Humanitarian Representation Officer

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 disasters. MSF provides assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. MSF is working in more than 70 countries all around the world with more than 60 000 staff.

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 23 sections, 27 associations and other offices together. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International provides coordination, information, and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.

The Humanitarian Representation Team (HRT) provides support to the MSF operations through linkages and actions to and from external networks (political, humanitarian, medical, and civil society). The HRT maintains active relations with its network and continually informs the MSF operations of the relevant analysed information. The HRT influences its network through specific actions for the benefit of the MSF programs and MSF operations’ goals. In carrying out its actions, the HRT responds to direct requests from the operational program managers (desks).

The HRT maintains active and effective internal links to co-ordinate its work. These include the reflection and advocacy centres of the operational sections, the MSF’s Access to Products for Health Care initiative (APH) and partner sections (regarding their relations with their own host governments and regional networks – eg Canada, Germany, China, Australia, etc.), International President, Secretary General, International Medical Secretary & Medical Co-ordinator, medical working groups and others as necessary. The HRT may interact with the field missions of MSF (HoM-level) in order to improve the overall quality of the support to operations at the request of desks.

The UN Representative to the UN and Geneva-based international organizations, in collaboration with MSF operations, defines and implements MSF’s humanitarian representation towards the UN system at large: Permanent missions to the UN, UN agencies present in Geneva (WHO, OHCHR, UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF, OCHA, WFP, etc.), ICRC and IFRC as well, NGOs/Think-Tanks present in the “Geneve internationale”. The UN and Geneva-based international representative in Geneva can also facilitate some of the MSF intersection platforms of country operational managers (“interdesk platforms”) as well as some of different working groups.

Place In The Organisation:

The position will be hierarchically and functionally accountable to the UN and Geneva-based international organizations Representative. This position is part of the Humanitarian Representation Team Secretariat. The other members of the HRT Secretariat include representatives to other multilateral fora such as the UN in New York, the AU or the ASEAN, as well as specific states and regional representatives such as the Middle East, West Africa and East Africa regions. The HRT also works in close collaboration with a broad MSF network of representation in the countries in which MSF has offices (most of the European capitals). The HRT is managed by the International Operations and Humanitarian Representation Coordinator (IOHRC) and the Deputy HRT. The position is based in Geneva as part of the International office of MSF.

Objectives Of The Position

• The purpose of the position of the Humanitarian Representation Officer is to support the UN and Geneva-based international Representative in her external and internal functions, providing analytical and strategic support.
• The HRT officer in Geneva will follow UN agencies and NGOS networks action related to humanitarian policies, health, migration and other relevant topics for MSF.

Main Responsibilities:

The HRT officer in Geneva will be in charge of following UN agencies work in Geneva as well relations with ICVA and NGOs in support to the HRT Representative.

Liaising and networking with the UN on humanitarian matters:

• Maintain and develop relations with UN agencies based in Geneva (inter alia WHO, OHCHR, UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF, OCHA, WFP, etc.):
• Play the role of focal point for institutional relations between MSF and UN agencies as well with NGOs.
• Monitor activities, events and opportunities of interaction with these actors of the “Geneve Internationale”.
• Follow and prepare any meetings, conferences and bilateral relations with UN and NGOs.
• Support the Representative to UN and Geneva-based international organizations for the follow up of emergency response done by these actors.

Analyzing, Monitoring and Researching UN, NGOS, ICRC and Think Tanks in Geneva

• Act as principal analyst for and advisor to the UN and Geneva-based international organization representative staying well-informed, sharing timely and relevant developments concerning the UN and NGOs work in Geneva and maintaining and updated actors mapping.
• Scanning publications from Geneva-based think tanks, NGOs, the UN and the ICRC, outlining key points of interest concerning MSF operations for the Geneva REP and, if relevant, other HRT members.
• Establish a tentative work plan based on this reading and research (monitor calendar of different sessions, platforms, and topics of interest for MSF) which will be then adapted to MSF needs.

Internal support and facilitation:

• Internal dissemination of UN-relevant information and updates (HRT team, MSF Operational Centers, MSF Partner sections, operations departments, inter-desks, advocacy/analysis departments etc.).
• Working in close collaboration with MSF’s Access to Products for Health Care initiative (APH), MSF’s International Office Medical teams, MSF’s Global Health Actors Network (GHAN) and the Deputy Head of HRT on global health dossiers related to WHO and Geneva topics. Support analysis and information sharing from a Geneva perspective on other relevant dossiers, like climate crisis, as needed.
• Support the facilitation of Interdesks if/when necessary (preparation, facilitation, outcomes, minutes and follow up).
• Ensure an updated actor mapping in Geneva based on this work (contact lists, etc.).
• Ensuring internal information sharing (SharePoint and monthly updates).
• Creating a newsletter: news from Geneva (planned quarterly).
• Working on ad hoc tasks or files like updating fact sheets on UN agencies, analysis papers on specific topics, if necessary, etc.

Job Requirements:

• Degree in political science, international relations, humanitarian action, international development, IHL or related subject.
• Demonstrated familiarity and knowledge of the global humanitarian system, actors and topics related to humanitarian action.
• Proven experience in similar positions with humanitarian organisations in Geneva is required. Specific experience working with the UN is a strong asset.
• Project experience with MSF or any other relevant humanitarian actor would be a strong asset.
• Strong writing, research and analytical skills.
• Good computer skills and knowledge of SharePoint.
• Adaptable, ability to work fast on different topics and able to work in a multicultural team.
• Autonomy and flexibility to adjust working schedule to respond to emergencies.
• Ability and adaptability to work under strict deadlines and to replan priorities.
• Fluency in English and French both written and oral.

Source: https://msf.recruitee.com/o/humanitarian-representation-officer-2