Humanitarian Representative for the Levant

I. MSF INTERNATIONAL

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 offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 24 sections, 26 associations and 18 branch 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.

II. POSITION BACKGROUND

The position is part of the MENA team within the Humanitarian Representation Team (HRT), which provides support to the MSF operations through linkages and actions to and from external networks (political, humanitarian, medical, and civil society). The HRT is managed by the International Operations Coordinator and Head of Humanitarian Representation (IOHRC) and the deputy Head of HRT.

The MENA HRT team is composed of the a) MENA Humanitarian representative (coordinator), based on the Gulf, b) the Humanitarian Representative for the Levant and c) a Humanitarian Representative based in Türkiye.

The HRT Humanitarian Representative for the Levant is both hierarchically and functionally accountable to the HRT MENA Representative. Based in Amman, but with the ability to travel to the region and beyond, the post constitutes a backup for the HRT MENA Representative in case of absence or the need for additional follow-up of priority issues.

III. MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Representation and networking

• Development of relevant contacts for the MSF movement and operations across the region
• Identifying with the HOM/desks/IO the humanitarian issues of concern for MSF for which it is necessary to develop advocacy /representation efforts.
• Propose diplomatic or engagement strategies linked to the conflicts in the region:

o Identify medical and humanitarian issues of concern to MSF for which it is necessary to develop diplomacy efforts

o Identify diplomatic opportunities (events, conferences, opportunities for bilateral meetings) or create them (organisation of MSF visits in the region or to regions / countries with specific influence in MENA)

o Prepare humanitarian diplomacy, representation rounds and talking points

• Use diplomacy and representation opportunities to communicate the identity of MSF and improve the perception of MSF in the region
• Convey directly messages developed by operations or indirectly by facilitating access to relevant actors in the region for MSF representatives
• Design, relay or implement MSF global advocacy initiatives in a proactive manner on topics relevant to MSF and by promoting and disseminating MSF research and academic work

Support to the HRT MENA Representative

• Ensure back-up support to the HRT MENA Representative when priority issues arise or in case of absence
• Handle part of the intersectional work (take responsibility of the facilitation of Interdesk)

Analysis

• To provide updates, information and analysis on the activities, positions, and strategies of key bodies in the region related to humanitarian issues and relevant contexts of MSF’s interventions/presence.
• Reflect on major humanitarian and policy changes in the region, analyse and document reflection and share internally with MSF Humanitarian Representation Team and operational entities to inform and improve their situational analysis.
• To draft/produce written materials to convey MSF messages and analysis, either independently or under the guidance of and in collaboration with relevant MSF colleagues.

Requirements

• Extensive (field) working knowledge/experience with MSF required.
• Master's degree (M. A.) or equivalent, or six to ten years related experience and/or training; (or equivalent combination of education and
• experience).
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the humanitarian action and principles of MSF
• Demonstrated knowledge of international humanitarian affairs and solid knowledge of and diplomatic networks in the Middle East and Arabic and Muslim societies/countries, especially in the Levant
• Strategic vision and creativity in problem solving
• Knowledge of basic provisions of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law
• Ability to synthesize complex and sensitive material and analyze and report on it cogently to colleagues
• Ability to write high-level correspondence and interact with senior diplomatic officials
• Excellent interpersonal skills, judgment and diplomatic skills.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Ability to travel on a frequent basis throughout the region and beyond.
• Ability to set priorities and organise his/her own work
• Written and spoken English required, Arabic is a strong asset.