Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Established in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members, including medical professionals, logistical experts, and administrative personnel. The organization's mission is to deliver emergency medical aid to those in need, advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, and raise awareness about humanitarian crises. MSF is known for its commitment to impartiality, neutrality, and independence, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer (HAO) plays a crucial role in ensuring that MSF maintains access to patients in need of medical care. This position involves developing and implementing advocacy strategies that highlight the impact of conflict and neglect on vulnerable communities. The HAO will be responsible for gathering information from various stakeholders, including patients, community members, and MSF staff, to provide strategic advice on how to effectively communicate MSF's mission and principles. The role requires frequent travel to MSF projects, where the HAO will collect testimonies and document the human impact of disasters and conflicts. This information will be used to create unbiased reports that address various humanitarian issues, including the effectiveness of humanitarian responses and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. The HAO's work is vital in advocating for the rights of those MSF serves and ensuring that their voices are heard in the humanitarian discourse.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies to ensure access to medical care for marginalized communities.
• Gather testimonies and stories from patients and community members to document the human impact of crises.
• Analyze and collate information to produce unbiased reports on humanitarian issues.
• Provide strategic advice on MSF's communication efforts in contexts where access to medical assistance is threatened.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders, including local communities, humanitarian actors, and MSF staff, to gather relevant data and insights.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of humanitarian responses and advocate for improvements where necessary.
• Train and supervise staff in data collection and advocacy efforts, fostering a collaborative and multicultural team environment.
• Stay informed about current humanitarian debates and contribute to discussions on best practices in advocacy and humanitarian interventions.

Required Qualifications:

• Academic background at the master’s level in anthropology, social or political science, law, gender studies, or a related field.
• Relevant work experience in data collection, qualitative research, and human rights monitoring.
• Minimum of one year of experience in humanitarian advocacy, particularly in contexts similar to MSF's operational environments.
• Strong understanding of contemporary humanitarian debates and the complexities of modern humanitarian interventions.
• Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports.
• Experience in managing and training staff within a multicultural team setting.
• Fluency in English and French, with a minimum level of B2 in both languages.
• Familiarity with additional languages such as Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese is considered an asset but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in a relevant field such as anthropology, social or political science, law, or gender studies. This educational background is essential for understanding the complex social and political dynamics that influence humanitarian work and advocacy efforts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant experience in humanitarian advocacy, particularly in environments affected by armed conflict, disasters, or public health emergencies. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with communities and stakeholders to gather data and advocate for vulnerable populations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory, with a minimum proficiency level of B2 in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages such as Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese is advantageous but not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last between nine to twelve months, and candidates should be prepared for frequent travel to various MSF project sites. This role is full-time and may involve working in challenging environments. MSF values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.