MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF) – SOMALIA MISSION

MSF is an independent humanitarian medical organization providing emergency medical aid to populations in need. MSF Somalia mission is seeking a qualified person for the position below:

Job Title: Country Representative Advisor

Work Location: Based in Mogadishu  Representation Office, Somalia (Availability to visit to all the projects in Somalia

Nationality: Applicable only for Somali Nationals

Start date: July 2024

Length of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The mission has assessed the requirement for a Somalia senior staff to support the mission`s management as Country Representative Advisor which engrosses into operations and country-wide context/security to improving the contextual understanding deeply and strengthening the country level to ensure positive achievements of the mission`s objectives in the coming period.

The CRA will have an essential role in advising the operations, networking/representation and negotiated access for the MSF Somalia. The position brings an exceptional Somali perspective to how MSF is/should be operating in the country.

BACKGROUND

The Somalia mission re-opened June 2015 in Nairobi based on the decision of the RIOD that MSF re-engages in Somalia in recognition of enormous unmet health needs of the population. The intersectional mission is under the overall management of the Country Representative and has 2 heads of programs for each operational section part of the set-up. MSF has decided it is high time to open a representation office in Mogadishu, which will be led by high calibre staff at the level of a country representative.

LINES OF COMMUNICATION

As intersectional mission, the CRA reports to the Country Representative, but provides advice to the entire MT bilaterally on ad-hoc bases when needed. Support of specific (operational/resource) dossier can be done after agreement with the CR.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Context Analysis and Security Management:-

With prior arrangement and agreement, The CRA will represent MSF in front of the relevant authorities in Mogadishu, attend planned meetings, and engage with stakeholders in Mogadishu.

The CRA will lead and manage the representation office in Mogadishu.

The CRA will gather context and security information in collaboration with the CR, HOPs, Nairobi based CRA, Hargeisa based CR support, PCs and Dep-PCs to ensure having a comprehensive considerate leading to a fact-based advisory.

When the CR is out, the CRA reports to the replacement at that time, but in case of severe disagreement regarding security and decision making, the CRA can reach out directly to the Field Security Advisor in HQ.

The CRA will monitor the context (political and security situation) at the national and district level and will provide advice in mitigating risks and optimizing operations.

Gathering information, analysing and interpreting the security context situation of the country and feed to the CR and HOPs.

Gathering information, analysing and interpreting the humanitarian context of the country and feed to the CR, HOPs and MedCo/s.

Support the mission in understanding the present and the evolving environment, power structures and changing dynamics. Analyse the impact of local dynamics on project staff’s safety and security as well as the impact on the population at large.

In line with the security framework defined, the CRA advises the CR, HOPs and PCs in developing and implementing context and security monitoring tools.

Visiting the project/s for fact-finding with analysis and reporting, when an incident occurs or tension concerning resource sharing arises.

Based on context evolution to support/advise the assessment, analysis the applied security of the projects, and as well designing the new setups.

Alert the CMT on security developments relevant to MSF staff and operations.

The CRA will actively participate and advise the CMT in the review and update of the country policy for the mission, resource management issues, the country security guidelines and the Local Security Plan.

Conduct context, security and cultural briefings for incoming staff.

Develop and maintain a network of contacts (delegated by the CR)

Act as interpreter/cultural mediator in a high-level negotiation and representation with the CR and/or HOPs, or act on behalf in a situation where non-Somali staff does not have access.

Build acceptance of MSF’s presence and humanitarian efforts within Somalia by liaising extensively with local stakeholders.

Provide technical input and advice in assessments for potential MSF’s programming in new geographic areas as required.

The CRA advises and participates in the elaboration of different mission strategic documents, contributing to the mission´s strategic planning and objectives.

Advice and participate in preparing and executing emergency response in the mission. This includes (but not limited to) support to assessments, implementation, and verification of alerts.

On exceptional occasions, accompany field teams visiting the projects when requested by the HOPs and permitted by the CR.

To be part of FIMT as Mission Operational Advisor – sparring, networking and analysing local context. Make sure that the stakeholder mapping/analysis is updated and reviewed on a regular basis

Ensure the essential list of contacts in Somalia is updated on a regular bases.

Reporting, Information:-

Produce a monthly SITREP on the overall Somalia situation with more accent on Mogadishu/Banadir context and externalities.