Assistant

I.                    MSF INTERNATIONAL Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 19 sections, 23 associations and other offices together. Based inGeneva, MSF International provides coordination, information and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.   II.                  PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Assistant to the Humanitarian Advocacy Representative in the Middle East (hereafter “the Assistant”) supports the Humanitarian Advocacy Representative in theMiddle Eastin some aspects of advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy activities for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). III.                PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION   The Assistant reports to the Humanitarian Advocacy Representative in theMiddle East. The Assistant interacts with the Humanitarian Advocacy and Representation Team (HART) and the Humanitarian Advocacy and Representation Coordinator (HARC) inGeneva.  IV.                    MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES   The Assistant will be responsible of: ·        Researching organisation’s and potential advocacy targets to assist the HART in developing relevant networks in support of MSF operational needs in theMiddle East.   Attending meetings, internal and external, upon request and rapidly write up minutes and/or meeting reports to ensure timely feedback to the HART and MSF operations. ·        Conducting research and preparing dossiers on key issues or contexts in support of advocacy and networking activities as needed.   ·        Monitoring and tracking of specific issues as assigned to ensure adequate follow up.   Drafting formal correspondence, including meeting requests and following up on letters to external contacts.   Editing or drafting reports, speaking points and other documents upon request.   ·        Setting up and maintaining a database of external contacts.   ·        Organises external meetings with advocacy targets from the United Nations, NGOs,Red Cross/Red Crescentmovement and other actors inLebanonand abroad.   Follows up over time of specific executive dossiers as assigned by the Humanitarian Advocacy Representative in theMiddle Easton related progresses and development and draws up working papers / discussion papers for the various meetings when needed.   Any other task upon request from the Middle East Humanitarian Diplomacy Advisor, such as organizing travels, visas, etc. V.                  TRAVEL ENVIRONMENT   The duties of the position require regular attendance over 5 days/week on 50% basis Ability to travel, primarily within the Middle East, in order to facilitate meetings or research as needed.   VI.                  PROFILE REQUIREMENTS -          University graduate or in the final year of her/his studies -          Ability to synthesize complex material and record information accurately and appropriately in the form of minutes -          Ability to write complex correspondence and internal memos -          Excellent communications skills, including fluent written and spoken Arabic and English; French an advantage -          Knowledge of international humanitarian affairs -          Strong computer literacy, including ability to use word processing and spreadsheet and database software and to search the internet for research purposes -          Ability to handle a large volume of work -          Outstanding proven time management and organizational skills -          Keen attention to detail with ability to track multiple projects at one time -          Excellent judgment and diplomacy -          Ability to prioritize ongoing versus immediate needs appropriately -          Genuine commitment to MSF's humanitarian principles.