Project Coordinator Assistant

Introduction about MSF:

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people in 70 countries who are affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation and our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality.

We offer basic healthcare, perform surgery, fight epidemics, rehabilitate and run hospitals and clinics, carry out vaccination campaigns, operate nutrition centers, and provide mental healthcare. Our activities include the treatment of injuries and disease, maternal care and the provision of humanitarian aid. Where necessary, we set up sanitation systems, supply safe drinking water, and distribute relief to assist survival.

Main Objective of the position:

Provide support to the Project Coordinator in the administrative part of coordination tasks, ensuring a smooth relation with local and national authorities, contributing to the context analysis and follow-up, providing translations and interpreting in order to ensure the smooth running of the project.

Accountabilities:

• In close collaboration with the Fixer, monitors and reports on key issues (security, risk, etc.) to the Project Coordinator and provide support in analysing contextual information, through a sound knowledge of counterparts, in different administrations in order to improve decision making processes.
• File and update field contacts and correspondence (with other NGOs, UN agencies, local authorities, media, etc) in order to ensure information sources accuracy and its availability on regular basis.
• Assist the Project Coordinator in the drafting of correspondences with authorities and counterparts (government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, etc.) in order to ensure fluent and accurate communication flows.
• Assist the Project Coordinator in organising meetings with stakeholders and partners, helps in the translations, assists in the minutes taking and writing. Advises on cultural/intercultural biases.
• Assist the Project Coordinator in Internal and External Communication sessions and events about MSF (for National staff, the Ministry of Health staff, as well as local authorities) in order to improve awareness and public opinion adhesion.
• Ensures the continuity of relations with local actors and keeps updated the list of contacts, follow-up on action points from meetings.
• Organizes advocacy contacts and appointments for the Project Coordinator with local authorities and partners to ensure the continuity of relations with local actors and involved counterparts.
• Executes clerk-related activities as well as prepare and conduct briefings on the project context to new employees in order to facilitate their integration onboard and within the project environment.
• Translates documents and acts as an interpreter when needed
• With approval of PC, provides ad hoc support to other Project Management Team members for networking activities.
• Contributes to the Project sitrep and reports.
• Keeps all documentation and files updated, properly filed and easily accessible for the internal users.

MSF Context Specific Accountabilities:

Liaison work

• Establishes an effective communication system with the different stakeholders present in South Lebanon (other (I)NGOs, authorities, UN agencies) under the supervision of the PC
• Facilitates the meetings of MSF staff with authorities, institutions, organisations, factions representatives and informal stakeholders
• Ensures follow-up of partnership in support to Project team: planning and organization of meetings
• With the Fixer’s input, develops and updates a mapping of local & international NGOs/civil society

Security and humanitarian context follow-up

• Reports to PC on any security concerns and advises/consults on decision making
• Feeds on the Team Security group on any relevant Security related alerts and advisory
• Provides weekly report on context and security
• Researches and collects any useful information and data relating to the context that are relevant for the strategic development and positioning of MSF in South Lebanon
• On request of PC, liaises with security/intelligence services
• On request of PC, provides inputs for Project security and context documents, advises on protocols
• Keeps Security Logbook updated with relevant incidents details

Miscellaneous

• Contributes to meetings minutes
• Contributes to bi-monthly Sitreps
• Maintains Contact list of external contacts and stakeholders

Requirements:

Education:   Desirable, university degree.

Experience:

Desirable two years previous experience in similar jobs in the field of humanitarian aid with MSF or other NGOs

Essential knowledge of local and regional dynamics and stakeholders

Languages:  Fluent in both Arabic and English mandatory

Knowledge:

Knowledge of South Lebanon governorate – Jezzine, Saida, Tyre, Bekaa – context and political, civil, and economical dynamics Essential knowledge of office tools including excel, word and Sharepoint.

Competencies: Excellent communication skills (verbal, written), computer literacy essential (word, excel), autonomy, flexibility, problem-solving mindset, ethical and humanitarian oriented, commitment to MSF Principles, behavioural Flexibility, results and Quality Orientation, teamwork and Cooperation L3