Spain: MSF-Spain is looking for a Humanitarian Affairs Advisor (HAA) for the Emergency Unit (position based in Barcelona)

Organization: Médecins Sans Frontières
Country: Spain
Closing date: 21 Sep 2014

GENERAL CONTEXT

Médecins Sans Frontières is an international independent medical-humanitarian organization, which offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

The MSF movement is built around five operational directorates supported by 23 sections and offices worldwide. MSF OCBA is one of those directorates. The operations are implemented by field teams and the mission coordination teams; together with the organizational units based in Barcelona, Athens and Nairobi. The field operations are guided and supported by 4 Operational Cells, the Emergency Unit and other departments supporting operations.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE AND JOB ENVIROMENT

The Humanitarian Affairs Advisor (HAA) will give operational support to the achievement of OCBA’s Humanitarian Affairs ambitions.

The Humanitarian Affairs Team (HAT), will be composed by 1 Humanitarian Affairs Senior Advisor to the Department of Operations (HASADO), 5 HAA (3 based in Barcelona, 1 based in Dakar and 1 based in Nairobi) and 1 Medical-Humanitarian Affairs Advisor, plus 1 Humanitarian Affairs Senior Advisor to the General Direction (HASADG).

HAAs based in Dakar and Nairobi give support to the units of West Africa and East Africa (EAU)

The HAA reports hierarchically to the Head of the Operational Cell (RECO) and functionally to the HASADO

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES The functions and tasks detailed below must be seen at two levels

1. Ensure OCBA’s Humanitarian Affairs ambitions for Emergency Unit

1.1 Advocacy. The HAA will facilitate and ensure the realisation of mission-based advocacy strategies. He/she will make sure that the emergency interventions managed by the EUdo count with the minimum set of standards.

1.2 Networking. HAAs will actively contribute to the Networking Database centralised by the HASADO.

1.3 Sparring. HAA will become a natural partner for the Line Management (RECO, HOM, FC) specifically and for the HAT generally on the function of sparring at multiple levels, from operational vision & strategy to acceptance & perception.

1.4 Reflection & Positioning. HAAs’ role would be crucial as their preparatory and preliminary analysis will actually be the foundations for the creation and definition of OCBA’s reflection and positioning.. In practical terms, each HAA will count with a clear, concise and updated frame on Reflection & Positioning, even if limited, for each mission and in particular for those prioritised.

1.5 Knowledge Management. HAAs will contribute to Knowledge Management frame within Operations that will articulate and contribute with other broader OCBA initiatives. This would be of particular importance at the transversal portfolio(s) and thematic / project(s) levels.

1. Perform as a key acting member of the HAT

2.1 Ensure HAT dynamic. HAAs will be key for ensuring a HAT healthy dynamic keeping a good balance between the fidelity to the Cells’ dynamics and the one to the HAT

2.2 Contribute to the HAT promotion, internally and externally to OCBA.

2.3 HA coordination. HAA will become the natural functional referent for the humanitarian affairs officers (HAO) placed in the missions..

1. Shared cross-cutting functions by HAT members (to be decide the scope)

3.1 Analysis. The HAA will complement existing context analysis carried out at Cells’ level whenever deemed needed; ensuring or providing specific & added value contextual analysis. It includes identify and channelling external expertise if needed.

3.2. Training. The HAA will take on responsibility on the definition, development and implementation of specific training modules (curricula) and sessions (courses), as well as on other subjects related to existent or acquired expertise (e.g., related to one thematic / project carried out).

3.3. Field visits. The HAA will carry on field visits on request by the EU or following his/her own suggestion, always with defined in advance ToR.

3.4. Dissemination. The HAA will contribute to the dissemination of either the HAT or specific transversal, thematic or project(s) areas. It will be done via in-house or external presentations, participations in seminars, etc. This will be implemented in close collaboration with the HASADO and the RECO.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education and experience

• Social Sciences profile, with an International component and/or expertise, including: (International) Political Science, International Public Law, International Relations, Development’ Economics, Anthropology or similar.

• Specific training in the Humanitarian Sector at higher academic level (Masters’ Degree or assimilated - Ll.M, MSc, DEA) is highly recommended.

• Advocacy & Humanitarian Affairs training, whether MSF or external is highly recommended.

• English and French.

• Other languages would be considered as an asset (e.g. Arabic)

• Previous experience on Advocacy and/or Humanitarian Affairs, whether in MSF or externally, is a must

• Previous operational management experience, whether in MSF (Field Coordinator or higher) or externally, is an asset

• IT skills (windows setting, office package).

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• Excellent verbal and written communication, representation and training skills. • Availability to travel frequently, either to the field or international meetings.

CONDITIONS

• Based in Barcelona, at the Médecins Sans Frontières-Spain Headquarters.• Full time job• Annual gross salary (based on a 40 hours per week): 37,388.51 € (divided in 12 monthly payments) + secondary benefits, based on OCBA Reward Policy • Starting date: ASAP

How to apply:

Please send your Cover Letter, CV and three references to:

Médicos Sin Fronteras – Spain Dep. RRHrecruitment-bcn@barcelona.msf.orgRef: "HAA-EU”Att: Human Resources DepartmentNou de la Rambla, 2608001 BarcelonaSpain

Replies will only be sent to short-listed candidates.Closing date: 21st September 2014