Regional Humanitarian Affairs Adviser(Temporary) at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

REPONSIBILITIES AND MAIN FUNCTIONS

Contribute to the understanding and analysis of humanitarian crises and support the Cell and Mission to identify key priorities for MSF positioning, engagement, and advocacy. Specifically looking at:

• The main drivers of crises in the contexts in which MSF is working, the consequences on the population and the level of humanitarian response;
  • Challenges to humanitarian space and to an effective humanitarian response
  • Reduction of humanitarian space, access to populations/populations’, access to services, IHL and humanitarian principles respect.
  • Environmental and contextual issues challenging effective and comprehensive humanitarian response.
• Identifying issues that require MSF positioning and advocacy at local, national or international level, and advise how they might be framed, evidenced and implemented
• Contributing to the cell discussions on security and provide advice on humanitarian negotiations with the different parties (NSAGs, authorities, communities, etc)

Provide targeted support to MSF missions and field teams to develop strategies and tools for humanitarian affairs and advocacy on specific topics:

• Support MSF missions and field teams with the development and implementation of engagement and advocacy strategies as needed, working in close collaboration with the Cell, Heads of Mission, and field teams
• Provide technical line management and support to Humanitarian Affairs Officer/Advocacy Managers in the field and work closely with them to define priorities and ensure smooth implementation
• Key dossiers will include access and security, attacks on healthcare, and emergency preparedness and response (e.g. malnutrition, displacement)

Support Cell 5 desk with regional networking and engagement

• Liaising with Humanitarian Affairs colleagues in other sections, plus HRT representative in Nairobi
• Maintaining and building external contacts with NGOs, UN, think tanks, analysts, and other relevant organizations in Nairobi and beyond.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education & Experience

• Academic background at Masters’ level (in a relevant subject such as social/political sciences, law, gender studies, protection) is desirable
• Strong writing skills and excellent research / analytical skills
• Field humanitarian experience in contexts of conflict, displacement, resource-poor environments is essential;
• Good understanding of current humanitarian debates and dilemmas of modern humanitarian interventions;
• Proven experience supporting operational field teams to design and implement engagement/advocacy strategies to support humanitarian operations
• Experience of protection programming is desirable
• Previous MSF experience is highly desirable;
• Languages: English mandatory
• Essential computer literacy (database design/analysis, MS package, and internet-based research)

CONDITIONS

• Position based in the MSF OCBA HQ of Nairobi (Nairobi Branch Office)
• Duration: interim (maternity cover)
• Full time job.
• Annual gross salary: Salary scale HQ-4C - 42,514 € based on a fulltime appointment + Secondary benefits based on MSF OCBA Reward Policy
• Global benefit package includes school fee benefit/support for dependents and other allowances ranging between EUR 620-1159/month based on individual & administrative status.
• Other benefits include: 25 days of annual leave, Employer Pension contribution, Relocation support for non-Kenyan residents etc based on MSF EA terms/conditions.
• Starting Date: As soon as possible