Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international independent medical and humanitarian action-driven organization, which offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.
The MSF movement is built around 5 operational centers (OC) supported by 23 sections and offices worldwide.
OCBA has recently created the OCBA Network, consciously evolving towards a network configuration with a growing number of MSF partners.
It is our ambition that this network includes relevant partners from beyond the MSF movement as well.
This includes the creation of decentralized units that:
Develop and maintain a management structure and support environment that are attuned to environments where operations are implemented
Capacitate the operational factory to function in contexts of humanitarian demand in order to reduce the margin of error in interpreting humanitarian needs and in designing and delivering humanitarian action
Increase reactivity to respond to needs of population given a specific agile and effective decision-making process
Improve the capacity to decide, act, support and follow-up operations when necessary
Enable increased operational output in the mid-term: more operations (boosted capacity)for more victims of crisis and more relevant health options for our patients
Deliver higher quality and relevant operations fed by diverse thinking and meaningful partnerships
Improve our capacity to advocate for positive changes for the populations we assist
Enhance dialogue with key stakeholders to improve access and security
Allow the organization to grow in scope and quantity of programs
The Nairobi Unit
The NAU (Nairobi Unit) was created in February 2012. It currently has 26 staff members and the unit’s primary objective is to support MSF’s field operations through:
Managing the OCBA regional operational portfolio by a decentralized cell.
Enhancing dialogue with key regional stakeholders (mainly diaspora and political groups) in order to improve operations (access, security, etc…).
Developing advocacy and lobby towards key humanitarian players to improve general assistance to population in the region.
Offering support to operations dealing with displacement through a Displacement Unit which develops innovative solutions in the medical, logistics and IT arenas from a field based and field oriented perspective.
Learning from other entities developing ideas to improve operations from a technical, political or modeling perspective.
Increasing not only the visibility of MSF in the region, but also improving the general understanding of MSF’s work & principles by specific target groups in civil society.
Developing an HR Unit with focus on Recruitment and Capacity Building of Staff in the region.
Developing a key strategic partnership with the East African Association.
Developing technical capacities in the Logistics, medical and IT arena.
The NAU hosts the MSF regional office of the MSF movement in Kenya.
The OCBA Deputy Director of Operations, who is also partially based in the Unit, is the Regional representative of the movement.
General and Main Objectives of the Post
The HoU ensures continuous development and evolution of the Nairobi Unit as a cornerstone MSF OCBA in the East and Central Africa region by gaining political influence with key stakeholders and absorbing what the region has to offer in terms of know-how, technical innovation and resources.
He/she proposes and develops the long term vision, strategies and policies to ensure that the Nairobi Unit evolves according to operational needs and the social mission. He/she is responsible for the implementation of the strategic planning of the unit for the coming years.
The HoU is a member of the General Direction team and as such contributes to strategic discussions regarding OCBA’s institutional interests and challenges.
Manages the Nairobi Unit Global team (The Operations and Movement teams respond to separate management lines) in carrying out the activities necessary to achieve the goals of MSF OCBA for the regional office.
These activities are currently mainly representation, advocacy, communication, human resources, innovation, technical support, partnerships and learning. The scope of these activities will potentially expand as the unit responds to operational needs and regional opportunities.
Guarantees overall functioning of the Nairobi Unit (including all three teams). This is done in close collaboration with the Office and HR manager. S/he also works closely with the Head of the Operational Cell (RECO of CO5) and the Head of the Displacement Unit. These last two report to the Deputy Director of Operations.
Ensures institutional representation and coordination for OCBA vis-a-vis the MSF movement (excluding operations unless specifically called for).
Ensures that OCBA adheres to all Kenyan national laws governing NGOs and employers as well as conforms to MSF principles.
Main Responsibilities, Functions and Tasks
1) Strategy vision, planning and general management
Ensures and lead the Nairobi Unit team in the implementation of long term vision, strategies and policies that maximize its contribution to OCBA and its operations as well as the wider movement (when relevant).
Identifies organizational opportunities and risks, overview and steer the organizational risk management and appropriate structure, functions and processes.
Prepares and regularly review the annual plan in cooperation with the Unit’s HR and office coordinator
Supervises all efforts to ensure that the different groups and sub-units in the office are well coordinated and that a proper working environment is maintained.
Ensures final budget responsibility and control
Supervises the office-functioning ensuring proper legal and administrative compliance internally and externally.
2) Representation, advocacy, lobby
Guarantees the sound reputation, coherent identity, image of MSF OCBA in front of external stakeholders. This role should not entail duplication of responsibilities with the Regional MSF representative who ensures high level engagement with Kenyan Government Authorities in the name of the movement (i.e. I.O.).
The Nairobi Unit works to optimize its involvement with and contribution to the international movement. It supports all efforts to bring the fullest impact of MSF movement operational activities. The HoU works closely with the HART team and the International office for all issues and campaigns of global interest. This applies mostly to humanitarian diplomacy and communication activities.
Represents MSF to external contacts such as UN agencies, diplomatic bodies, the Humanitarian community, think tanks and academia amongst others. This is done in close collaboration with members of CO5 and Displacement Unit to maximize representation potential.
Actively advocates for MSF’s positions and interests, maximizing its impact on behalf of populations in danger with key constituencies by playing a leading role in carrying out international movement campaigns in Kenya.
Acts as spokesperson for MSF’s communication initiatives when needed.
3) Networking and Collaborations
Is responsible for the development of any partnerships in the region that are considered opportune for the social mission.
Participates actively in relevant international working groups and committees.
Communicates at major recruitment opportunities.
4) Relationship with rest of HQ and MT
Participates in key strategic operational moments and actively contribute to the refection and critical analysis on medical and humanitarian challenges, stakes and practices of MSF. Maintains direct link with Operations Department through DDO.
Is a member of the Decentralization Steering Committee.
Is accountable to the DDG.
Ensures adequate flow of information to the MT. NB: A foreseeable short-term development of the post (in sync with the development and growing relevance of the Unit itself) involves observer-status on the OCBA MT. A longer-term evolution would tend towards full MT participation. Both phases TBC.
Participates and contributes to the positive development of the OCBA management platform and internal dynamics.
Actively participates in the reporting and planning cycle of OCBA.
Ensures constant constructive challenge and alternatives to centralized procedures, protocols, strategies and policies which could be more effective if decentralized.
5) Coordinates all technical positions in the unit
The unit is composed of sub-units and positions that do not report directly to the Head of Unit.
However he/she will ensure coordination and proper functioning of all positions within the unit structure and in close communication with hierarchical and functional supervisors of the positions.
6) MSF East Africa Association
Is responsible for the relationship and development of the day to day partnership with the East Africa Association (EAA).
Contributes to strategic discussions of the EAA and the planning and provision of the resources needed to deliver on the defined objectives.
Selection Criteria
Education and experience
Essential
Significant experience in the humanitarian field of work (with MSF is an asset)
Extensive management experience at a strategic level (minimum 3 years)
Fluency in written and spoken English
Basic computer knowledge and skills: word, excel.
Desirable
Spoken/written Kiswahili
Spoken/written French and/or Spanish
Competencies
Commitment to MSF’s Principles
Cross-cultural Awareness
Strategic Vision
Results and Quality Orientation
Initiative and Innovation
Capacity to Negotiate
Teamwork and Cooperation
Leadership
People Management and Development
Security Awareness and Management
Networking and Building Relationships
Conditions
Position based in Nairobi
Minimum commitment: 3 years (extendable to 6)
Full time job
Annual gross salary: 6,417,972 KES
Housing and other secondary benefits based on MSF OCBA Reward Policy.
Starting date: mid- January, 2016
How to Apply:
To apply, all applicants should please send their CV and cover motivation letter under the reference “HNU” to: recruitment-bcn@barcelona.msf.org
Closing date: 20th November 2015.
Replies will only be sent to short-listed candidates