[Hiring] Humanitarian Representative @MSF International

Role Description

MSF seeks to strengthen its engagement, contextual understanding and institutional memory related to the Russian Federation and the Former Soviet Union (FSU). The position provides a focused capacity for engagement with Russian representatives outside the Russian Federation, contextual analysis, internal coordination and support to MSF operations in relevant contexts.

The role operates within a sensitive and evolving geopolitical and legal environment. It contributes to maintaining institutional links and information flows while supporting operational teams and ensuring relevant developments and strategic considerations are surfaced to appropriate MSF stakeholders.

Accountabilities

• Analysis
  • Provide contextual analysis and updates on developments in the Russian Federation, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia that may impact MSF’s operations and humanitarian engagement.
  • Support operations by providing ad hoc analyses and briefings on topics of interest.
  • In coordination with operations, continue developing and reviewing scenarios regarding MSF’s presence in Russia, with particular attention to conditions and entry points for potential future operations.
  • Monitor and assess opportunities for the potential reopening of institutional dialogue and an operational presence in the Russian Federation in close coordination with HRT Representative in Geneva.
  • Continue monitoring and analyzing the risk of MSF being designated as an "undesirable organization" in Russia and the potential implications for the organization.
• Engagement and networking
  • Maintain the existing network of Russian interlocutors and identify or create engagement opportunities globally, including at conferences, events or through bilateral engagements.
  • Develop and expand the network with new and relevant Russian and Russian-affiliated contacts for the MSF movement and operations.
  • Ensure continuity and accompany ongoing efforts to engage with Russian representatives globally on issues related to the contexts in which MSF operates.
  • Support MSF operational teams in their engagement with Russian representatives in countries where MSF maintains operations.
• Internal coordination
  • Coordinate the HRT BRICS working group and facilitate information sharing and strategic alignment among its members.
  • Facilitate interdesk meetings when relevant and share outcomes with relevant colleagues in accordance with the Interdesk terms of reference set by the RIOD.
• Other responsibilities
  • Facilitate coordination, information sharing, and reporting among MSF colleagues engaging with Russian stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain the Russia Online Archives to collect the data of the RBO and other data coming from OPS engagement with Russian representatives.

Autonomy, Complexity

The incumbent will operate with a high degree of autonomy in a politically sensitive and complex environment, requiring the ability to independently assess developments, identify strategic opportunities, and define engagement priorities. The role involves managing senior-level relationships with government authorities, diplomatic actors, and other stakeholders in an environment in which MSF has very limited space. The Representative is expected to exercise sound judgment in navigating high sensitivities and providing timely analysis and recommendations to open the space for MSF in support of operations. The position requires balancing operational, political, legal, and reputational considerations while representing the organization externally and ensuring coherence with broader institutional objectives.

Safeguarding requirements for the role

The incumbent commits to contribute to a safe, supportive, inclusive, equitable, diverse, respectful, and healthy workplace, free from abuse and other misconduct. They will not engage in any form of abuse including those detailed in MSF Typologies of Abuse and when an employee suspects or observes abuse, they will report it (without investigating it) to protect others.

Education

• Master's degree (M. A.) or equivalent, or six to ten years related experience and/or training; (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience

• Extensive (field) working knowledge/experience with MSF is mandatory.

Knowledge

• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the humanitarian action and principles of MSF.
• Demonstrated knowledge of international humanitarian affairs and solid knowledge of diplomatic networks in Russia and countries and institutions within their orbit.
• Strategic vision and creativity in problem solving.
• Knowledge of basic provisions of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law.
• Ability to synthesize complex and sensitive material and analyze and report on it cogently to colleagues.
• Ability to write high-level correspondence and interact with senior diplomatic officials.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, judgment and diplomatic skills.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to travel on a frequent basis throughout the region and beyond.
• Ability to set priorities and organise his/her own work.

Languages

• Written and spoken English and Russian are required.

Additional Information

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. At MSF, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.

MSF is committed to preventing abuse, inappropriate behaviour, lack of integrity and financial misconduct in its work and care spaces. MSF expects all staff to share this commitment and promote an environment where abuse and misconduct is not tolerated.

We are committed to removing barriers for people with specific accessibility needs. If you need an adjustment to the recruitment process to be considered for the role, please let us know from the beginning of the selection process.

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to reference checks and to appropriate screening checks. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her/their understanding of these recruitment procedures.