Main Objective and Responsibility of the Position

• Providing support to the Project Coordinator in the security management and the coordination tasks, ensuring a smooth relation with local and national authorities and contributing to the context analysis and follow-up according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to ensure the smooth running of the project.

Accountabilities

• Representing MSF externally together with the Project Coordinator (PC) or alone (when delegated) and negotiating on behalf of the project coordination in close cooperation with the PC and based on beforehand agreed messaging. Assisting in safeguarding and promoting MSF’s image externally
• Monitoring, analysing and reporting on key issues (security, risk, etc.) to the Project Coordinator and providing contextual information, through a sound knowledge of counterparts, parties, actors, authorities and military groups, in different administrations/parties and governorates/districts in order to improve understanding and decision making processes. Maintaining the security database and providing a biweekly context analysis based on recent incidents and developments
• Assisting in exploratory missions and assessments as needed and participating in the development of security plans
• Assisting the Project Coordinator in Internal and External Communication sessions and events about MSF (for National staff, the Ministry of Health staff, as well as local authorities, community leader, military actors, security forces) in order to improve awareness, understanding of MSF principles and services and public opinion adhesion. Write meeting minutes and contribute to the meeting logbook.
• Ensuring the continuity of relations/networking with local actors (other NGOs, UN agencies, local authorities, media, etc.) and filing and updating field contacts and correspondence in order to ensure information sources accuracy and its availability on regular basis. Organizing advocacy contacts and appointments for the Project Coordinator.
• Translating and reviewing documents and acting as an interpreter when needed. Assisting the Project Coordinator in the drafting of correspondences with authorities and counterparts (government officials, military actors, community leaders, UN agencies, NGOs, etc.) in order to ensure fluent and accurate communication flows.
• Preparing and conducting context, cultural and security briefings on the project context to new employees (national and international) in order to facilitate their integration and within the project environment. Ensuring regular security briefings/trainings of assessment team, drivers, and guards in consultation with the Project Coordinator.
• Being contactable by phone and available to assist the Project Coordinator with important context, security and operational issues that may occur outside of regular working hours unless otherwise agreed with the PC (e.g., holidays)
• Performing assigned additional responsibilities or tasks as required by the Project Coordinator.

MSF Section / Context-Specific Accountabilities

• Monitor and report on key issues (security, risk, etc.) to the Project Coordinator and provide support in analysing contextual information, through a sound knowledge of counterparts, in different administrations in order to improve decision making processes.
• File and update field contacts and correspondence (with other NGOs, UN agencies, local authorities, media, etc) in order to ensure information sources accuracy and its availability on regular basis.
• Assist the Project Coordinator in the drafting of correspondences with authorities and counterparts (government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, etc.) in order to ensure fluent and accurate communication flows
• Assist the Project Coordinator in Internal and External Communication sessions and events about MSF (for National staff, the Ministry of Health staff, as well as local authorities) in order to improve awareness and public opinion adhesion.
• Ensures the continuity of relations with local actors and keeps updated the list of contacts.
• Organize advocacy contacts and appointments for the Project Coordinator with local authorities and partners to ensure the continuity of relations with local actors and involved counterparts.
• Conducts movement briefings with staff moving between project locations to improve their understanding of the specific context and any prepare them for any encounters they may face.
• Conducts security and context trainings with relevant staff to improve awareness and understanding of MSF’s security management
• Promotes humanitarian values and a culture of debate in the project team.
• Contributing to the continuity of relations/networking with key stakeholders, international NGO, local actors (key line ministries, security services at Gusau level) and updating state contacts and correspondence to ensure information sources accuracy and its availability on regular basis.
• Flexibility in undertaking assigned tasks, due to the changing nature of MSF operations.

Requirements (Qualifications / Experience / Knowledge)

To apply for this role applicants MUST meet the following criteria:

Education:

• University Diploma Level, preferably in the field of Social Sciences (Political Sciences, International Public Law, Anthropology, Economics, etc.)

Experience:

• Essential: Experience in and exposure to working in a complicated political, security and humanitarian environment.
• Essential: Experience in data collection, reporting and analysis
• Desirable two years previous experience in similar jobs in the field of humanitarian aid with MSF or other NGOs
• Desirable: Management Experience

Languages:

• Mission and local language essential (high level command oral and written

Knowledge:

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel, Internet/social media)
• Excellent understanding of MSF’s principles and values
• Knowledge of and interest in humanitarian issues
• In-depth contextual knowledge and analysis skills
• High level of knowledge of local culture and customs

Competencies:    

• Results and quality orientation, teamwork and cooperation, behavioural flexibility, commitment to MSF principles and stress management.