Humanitarian Affairs Advisor at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF-Spain)

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure the delivery of OCBA’s humanitarian affairs ambitions for the Operational Cell

1.1 Advocacy: The HAA will facilitate the development and ensure the realisation of ambitious, yet achievable mission-based advocacy strategies, drawing on MSF medical data and insights from staff presence in the field. The HAA is also the functional manager of the Advocacy Manager/Humanitarian Affairs Officer based in Juba, South Sudan.

1.2 Context and humanitarian analysis: With the RECO and Heads of Mission, the HAA will contribute to the co-creation of timely content and humanitarian analysis, from local-level conflict dynamics or drought situations to changes in the national and international political climates affecting MSF operations in-country. In the event of critical incidents affecting MSF operations, the HAA will also be a key referent for the development of MSF internal investigations/reviews.

1.3 Networking: The HAA will actively support both the missions and the Cell at Nairobi-level in a systematic approach to networking, building a network of key contacts including government and Opposition actors, donors/embassies, UN agencies, the ICRC and international NGOs and regional organisations. The HAA will also support the Heads of Mission in their engagement in the Humanitarian Country Team.

Sparring: The HAA will become a natural partner for the operational line management (RECO, Heads of Mission and Field Coordinators) for exchange of ideas, critical thinking and innovation on issues from operational vision and strategy to acceptance and perception.
1.4 Field visits: The HAA will undertake regular field visits, approximately two per year to each mission, with a clear TOR agreed with the Head of Mission in advance.

1. Perform as a key acting member of the HAT

2.1 Emergency Gap: The HAA will provide analytical support to the MSF OCBA Emergency Gap project, including through the provision of evidence from Cell portfolio countries and review of papers and/or advising on engagement and advocacy plans

2.2 HAT promotion: The HAA will promote the work of the HAT within the Cell and missions, including facilitation of the delivery of internal investigations/reviews and visits for thematic analysis and reflection studies, and externally, facilitating external engagement on priority issues, working closely with the Head of the Nairobi Unit

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education, skills and experience
Essential
• Social Sciences profile, with an international component and/or expertise, including: (International) Political Science, International Law, Development’ Studies, Anthropology or      similar
• Previous experience in humanitarian advocacy and/or humanitarian affairs, whether in MSF or externally
• Knowledge of the practical workings of the humanitarian and wider aid system in protracted conflict and recurrent crises (including UN coordination structures, international          NGOs, integrated peacekeeping missions, donors and the role of host governments)
• Ability to analyse complex operational environments and synthesise the core elements into conclusions and recommendations for MSF operations and advocacy
• Outstanding analytical and advisory skills
• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent MSF in high-level external meetings
• Ability to understand medical data and epidemiological analysis Proven excellence in written English, with a track record of published reports and position papers

Desirable

• Previous operational management experience, whether in MSF (Field Coordinator or higher) or externally, is desirable
• Specific training in the humanitarian sector at higher academic level (Master’s degree)
• Advocacy and/or humanitarian affairs training, whether MSF or external
• Knowledge of protection issues in armed conflict, including those relating to International Humanitarian Law and the human rights of internally displaced persons
• Experience in line management, including remote support, coaching and professional development
• Arabic language skills

Competences
• Commitment to MSF’s principles
• Cross-cultural awareness
• Behavioural flexibility
• Strategic vision
• Results and quality orientation
• Service orientation
• Planning and organising
• Initiative and innovation
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Leadership
• Security awareness and management

Others
• Availability to travel frequently, including to insecure environments

CONDITIONS
• Based in: Nairobi, Kenya
• Full time role, permanent contract
• Annual gross salary 4,976,254 KES(based on a 40 hours per week and secondary benefits, based on OCBA Reward Policy).
• Start Date: ASAP