Job Advertisement

Position Title: Advocacy and Strategy Advisor (Interim)
Location: Ottawa
Country: Canada
Deadline Date: September 6, 2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Canada was established in 1971 and is dedicated to providing medical assistance to those in need, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. The organization operates with a commitment to medical ethics, independence, neutrality, and impartiality, ensuring that they go where the medical needs are greatest. MSF Canada is part of a larger international movement and has a significant presence in various countries, focusing on humanitarian crises and providing essential Medical Care. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals and volunteers who work collaboratively to address complex health challenges in various operational contexts.

Job Overview:
The Advocacy & Strategic Advisor position is integral to MSF Canada’s Humanitarian Affairs team, focusing on developing and implementing strategies for advocacy and Analysis related to humanitarian affairs. The role involves working closely with MSF operational partners and senior management to enhance MSF Canada’s capacity for advocacy, analysis, and positioning on critical operational contexts and issues. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that MSF’s analyses and positions are effectively communicated to the Canadian public and in private advocacy engagements. This includes developing relationships and networks that support the strategic advocacy and public institutional funding efforts of the Humanitarian Affairs team. The role also requires providing analyses of key events from operational contexts to inform reporting, advocacy, representation, and public communications, as well as developing advocacy strategies tailored to the Canadian context based on current operational events and conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies that align with MSF Canada’s humanitarian objectives and operational contexts.
• Ensure effective communication of MSF’s analyses and positions to various stakeholders, including the Canadian public and institutional partners.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to support advocacy and funding initiatives.
• Analyze key events in operational contexts to inform advocacy efforts and public communications.
• Collaborate with the Humanitarian Affairs team to identify priority issues and develop strategic responses.
• Prepare reports and presentations that effectively communicate advocacy strategies and outcomes.
• Engage in public representation of MSF Canada at relevant forums and discussions.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy initiatives and adjust strategies as necessary.
• Provide guidance and support to team members on advocacy and communication strategies.

Required Qualifications:

• A strong commitment to the principles of MSF, including cross-cultural awareness and service orientation.
• Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong preference given to candidates who are also fluent in French.
• Proven experience in the humanitarian sector, particularly in advocacy, communications, and/or Fundraising/institutional funding.
• Demonstrated experience in developing advocacy and communication strategies within the Humanitarian Assistance field.
• Knowledge of the Canadian policy environment related to humanitarian assistance, foreign affairs, and international funding.
• Excellent Strategic Communication and advisory skills, preferably in a Public Advocacy context.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with a diplomatic approach to stakeholder engagement.
• An analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize complex information accurately and effectively.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in International Relations, public policy, communications, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian affairs or advocacy may be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in the humanitarian sector, with a focus on advocacy and communications. Experience in developing and implementing advocacy strategies, as well as familiarity with institutional funding mechanisms, is essential. Previous roles that involved direct engagement with policy environments and public advocacy are highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and fluency in French is strongly preferred. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to MSF’s operational contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a 4-month contract with a salary grade of Level 16, offering an annual salary of $87,850, pro-rated to the contract length. The role is based in Ottawa, Canada, and applications will be accepted until 9:00 am EDT on September 6, 202

• Candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic and challenging work environment, contributing to MSF Canada’s mission of providing medical assistance in humanitarian crises.