Head of Mission Support at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Main Purpose

Supporting the Head of Mission in security management and coordination tasks, ensuring a smooth relation with local and national authorities, contributing to the context analysis and follow-up, providing translations and interpretations according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to facilitate the mission coordination tasks.

Accountabilities

• Supporting the HoM in promoting and protecting the MSF image externally and assisting in context analysis, disseminating relevant context information to the coordination team, regularly informing them on key issues, updating general information on the context for MSF internal documents and advising on cultural appropriateness of organized activities and individual behaviors.
• Analyzing the risks and the security level of the context of the mission and assisting in conducting risk assessments and in the development security plans for the mission and project. Advising the PC and HoM on aspects of security management.
• Establishing and maintaining external relationships with relevant authorities and stakeholders. Keeping good knowledge of counterparts in different administrations and departments and keeping up to date records of field contacts (other NGOs, UN agencies, local authorities, etc.) verifying that they are easily accessible, in order to facilitate contacts and meetings.
• At the request of the Head of Mission, assisting the HoM or representing MSF in meetings (NGOs, official bodies and administrations, etc.)and preparing full report.
• At the request of the HoM, preparing and conducting an information briefing, focusing on the country context for International Regional and Relocated Staff.
• Translating sensitive documents and acting as an interpreter when needed. Writing letters and correspondences with officials and partners and preparing reports, internal memos and formal requests. Monitoring the correspondences in the absence of the HoM.
• Assisting in the elaboration of the advocacy plan of the mission in collaboration with advocacy team and the Communications responsible and supporting its implementation and follow up.

Context Specific Accountabilities

• Focus on network and engagement with key stake holders related to our areas of intervention projects Mombasa and Dadaab on critical mapping , analysis of stakeholders engagement and MSF support in collaboration with HOM /DHOM
• Special focus on political and security analysis of the country in general and particulary our current projects (Dadaab Mombasa , NE region and Somalia) about analysis , evolution of conflict , impact on us and memory of key events related to security in the area.
• Collaboration with security adviser , HOM /DHOM ,LOGCO , PC s on extensive analysis related to the country context in general and particulary our area of intervention and Yalta.
• Collaboration with communications and advocacy for different support.
• Collaboration with all coordinators and support if needed on different topics.

Requirements

Education

• University Degree; Political science /International relations or similar level of education

Experience

• Experience in humanitarian aid preferably within MSF. Essential strong understanding of the workings of the different administrations of the country
• Experience working in political, security and humanitarian topics in the country

Languages

• Essential :English & Kiswahili
• Desirable:French

Knowledge

• Computer proficiency in MS Excel and Word
• Good analytical skills, at ease with figures and economics data
• Excellent communication and diplomatic skills, including writing skills

Competencies

• People Management and Development
• Commitment to MSF Principles
• Behavioural Flexibility
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Teamwork and Cooperation