France: LEGAL ADVISOR– MSF LEGAL DEPARTMENT – OCP (M/F)

Organization: Médecins Sans Frontières
Country: France
Closing date: 30 Nov 2014

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organisation that provides assistance in more than 70 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

LEGAL ADVISOR– MSF LEGAL DEPARTMENT – OCP (M/F)

Mission:

The main mission of the incumbent is the definition and management of the legal framework of logistical, supply, pharmaceutical and insurance activities, in support of the MSF teams on the field and at various headquarters.

He/she is also responsible for the coordination and coherence of the legal framework of all these different fields of activity.

The Legal department is an intersection department providing services to Operational Centers, MSF logistic, MSF Supply, Epicentre and to MSF International.

The position, placed under the responsibility of the MSF Legal Director, requires a close cooperation with the other lawyers in the Legal Department (in France and in other sections), the other MSF-F departments, but also with the other MSF sections and MSF-International, as well as the teams on the field, MSF’s supply centers and international working groups.

This position is based in Paris and requires regular trips to the different MSF sections and to the field.

Activities:

Coordination of the legal components of the activities relating to the following domains:

1.Logistics/Supply

• Legal support to the MSF humanitarian supply centers and to the teams on the field
• Identification and management of the risks associated with MSF logistical activities
• Guidance and management concerning legal constraints related to embargoes
• Preparation and implementation of legal tools (model contracts, terms and conditions, guidelines)
• Legal guidance about the interpretation and application of the laws applicable to procurement centers and on the field
• Negotiation, drafting, review and correction of logistical contracts (purchase, services, transportation, leasing, construction)
• Management of disputes with suppliers, contractors and other private entities contracted by MSF

2.Pharmaceutical

• Legal support to the MSF pharmacists on questions related to the quality of medicines, MSF’s liability for the quality of medicines and pharmacovigilance
• Legal guidance about the interpretation of the laws and standards applicable to pharmaceutical activities
• Management of disputes with drug suppliers

3.Insurances

• Legal support to the MSF International Insurance Steering Committee about the management of the MSF international insurance portfolio
• Negotiation of terms of coverage with MSF’s insurers
• Review and negotiation of the terms of the insurance policies subscribed by MSF
• Legal support to the MSF teams on the field regarding the insurance of assets on the field
• Management of the claims reported to MSF insurers
• Preparation and implementation of an insurance policy plan within MSF

4.Contracts

• Drafting, review and correction of commercial contracts for the HQ and the field
• Management and optimization of recourse to pro-bono lawyers
• Support to the French section for the commercial disputes at the HQ level

5.Training

• Development and updating of training contents related to the above mentioned fields of activity
• Organization of training modules for the operational teams

6.Ad hoc file

• Support to the Director on ad-hoc files (research, drafting, legal analysis, creation of files)

Profile:

Education and experience:

· Advanced legal education (commercial law, private law, tax law)

· At least 5 years of professional experience gained as an in-house lawyer or in a law firm in an international context

· Good oral and written communication skills in English and French is mandatory

· Humanitarian field experience is desirable

Competences :

· Rigor, excellent knowledge of legal techniques and ability to cope with atypical situations, prioritize tasks and effectively manage emergencies

· Team work and cooperation

· Strategic vision

· Commitment to MSF’s principles

· Cross-cultural awareness

· Initiative and innovation

Conditions :

· Long term position (starting as soon as possible, ideally December 2014 or January 2015)

· Full time job

· Based in Paris – with regular trips to other MSF sections and to the field

· Annual Gross Salary 49,3K€ divided on 13 months payments + secondary benefits based on MSF OCP reward policy

How to apply:

Please send your CV and cover letter to Françoise Bouchet-Saulnier, no later than November 30th to:

emploi@paris.msf.org

Please mention the following announcement reference in your application: JUR-LA/112014

Note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted