MSF Head of Mission - Somaliland

[Admin]

Location: Somaliland, based in Hargeyssa with frequent visits to the project sites Starting date: 01/2013 Duration of mission: 12 months

MAIN OBJECTIVES Defines the mission’s operational strategy in partnership with the Operational Cell of Brussels and the Co-ordination team. Represents MSF at a national level and s/he is responsible for the development of a communication policy within the host country. Coordinating the effective implementation of all projects in his/her country area. Review the Emergency Preparedness Plans and monitoring natural disasters. Final responsible for all policies and management aspects within the mission (administration, logistics, finances, human resources, and MSF association). Responsibility for all security aspects of the mission. Provides coaching and support to the capital Co-ordination team and Field Co-ordinators. MAIN ACTIVITIES

Representation Represents MSF-OCB at Kenyan and Somali level, vis-à-vis all possible stakeholders, factions, donors, agencies, press. Works with local authorities, community leaders, religious leaders, community elders and, various belligerent factions to improve the quality and safety of the program and the image of MSF-OCB. Liaise with other agencies working in the programmes' area. Information/Communication Monitoring the political, humanitarian and health situation within the country (and surrounding countries if necessary) and transmits all relevant information to the field. Responsible for continuous and adequate information flow between MSF OCB and the field as well as between the projects within the country. Informs OCB and submits reports/proposals for important changes and/or decision to be taken. Security Monitors the security situation in the country and establish a strong network to be able to have a clear picture of the situation on the ground but also about the others stakeholders. Writes and updates the security and safety guidelines as well as ensuring adequate dissemination and knowledge; and its implementation. Ensure that adequate means are in place for the safety and security of the teams. Final responsible for instructions regarding the security of the teams. Contribute to drafting & updating the evacuation plan. Definition, implementation and monitoring of programs The Head of Mission is the link and catalyst between the coordination team based in Hargeysa, the field teams, and the MSF-OCB headquarters in Brussels. S/He strives to build an overall vision on the mission, the humanitarian environment and country context, and enforces the decisions of the headquarters together with the coordination team in accordance with the MSF policies and guidelines. Together with the coordination team, focus on management, coordination, and planning of medical and non-medical activities while identifies the need for new programmes and interventions.

Human Resources Together with the HR coordinator supervises the management of national and international staff, with specific focus on identification of needs, briefing of newcomers, debriefing of international staff. Conducts regularly and timely evaluations of coordination staff (including field coordinators). Organizes regular coordination team meetings and ensures adequate administrative tools for the management of the programs are present and applied at coordination and field level. Finance/Budget Ensures a rational and cost-effective use of resources and funds. Follows up of proposal, reporting and contacts with the donors (currently Somalia is all proper funds though, reports may be required) and ensures that monthly budget follow-up is provided through the FinCo to the mission.

Legal Responsibilities Compliance with legal requirements in all administrative activities linking MSF to the government and supervises renewal of agreements and authorizations involving MSF and the authorities. Together with coordination team, helps to draft the various cooperation agreements (framework agreement, contracts, etc.) and ensures that they comply from the administrative and legal points of view with national legislation, and with MSF practices (where relevant). Ensures proper management of MSF commitments (conventions, agreements and third-party contacts), management and follow-up of legal matters (with legal consultants), updating of legal information, application of legal obligations (employment and tax law, customs, immigration, etc.), management of mission real estate, management of the mission’s insurance (vehicles, etc.) in cooperation with the logistics coordinator, filing and classification of the relevant documents. Associative actor Takes actively part in decisions regarding general MSF orientations. Motivates the associative ‘spirit’ within the mission. Diffuses MSF values to expatriates and national staff members. Ensures the information flow regarding all associative aspects.

PROFILE Previous MSF Coordination (Fieldco or HoM) experience in a challenging context Problem solving and organizational skills Willing to be flexible in working conditions and job description Computer knowledge Good communication skills in English language (spoken and written) Interest in socio-politics Training and coaching mindset Open minded Advanced Leadership skills Negotiation skills
Able to deal with pressure/ stress related to the responsibilities of the job

How to apply:
Send a CV and a motivation letter in English before December 20th 2012 to the HR Department , rue Dupré 94, B - 1090 Brussels. E-mail to: OCB-PoolManager-HoM@brussels.msf.org