PROGRAMMES ADVISER HUMANITARIAN ISSUES MSF UK Location: London Permanent position: 40 hours / week

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1 MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES UK PROGRAMMES ADVISER HUMANITARIAN ISSUES MSF UK Location: London Permanent position: 40 hours / week Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a leading international independent medical relief organisation, dedicated to providing expert medical relief to vulnerable populations at times of conflict or disaster. In over 70 countries worldwide, MSF provides both life-saving emergency relief and longer-term assistance to make healthcare services available to the most vulnerable or excluded communities. MSF-UK is one of 19 offices and operational centres (OCs) in Europe, America, Asia and Australasia, pooling funding, expertise and staff for field operations. There are currently 6 departments within the UK office (fundraising, communications, finance, programmes, medical (called the Manson Unit (MU), human resources) as well as an office in Dublin. MSF's aim is to provide impartial assistance, on the basis of need alone, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, creed or political affiliation. To maintain its independence from political interference, MSF relies on donations from individuals around the world for at least 50% of its income. This private funding gives MSF the freedom to respond to the greatest needs as fast as possible. As medical professionals, MSF volunteers have a duty to try and protect their patients from violence and abuse. MSF often chooses to speak out about gross violations of humanitarian law against civilians in conflict, refugees, unaccompanied children and other vulnerable groups, in an attempt to bring abuse to world attention. The mandate of the UK section has traditionally been to provide technical, human resources, financial and communications support to field operations. That support has now evolved towards taking direct, medical and operational responsibility for specific project development. MSF-UK s income for the year ending 31 Dec 2009 was in excess of 20 million, 80% of which was spent directly on MSF s overseas field programmes. The UK office currently has around 50 full time staff working in the London office and placed about 200 medical & non-medical staff to work in projects in the field during The staff in the UK office are dynamic, enthusiastic, committed to the aims of MSF and not afraid of mucking-in when necessary. We invest in potential, rather than always recruiting the most qualified staff. PROGRAMME UNIT The Programme Unit is a team of field-experienced staff, providing support to MSF operations in the form of analysis, reflection and advocacy on some of the key issues confronting MSF, challenging its ability to deliver timely and quality medical humanitarian assistance to vulnerable groups. Our work is derived from and informed by concerns that emanate from our field projects. It capitalises on MSF-UK s positioning in London and the UK and proximity to institutions and individuals that help to shape the environments in which we work. 1

2 The UK is a key player in humanitarian issues, both in the funding and delivery of humanitarian assistance but also in terms of foreign and humanitarian policy, with both government and nongovernmental actors (including the private, academic and NGO sector) playing important roles. MSF, as a leading provider of independent, medical humanitarian assistance, has a distinct voice to bring to debates on humanitarian issues. A key objective for the Programme Unit, and for the MSF movement, is to be present and influential in some of those debates which impact on our operations. This new position represents a strengthening of our commitment to this. As a new position however, it may be subject to change and evolution in the coming years. MSF-UK is an integral part of the MSF movement and the Programme Unit works closely with MSF-International s Policy and Advocacy Unit. MSF-UK is part of the Operational Centre Amsterdam (OCA), sharing responsibility with MSF- Canada, Germany and Holland for the running of MSF operations. The Programme Unit contributes to the analysis, reflection and advocacy efforts of the OCA, in support of Operations. This is achieved through the OSCAR 1 working group, which brings together the Humanitarian Affairs Unit, Operational Comms and the Programme Unit. MSF-UK maintains close working relationships with the operational teams and humanitarian affairs / reflection teams of the other Operational Centres. JOB PURPOSE To contribute to MSF s overall purpose of providing quality, medical humanitarian assistance to vulnerable groups by: 1. Ensuring that MSF concerns on issues related to the humanitarian and medical needs of specific vulnerable groups are conveyed to the relevant UK actors (government, diplomatic, NGOs, private sector, academic community and think tanks) and that these efforts influence or effect change in policy and practice. 2. Providing analytical and advisory support to operational teams, both at headquarters and field, on the potential and real impact of developing trends, policy and strategies in humanitarian action, particularly in which the UK Government, or other UK based actors, are implicated. Where relevant, to directly contribute to the development of associated advocacy strategy in close collaboration with the advocacy unit of the international office. 3. Improving the evolution of MSF reflection and positioning through direct participation in, and the facilitation of exchange between, policy debates within MSF and those happening in the UK. The Programmes Advisor will also be expected to play an integral part in other functions of the Programme Unit. Position within MSF UK Hierarchically reports to the Head of Programmes, and works closely with members of the Communications Department, Medical (Manson) Unit, Programme Unit, MSF-UK s office in Ireland and the Executive Director. 1 Operational Support from Communications, Advocacy and Reflection 2

3 MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS Advocacy and Networking: Identify with operations, the International Office and the humanitarian affairs / reflection teams, those issues which require development through advocacy efforts in the UK, which will fall into one of two categories: Issues related to the humanitarian and medical needs of vulnerable groups Broader challenges that threaten the delivery of independent humanitarian assistance Together with the relevant operational team, the International Office and the humanitarian affairs / reflection teams, define the best strategy for the specific advocacy effort and implement / facilitate the strategy. Foster and maintain relevant networks within the MSF movement. Foster and maintain relevant networks within the UK political and diplomatic sectors as well as selected NGOs and umbrella groups working in the humanitarian sector in the UK, keeping this network informed of major issues of concern. Representations and dialogue with the UK government and key stakeholders In cooperation other members of the PU, monitor UK Government policy as it pertains to the key medical, humanitarian issues emanating from the field and disseminate the key aspects to the relevant parts of the MSF movement, such as OSCAR, CAME, Reflection centres and the international office. Attend specific meetings or debates and provide relevant feedback for operations and MSF s policy and advocacy network. Support the Head of Programme Unit in their role of coordinating MSF bi-lateral engagement with major UK-based NGOs, institutions and other key humanitarian stakeholders. In conjunction with operations and in cooperation with the Head of the Programmes Unit, build links and profile with those Diasporas living in the UK with strong links back to their home societies and where MSF has significant operational presence, linking in with the key priorities and concerns of the relevant missions. Contribute to the strengthening of Programme Unit advocacy systems, in collaboration with Unit colleagues. Support the Head of the Irish Office in highlighting selected medical, humanitarian concerns to the political and humanitarian sectors in Ireland. As part of OSCAR, support where relevant to OCA missions in the provision of analysis work and the development of any related advocacy strategy on issues related to the humanitarian and medical needs of vulnerable groups. In coordination with the Head of the Programmes Unit represent the Programmes unit in the majority of interaction with the Advocacy Unit of the International Office. Thematic work: Participation in the setting and implementation of OSCAR and OCA s reflection agenda, in support of OCA s strategic objectives, taking the lead on at least one area of thematic work on behalf of the OCA. Create opportunities to engage with other OCs on thematic areas and development of this into a mutualised support role on an agreed area (eg civmil issues). Identify, research and develop operational relevant ideas on personal initiative to produce quality reports, papers or articles. To undertake field visits linked to thematic work or critical review, where relevant. Strengthen links with relevant academic bodies and think-tanks, profiling the thematic work undertaken by the Programme Unit, OSCAR and other humanitarian affairs / reflection teams across the MSF movement, as well as reflecting key pieces of academic work back into MSF. 3

4 Communications: Focal point for the development of Programme Unit events and debates aimed at the humanitarian sector and UK government. Work with the Communications Department of MSF-UK to highlight MSF concerns on key humanitarian needs targeting both external media outlets (OpEd, letters, articles, interviews etc) and internal MSF publications (Talking Drums, Ins and Outs) acting as a spokesperson where appropriate. Other: To directly participate in the implementation of MSF field projects, through gap-filling, exploratory missions, assessments, evaluations. To support other departments on request e.g. Human Resources and MSF-UK induction days, Fundraising and major donor events, Association Coordinator and association events, Communications and public engagement events. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential requirements: Substantial field experience with MSF or a similar humanitarian organization. Substantial experience of UK directed advocacy work related to humanitarian issues with a demonstrable network of contacts within relevant policy makers, NGOs, academics in the UK Proven representation, communication and negotiation skills combined with a willingness to act as a spokesperson. Knowledge/experience of current issues relating to humanitarian action A demonstrable understanding of and commitment to health and medical issues. Excellent analysis, research and writing skills. Fluency in English. Ability to work independently; capacity to take initiatives and seize opportunities. Academic background in a related field Availability to travel to both other MSF offices and field projects, occasionally for extended periods. Computer literate (Word, Excel, Internet). Commitment to the aims and values of MSF. Desirable requirements: Evaluation experience Masters Degree in related field Competency in a second language French or Arabic language skills particularly welcomed Experience of working with the media. Candidates must hold an appropriate passport or permit to work in the UK. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This is a permanent position and the requirement is to work 40 hours a week. The minimum starting salary for this post is: 37,009 per annum (including London Weighting) Current Benefits at MSF UK and Ireland: SALARIES MSF UK & Ireland pays the salaries into the bank account on the 21 st of each month. FLEXITIME SCHEME MSF UK & Ireland operates flexi time. The daily requirement is to work 8 hours plus half hour for lunch with core hours between 9.30am-5.00pm and flexi time periods between 8.30am 9.30am and 5.00pm-6.00pm. 4

5 ANNUAL LEAVE The MSF UK & Ireland holiday (annual leave) year runs from 1st January to 31 st December. Annual entitlement for full-time staff is 28 days per year in addition to UK bank holidays (pro rata for part-time) SICK LEAVE On completion of the probationary period, employees of MSF UK receive additional benefits though our Group Income Protection Scheme and Group Life Scheme. PENSION PLAN On completion of the probationary period employees of MSF UK & Ireland can join the Group personal Pension Plan. Members of the scheme contribute between 3% and 5% of their salary. Contributions are deducted from salaries. MSF contributes 3% (for those paying 3 or 4 % of their salary) and 10% for those paying 5% DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES MSF UK & Ireland has an annual appraisal process in place during which individual development needs are discussed and training needs identified. HOW TO APPLY THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Timetable: Closing date for applications: 25 February 2011 Interviews: 2, 3 and 4 March 2011 and if needed a second round. Start date: April May 2011 To apply: If you are interested in this position please send your CV and a letter of motivation explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification to: Beverly Gurevitz Human Resources Officer Recruitment.UK@london.msf.org Address: MSF UK, Saffron Hill, London EC1N 8QX If you have any enquiries about the position please contact Beverly Gurevitz as above or on: