movement, including early warning systems.
• Support research initiatives investigating the intersection of climate, environment, displacement and conflict, as well as climate, environment and infectious diseases.
• Write scientific articles/abstracts for MSF Scientific Days, the Lancet Countdown, and other relevant platforms.
• Regional engagement and networking, i.e., external MSF engagement with identified institutions, ICPAC, UNFFC.
• Lead knowledge transfer and capacity building initiatives, including conducting IMS briefing updates with a focus on incorporating climate and environmental perspectives.

Climate Mitigation

• Develop a carbon reduction roadmap for MSF EA.
• Monitor and report on carbon reduction efforts based on roadmap.
• Coordinate/align with ODs regional carbon reduction efforts.
• MSF regional coordination efforts.
• Collaborate with current EA bodies. Suka, Epicenters,
• Collaborate with regional cells and missions.
• Identify synergies in the region between climate adaptation and mitigation
• Foster regional engagement and networking, building strong relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and organizations.
• Knowledge transfer and capacity building:
  • IMS briefing updates adding a climate and environment perspective
  • In collaboration with the movement, preparation of training material and workshops.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide regular briefings to MSF advocacy teams in the region, helping to build and position climate and environmental issues as key priorities in advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate with current NBO base Units/efforts: ASA, Anthropology, Communications Team, Medical Teams surveillance etc.
• Foster innovation by identifying and engaging with new ideas and approaches to address climate and environmental challenges, ensuring MSF remains at the forefront of effective solutions. Project Management.  Identification of projects, long term duration.
• Team Management.

Qualifications

Education

• A Master’s degree in an Environmental (climate science, water science, biology, environment, etc.), and/or Health-related (epidemiology, public health, etc.) field.
• A Bachelor’s degree in an Environmental (climate science, water science, biology, environment, etc.), and/or Health-related (epidemiology, public health, etc.) field.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and one additional language (Swahili, Arabic, French and/or Spanish).

Experience

• At least eight (8) years of experience within international humanitarian assistance programs with demonstrated capabilities in planning, organizing, and executing humanitarian operations.
• Proven experience in analysis and reporting.
• Proven experience in managing multiple stakeholders’ projects.

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Ability to translate complex climate science into actionable policies and strategies.
• Strong skills in climate advocacy, public speaking, and report writing.
• Ability to develop and implement decarbonization strategies for organizations.
• Ability to conduct climate risk and vulnerability assessments for different sectors
• Data Analysis and Climate Modelling.

Behavioral/General Competencies

• Commitment to MSF’s Principles
• Cross-cultural Awareness
• Strategic Vision
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Planning and Organizing
• Initiative and Innovation
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Networking and Building Relationships

The closing date for applications is on 6th April 2025.