Together with the Head of Mission and the Coordination Team participates in the analysis and follow up of humanitarian context and security situation. Advising, participating, and when requested, representing the HoM with regards to relevant national partners/stakeholders. Support the Mission in understanding the present and the evolving environment, power structures and changing dynamics. Support in the development, implementation and maintenance of a networking and communication strategy, ensuring contacts with authorities, local communities and external actors.  Participating and advising the HoM in the preparation of the overall planning of operations, including the review and update of the country policy, action plan.

• Undertake country level actor mapping looking at national, provincial and regional (as relevant) authorities and conflict dynamics and support HoM(s) with context analysis.

• Develop and maintain a network of contacts to share information on the context, follow trends, identify new risks and threats.

• Gain an understanding of how MSF is perceived by health professionals, population and relevant actors (political, armed groups, religious authorities…). 

• Produce context analysis briefings highlighting the latest social, economic, political and security trends with (potential) impact on the security and humanitarian contexts

• Map armed actors, community key-individuals and (ethnic) groups customary and political structures. 

• Analyse impact of local dynamics on project staff’s safety and security as well as impact on population at large.

• In his/her advisory capacity, review, propose updates and advise the HoM in implementing the Country Security Plan, risk analysis/risk reduction measures, in accordance with MSF Security Policy.

• Assist the HoM in dissemination of relevant context information to the coordination team, regularly inform them on key issues, update general information on the context for MSF internal documents, and advise on cultural appropriateness of organizational activities and individual behaviors

• Support the HoM in official representation. Upon delegation, represent MSF in meetings.

• Participate actively to the negotiation of access, identify gaps that prevent MSF to operate 

• Liaise with local potential stakeholders and help the HoM to create, reinforce and maintain links with local leaders, tribes, authorities, armed forces.

• Advise on and be involved in the negotiations, finalization and maintenance of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MSF and the Government / any other institution involved. 

• On request of the HoM, fill gaps and participate to the elaboration of different mission strategic documents, contributing to the mission´s strategic planning and objectives.

• Raise security awareness among the staff through regular meetings on security context 

• Write up reports on each security incident affecting MSF personnel and monitors its aftermath.

• Introduce actor-mapping methodology that can be independently maintained (regularly updated and improved) for each project. 

Support and coach Coordination team members and Project Coordinators, on culturally sensitive manner of representation to local contacts, provide advice and support as needed evolution/challenges faced.

• Continue supporting on the setup up of the mission and strengthen relationship with the relevant authorities like ACSO, Regional Health Bureau and Regional Finance Bureau

• Support with context and security analysis in writing as part of the reporting mechanism 

• Contact culturell and behaviour briefing as part of the onboarding porcess of local hired and international mobil staff

• Support all departments in coordination if they are facing and challenging towards authorities or service providers 

• Represent the HOM in external meetings when the HOM is not available 

• Support the field teams (PC-support/PC-assitant and PCs) in terms of context anaylsis, security reporting tools, actor mapping etc 

• Keep an updated external contact list + meeting log-book 

• Be part of the key negotiator team when it comes to overcome obstacles with regional and/or zonal authorities together with HOM/or PC 

Keep a good network and exchange with the other OCs (HOM-support, Deputy HOMs or HOM Advisors) in terms of security management but also when it comes to navigate administrative procedures and official Impedement.

• No. of positions:    01

• Place of work:        MSF- Switzerland-Coordination office, Addis Ababa

• Position holder report to direct supervisor: Head of Mission

• Length of contract: till 13 April 2026  

• Remuneration and Benefits:

  • Starting Base salary (N+0) –USD 2710, payable in Ethiopian Birr (ETB).

  • Medical cover: as per the organization's policy

Job Requirements

Education       

University Degree

Experience     

•     Essential experience working in the mission country. Demonstrated capacity for analysis, networking and negotiation

•     Preferred experience working with MSF as HAO, PC, Dep HoM 

Languages                    

Mission language and English                 

 Competencies            

•   Strategic vision L2

•   Leadership L2

•   People Management and Development L3

•   Service Orientation L3

•   Teamwork and Cooperation L4

How To Apply

Interested applicants can submit their CV and application letter including photocopies of all supporting documents via www.ethiojobs.net. please be informed that we do not accept applications in other forms.

Please Note that we only contact short-listed candidates and only short-listed candidates with the required documents are allowed to attend further assessment. 

Sincerity of Declarations and Documents Submitted to MSF

Use of false documents to gain employment with MSF will lead to automatic cancelation from the recruitment process and if found after employment it will lead to termination.

We strive to promote, create, and maintain a safe organizational culture for all people who work for and with MSF OCG, including our partners. Moreover, we ensure that the workplace, wherever staff are located, is built on respect, tolerance, diversity, and inclusion that delivers a safe and respectful environment.

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.

“By submitting your application, you consent to MSF staff using your data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate.”

Job Requirements MSF requires a university degree and proven experience working in the mission country, with demonstrated capacity for analysis, networking and negotiation. The Head of Mission Advisor will support the Head of Mission by providing context analysis, risk assessment, and strategic planning to safeguard staff and enhance operational effectiveness. How to Apply Apply using the provided link below.