Career Opportunities at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The role of the Head of Advocacy is to design and lead transnational advocacy strategies for policy and practice change relating to access to products for health.

Médecins Sans Frontières is searching for a Head of Advocacy for a new structure dedicated to improving access to products for healthcare. As part of the structure’s management team, the successful candidate will contribute to the set-up of this structure and lead the advocacy department. The Head of Advocacy will design and implement transnational strategies for improving access to products for healthcare for current and future patients, their communities, and beyond.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy, vision and leadership

• Participate as a member of the APH Structure Management Team
• Contribute to the development, review and implementation of the APH Structure’s strategic plan
• Consolidate outcomes and impact reporting against strategic and annual plans
• Contribute to the development of APH policies for the MSF movement
• Contribute to the development and review of the APH Structure’s internal policies

Strategy development

• Design approaches and plans for policy and practice changes for the APH Structure’s strategic plan, in collaboration with the analysis department
• Propose advocacy objectives and plans in response to emerging opportunities and threats for APH, in collaboration with the analysis department
• Plan and oversee the resources that the APH Structure requires for strategic communication, to support the policy and practice change objectives.

Implementation

• Lead the implementation of all transnational policy and practice change initiatives in accordance with the strategic plan
• Identify opportunities for high-level representation, coalition building, and public mobilisation in support of agreed APH advocacy objectives
• Maintain an overview of, and liaise with, colleagues across MSF involved in external representation and advocacy, including the Humanitarian

Representation Team

• Represent the APH advocacy agenda on MSF’s platforms for coordination of communication
• Mobilise colleagues across MSF for the agreed advocacy agenda of the APH and support them in their contribution to the agenda
• Provide, or help to find, representation and strategic communication services to the APH Structure and MSF entities to support the introduction of new products, participation in medical research and development, source and supply models, and funding and collaboration opportunities

Management

• Oversee the selection of all APH Structure advocacy staff (initially estimated 5-10)
• Ensure that advocacy staff members have clarity on their objectives and scope of work
• With the Heads of Regional Hubs, manage the workload of advocacy staff and support their motivation and well-being
• Make sure that advocacy staff are well-informed of the Structure’s priorities and activities on an ongoing basis
• Plan, monitor and report on the budget of the Advocacy Department

Job requirements

• Commitment to the work and principles of MSF (working experience in MSF is an asset)
• Higher academic qualification in a relevant field, with significant understanding of global health
• Experience designing strategies for political or social change at transnational level
• Proven ability to plan and conduct high-level representation
• Solid understanding of the strategic use of public communication and campaigning as tools for change
• Experience in leading a team of highly-qualified professionals
• Experience with significant organisational change, for example establishing a new department
• Excellent communication skills, ability to interact with colleagues across all levels in MSF as well as to work as part of a geographically-distributed team
• Appreciation of cultural diversity and strong commitment to equity and inclusion
• Fluency in English (additional languages are appreciated)
• Willingness to travel extensively

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Rationale/Objective for Position

The Administration and Travel Officer is responsible for coordinating the MSF EA office and intersection cross administration and travel tasks and ensuring effective and efficient administrative services for all areas related to staff movement and transit management at the Eastern Africa Office.

Tasks & Responsibilities

Administrative processes & support

• In collaboration and support from the Office HR and Admin Manager, initiate and draft a travel and movement policy and ensure implementation on the same.
• Act as the reference point for all movement and travel-related for Eastern Africa Office.
• Act as the focal point for staff regarding non-Kenyan staff administration.
• Ensure a proactive, effective communication and good collaborations with the Regional Protocol office (RPO).
• Ensure accurate and updated information for travel through the EAS travel tool, or local external service providers. Link with the MSF Sections and OC travel focal points for specific travel requirements.
• Initiate the processing and follow up of Work Permit/Passes/Cards for all Non- Kenyan employees based in EA office.
• Provide administrative support for any medical interventions in Nairobi and the region with the support of the staff Health care officer and other colleagues involved.
• Respond to teams regarding potential incidences, validity of travel fares, business trips.
• Review of local accommodation and hotel requirements with the support of the Finance/facilities to ensure specification of administrative needs are considered.
• Ensure clear communication regarding administrative requirements for travel (visas,) and together with Staff Health officer, vaccines and check up.
• Coordinate preparation of administrative documents for work permit and follow up with the protocol/regional representative’s office.
• Give support in organizations of trainings and events including providing administrative papers such as introductory letter from employer required by any Embassy.
• Act as support for visas and administrative procedures for employees traveling to the filed.
• Create a network with embassies (as and when) that we mostly deal with and establish an updated contact list for the same.
• Support the proximity management initiatives by providing punctual information on Kenyan/other staff movements to facilitate meetings/briefings and follow up in collaboration with the career management.

Management and Organization of Travel Movements for all staff based at the EA Office

• Coordinate flight bookings and hotels for staff.
• Provide support and information regarding visas to the respective employees.
• Prepare and send travel documents.
• Coordinate proper filing of non-Kenyan documents for / work permit/passes/cards.
• Maintain and manage accurate data and information relate to all movements/ travels.
• Authorize travel expenses such as per diem forms for EA staff and visitors and  flights.

Other Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate work activities of the Administration and Travel Assistant.
• Assist in the organization of team events, meetings, and activities.
• Support the Field HR in communication, administrative requirements for travel (vaccination/health checks/briefings/other) and contact with Field staff recruited and managed by the office.
• Provide input during review/update of HR/Admin policies & procedures and disseminate relevant information to all staff where needed.
• Prepare handover documents and reports for follow up during absence.
• Ensure administrative work plans are updated and followed through regularly with the supervisor.

Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource, Administration, Tourism, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Knowledge of MS Office Tools (PPT, Excel).
• Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of French and a third language is an added advantage.

Experience

• At least two (2) years' experience in a similar job, preferable in the non-profit making sector.
• Experience in the travel agency, airline, coordination of events, visas, and work permit management.
• Previous experience with MSF or other humanitarian NGOs is desirable.

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Excellent IT Skills
• Web/internet navigation skills.

Behavioral/General Competencies

• Commitment to MSF’s Principles
• Cross-cultural Awareness
• Strategic Vision
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Service Orientation
• Planning and Organizing
• Initiative and Innovation
• High level of flexibility.
• Strong communication skills.