Unit Deputy Manager

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Position Title: Unit Deputy Manager
Location: Paris, Any MSF office
Country: France
Deadline Date: 21/07/2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency aid to individuals affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, and natural disasters. Founded in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries and employs thousands of staff worldwide, including medical professionals, logistical experts, and administrative personnel. The organization is known for its commitment to impartiality, neutrality, and independence, offering assistance based solely on need, regardless of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. MSF International serves as the legal entity that binds MSF’s 24 sections, 26 associations, and 18 branch offices together, providing coordination, information, and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implementing international projects and initiatives as requested. The International Legal Department (ILD) is a crucial part of MSF, dedicated to supporting operations by providing high-level legal advice across various fields, including international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, labor law, and commercial law.

Job Overview:
The Unit Deputy Manager position is a critical role within the International Legal Department (ILD) of MSF, specifically within Unit 4, which focuses on the legal and administrative framework of missions. The primary function of this role is to oversee the direct support to operations, ensuring that legal frameworks are effectively implemented and maintained in the field. This includes managing a team of legal advisors who provide essential legal support in areas such as registration, administrative constraints, taxes, finance, and field contracts. The Deputy Manager will work closely with the Unit Manager to define and implement legal strategies and policies, ensuring that the unit's objectives align with the overall goals of the ILD. The position also involves direct engagement with operational centers and key staff to address legal challenges and provide solutions, thereby facilitating smooth operations in various missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Unit Deputy Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Participating in the definition of the Legal Department's legal strategy and policies, collaborating with the Unit Manager to establish legal risk management policies.
• Ensuring the implementation of the Unit's strategy and policies, addressing any obstacles encountered, and proposing solutions.
• Initiating and managing legal projects across the MSF movement, ensuring consistency and quality in legal activities.
• Supporting legal advisors in managing national and international litigation files.
• Recruiting, supervising, and developing the skills of team members, fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment.
• Providing direct legal advice and support to field and head office staff, managing legal issues as necessary, and developing legal tools and instruments to assist operational teams.
• Monitoring and reporting on the progress of legal projects and activities, ensuring alignment with the overall objectives of the ILD.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Unit Deputy Manager position must possess a strong legal background, ideally with a focus on international law, humanitarian law, or related fields. They should have proven experience in legal project management and a solid understanding of the legal challenges faced by humanitarian organizations. Strong leadership skills are essential, as the role involves managing a team of legal advisors and collaborating with various stakeholders within MSF. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to navigate complex legal issues are also critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A law degree from a recognized institution is required for the Unit Deputy Manager position. Advanced degrees or specializations in international law, humanitarian law, or related fields are highly desirable. Candidates should also have a strong academic record and relevant certifications that demonstrate their expertise in legal matters pertinent to humanitarian operations.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in legal practice, with a focus on international humanitarian law or related fields. Experience working in a humanitarian context or with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is highly advantageous. Candidates should have a track record of managing legal projects and teams, as well as experience in providing legal advice in complex operational environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of MSF. Proficiency in French is highly desirable, given the organization's operations in French-speaking countries. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to MSF's operational contexts would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 6 months and a half, with a full-time commitment expected. The starting date for the role is set for 11/09/202

• The successful candidate will be offered a compensation and benefits package in line with MSF's practices in the entity where the contract is established. It is important to note that the contract will typically be offered in the MSF office of the candidate's country of residence at the time of application. The role may involve travel to various MSF operational locations, depending on the needs of the organization.