Safeguarding and Ethical Leadership Coordinator for MSF Boards and Associations

Job Posting Organization:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, and natural disasters. Established in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries worldwide, providing assistance based solely on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. MSF International serves as the legal entity that binds MSF’s 24 sections, 28 associations, and 19 branch offices together, registered in Switzerland. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that all its operations are conducted with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, and it continuously strives to improve its practices and policies to better serve the communities in which it operates.

Job Overview:
The Safeguarding and Ethical Leadership Coordinator for Boards and Associations plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation, operationalization, monitoring, and continuous improvement of MSF’s safeguarding initiatives across its boards and associations. This position reflects the International Board’s commitment to establishing minimum standards for safeguarding within associative networks. The coordinator will lead efforts to translate safeguarding principles, commitments, policies, and standards into practical, measurable, and sustainable practices across MSF’s boards and associative structures. The role also involves advancing a culture of safeguarding by educating MSF boards about their responsibilities in safeguarding leadership and oversight, as well as developing robust understanding and measures within associative structures. The coordinator will contribute to strengthening prevention, detection, reporting, and response mechanisms for safeguarding cases, promoting accountability and institutional learning throughout the MSF movement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Safeguarding and Ethical Leadership Coordinator include leading the coordination, design, and implementation of the Ethical Leadership Minimum Standards (ELMS) and safeguarding principles within MSF boards. This involves translating safeguarding concepts into actionable documents, processes, and initiatives tailored for MSF boards and associations. The coordinator will develop implementation guidance, tools, frameworks, templates, and operational resources to ensure that safeguarding ambitions are effectively translated into practical plans and deliverables. Additionally, the coordinator will drive the integration of safeguarding as a core organizational practice across MSF boards and associations, strengthening accountability and leadership engagement. The role also includes monitoring implementation progress, identifying risks and gaps, and driving corrective actions as necessary. The coordinator will analyze challenges and lessons learned to inform strategic decision-making and produce reports, dashboards, and governance updates. Furthermore, the coordinator will ensure that frameworks and processes for handling ELMS and safeguarding complaints involving senior leadership are effectively implemented, coordinating the initial review and assessment of allegations and ensuring proper assignment for case management and investigation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of safeguarding principles, conflicts of interest, and the governance of non-profit organizations. They should have the ability to draft relevant safeguarding standards and documents, translating complex concepts into clear actions. The role requires excellent coordination skills and the ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders in a consultative and diplomatic manner. Strong writing skills are essential for communicating safeguarding concepts to various audiences, along with a solid understanding of monitoring and evaluation practices. Candidates should demonstrate experience in managing sensitive cases involving senior leadership, including receiving and triaging allegations, and understanding governance and due-process principles. The ability to navigate complex situations involving boards, senior executives, and safeguarding issues with discretion and sound judgment is crucial.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as law, human rights, or administration is required. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree combined with significant relevant experience in safeguarding and governance of non-profits may be acceptable. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of safeguarding and ethical governance within non-profit organizations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience implementing safeguarding initiatives, particularly with boards. A strong understanding of case management and administrative investigations in a workplace setting is essential, along with experience working with or as a board member for a non-profit organization. Experience in drafting key safeguarding documents and designing and delivering safeguarding training is also required. Previous experience with MSF is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in other languages, especially French and Spanish, is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across the MSF movement.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time, permanent role with a starting date of January 4, 202

• The successful candidate will be offered a contract in the MSF office that can issue a contract in their country of residence at the time of application. If no MSF office exists in their country, the candidate will be expected to relocate to a country where an MSF office can issue a contract, provided local legislation allows for such relocation. The compensation and benefits package will be in line with the MSF entity offering the contract. MSF is committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports diverse voices, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds.