Deadline: 15 September 2010
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural or man-made disasters.
MSF has traditionally conducted representation towards the African Regional Organisations in New York and Geneva. In 2009, it was decided that a position would be opened with specific responsibilities for developing an increased network with the African Regional Organisations in particular with the African Union and feeding information on their decisions to MSF operations. However, this was only a 50% position and at the beginning of 2010 it was decided to increase this to a full time position, based on an understanding of the need to invest more time in the initial stages of building a network.
MSF therefore seeks to appoint a Regional Humanitarian Representative for Africa, based in Johannesburg. This position will report to the International Office and receive support from the Programmes Unit, which, up until now has been responsible for the AU liaison function.
The starting date is 1 October 2010.
Responsibilities:
- Build on the existing links with the African Union and Regional Economic Communities in order to expand MSF representation and dialogue in support of Operations;
- Support priority missions on the continent with developing liaison to national governments;
- Expand MSF network with civil society on the continent.
Specific activities:
- Networking: Develop network with the Regional Organisations (Including AU, SADC, IGAD and ECOWAS) through regular meetings and exchange of information. Priority will be to build up contacts with the AU Commission and the Permanent Representatives to the AU based in Addis;
- Conduct mapping of civil society networks (outside of South Africa) and advocacy priorities in the region to support the field and inform advocacy approaches;
- Facilitation of meetings between operations and the African union based on operational priorities.
Representation:
- Represent MSF to Regional Organizations interlocutors, or facilitate meetings between AU interlocutors and MSF operations;
- Disseminate information (briefing papers / Press releases) to key contacts and follow up.
Analysis:
- Analysis of regional economic communities and establishment of basic network of contacts;
- Gather information from the African Union on decisions with an impact on operations and feed analysis to the desks and field teams.
Other activities:
- Conduct at least one field visit per year;
- Attend MSF-SA staff meetings.
Relationship with MSF-SA Programmes Unit:
The Programmes Unit will remain responsible for all engagement with the SADC and South African Government, as well as South African civil society working in the region and continent. The Programmes Unit will feed this position by sharing contacts, providing a sounding board, and coaching in the representation of MSF. (If the candidate chosen has no prior MSF experience).
Requirements:
- Minimum of six years experience, either with MSF or another international NGO, ICRC profile (field and coordination experiences needed), civil society group, academic institution or government body;
- Masters level qualification in a related field or the equivalent in professional experience;
- Very good networking skills is essential;
- Demonstrated knowledge of MSF functioning at the international level;
- Experience of working in the field would be a distinct advantage;
- Extensive understanding of African politics and independent humanitarian aid;
- Very good communication skills (both written and oral);
- Fluent in written and spoken English. Ability to speak one of the other official languages of the AU would be an advantage (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Swahili);
- Diplomatic nature;
- Analytical skills;
- Team player;
- African national preferred;
- Ability to travel on a frequent basis in whole Africa and for couple of weeks (such as in Addis or in Nairobi).
To apply, submit a letter of motivation and CV to isabelle.saussereau@msf.org or by mail to Rue de Lausanne, CP 116, 1211 Geneva 21, Switzerland.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more about MSF, refer to www.msf.org
