Representation in IGA Governance Project Coordinator

I. MSF INTERNATIONAL

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF assists people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 23 sections, 25 associations and other offices together. Based in Geneva, MSF International provides coordination, information and support to the MSF movement, and implements international projects and initiatives as requested.

The International General Assembly (IGA) is the highest authority of the Association and its Members, and as such is the guardian and decision-maker regarding the MSF Charter and the purpose of the Association. The IGA is responsible for safeguarding MSF’s medical humanitarian social mission and providing strategic direction to the MSF Movement and has the final decision on key associative governance issues. The International General Assembly comprises the International President and two representatives for each Institutional Member as well as the Movement Wide Association (the IGA Representatives). The IGA Representatives speak for and are accountable to the Institutional Members they are representing, but should always have the best interest of the MSF Movement, and ultimately patients and communities in mind.

The IGA delegates certain duties and powers as well as the ongoing oversight of the executive to the International Board (IB). The IB ensures accountability for the implementation of IGA decisions and holds the highest executive body of MSF, the ExCom, accountable for ensuring efficient operational support, effective deployment of field resources, and timely advocacy.

The MSF International Board is comprised of the International President, the President or Chair of the Board of the five operational centres, six members elected by the IGA, the International Treasurer and other appointed members.

The International Associative Team and Secretariat to the IB Team, amongst other duties, work to support the implementation of the IB’s strategic work plans.

II. PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

The Project Coordinator works for the ASC Representation in Governance Subcommittee, and ultimately the IB. They will report directly to the Secretary to the IB and the International Association Coordinator.

III. BACKGROUND

In 2008 MSF launched an effort at governance reform, reaffirming the federated nature, independence of each section and association, and the primacy of the Association in accountability, and seeking to increase representation from each association at the putative highest level of governance, the IGA. In the following decade, nearly all new regional associations have spun off sections, changing MSF’s structural architecture.

There is an ongoing discussion about whether or not this organisational structure increased diversity and representation and whether there is currently an equitable distribution of power and decision-making at the highest levels of MSF. This manifested at the 2020 IGA when MSF Canada put forward a motion to address IGA representation (Motion To Transform IGA Composition to Address Equitable Representation and Distribution of Power). This motion was subsequently approved.

Accordingly, the IB was tasked with proposing alternative representation models to the IGA. During the construction of their 2021-2022 Workplan, the IB highlighted Representation in MSF Governance as a top strategic priority, and delegated this task to the Associative Standing Committee (ASC). The ASC then sought to create a committee whose composition drew from MSF’s expertise and diversity, and the Representation in MSF Governance Subcommittee was accordingly established in Q1 2021.

The case for change has been made. What is required is a thoughtful process that incorporates consultation, potential models for change and recommendations.

IV. OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

Guided by the foundational principles for the process developed by the Representation in MSF Governance Subcommittee, the Project Coordinator will investigate, analyse and develop recommendations on representation/governance models to the subcommittee for ultimate presentation to the IB and IGA.

V. DELIVERABLES AND TIMING

Stage One (Data Collection, Consultation and Initial Proposal) - Before end of 2021

• Enact a broad consultation ensuring a wide inclusion of stakeholder perspectives (utilising multiple techniques as necessary). [To be extended into Stage Two as necessary to ensure a broad consultation]
• Gather lessons learned from other organisations.
• Develop potential models with an analysis of potential risks and benefits.
• Make a recommendation on model(s).

Stage Two (Change Management) - Before 2022 IGA

• Support change management and develop transition considerations.
• Communicate, support discussion and generate buy-in amongst stakeholders.
• Refine/modify the final model(s) as per stakeholder feedback.
• Deliver proposals for the final model(s).
• Prepare and present the proposal for final model(s) to the Representation in MSF Governance Subcommittee (March 2022 - TBC), the ASC (March/April 2022 - TBC), and the IB (April 2022).
• Support the development of the related 2022 IGA Session.

Stage Three (Transition & Communications) – Post 2022 IGA

• Finalise necessary documentation and reporting.
• Establish and ensure the implementation of a transition plan.
• Ensure broad communication of changes to relevant stakeholders.
• Write a final report to the IB and IGA (September 2022).

VI. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver deliverables as per timeline.
• Facilitate inclusion, discussion and engagement in the process utilising surveys, focus groups, interviews, digital tools and other appropriate methods.
• Provide relevant content for communication to the movement as required.
• Consult with internal and external governance/representation/transformation experts.
• Coordinate with related projects to ensure best utilisation of existing capacities in the movement (i.e. TIC projects/TEMBO).
• Ensure synergies and linkages, and mitigate against duplication with other ongoing related projects (i.e. MSF Structures, Becoming the MSF We Want to Be, Core ExCom Action Plan on Tackling Institutional Discrimination and Racism).
• Provide support for the ASC Representation in MSF Subcommittee meetings and identify necessary issues regarding the project to be brought to the subcommittee.

Job requirements

• Proven expertise in project management and strategic planning
• Proven experience in leading change management initiatives.
• Experience of working with non-profit governance (within MSF an asset).
• Skilled facilitator with proven ability to run focus groups.
• Proved strong communications and presentation skills.
• Expertise and knowledge of how to work in a virtual environment, notably utilising digital consultation.
• Strong knowledge of English.
• Possible travel (COVID-19 policies and restrictions dependent).

Considered as advantageous:

• Experience in the humanitarian field.
• Experience working in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Intercultural dynamics experience.
• Knowledge of additional languages.
• Social research skills.

Location: Any MSF office

* By default, the successful candidate will be offered a contract in the MSF office of their country of residence at the time of application