Head of Mission Advisor (Port Sudan) – MSF Switzerland

Job Description

Organization	Medecins sans Frontieres Switzerland
Job Title	Head of Mission Advisor
Location	Port Sudan
Section/Unit	Operations
No. of Post	1
Grade Level	12
Duration	1 year
Supervisor	Head of Mission
Closing Date	05 Oct 2025

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Switzerland is an international non-governmental organization working in the field of medical care in Sudan. We are looking for a qualified candidate to fill in the position of Head of Mission Advisor, Port Sudan     

Duties and responsibilities:

• 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.

Minimum Qualification, Skills and Experience Required:

• 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 in order 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 context.
•  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.

       MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities:

1. Context Analysis & Reporting: Continuously monitor, analyse, and report on the fast-evolving political, military, and humanitarian dynamics across Sudan, with particular focus on Khartoum, Greater Darfur, Kordofan, and Eastern Sudan. Provide timely inputs to the Head of Mission on shifting frontlines, emerging alliances, and implications for MSF operations and access.
2. Networking & Representation: Establish and maintain a strong network with state and local authorities, tribal leaders, armed groups, civil society actors, and health authorities. Ensure MSF’s humanitarian principles and neutrality are understood and upheld in interactions, while supporting the HoM in sensitive negotiations and official representation.
3. Access & Negotiation: Actively support the negotiation of humanitarian access and acceptance in conflict-affected and contested areas. Identify barriers to MSF operations, propose strategies for safe passage and program continuity, and advise the HoM on balancing risk with operational need.
4. Security & Risk Management: Analyse how national and local conflict dynamics affect staff and patient safety. Advise on mission-wide security policies and protocols, including incident reporting, contingency planning, and practical measures for risk reduction in volatile settings.
5. Humanitarian Diplomacy & Advocacy: Support the HoM in positioning MSF vs national and international stakeholders, including HAC, MoH, community leaders, and UN/INGO fora. Contribute to drafting of context briefings and advocacy lines that reflect Sudan-specific challenges, such as bureaucratic impediments, blockages to aid delivery, and protection concerns.
6. Capacity Building & Cultural Awareness: Mentor coordination and field project teams on culturally appropriate engagement with local actors. Provide regular context briefings to ensure staff are aware of political sensitivities, conflict dynamics, and humanitarian implications.

• Strategic Support: Contribute Sudan-specific insights to the development of mission strategic documents (e.g., Country Policy, POA, Security Plan). Ensure that context considerations, including access, community perception, and security environment, are systematically integrated into operational planning.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND COMPETENCIES:

Education	University Degree.
Experience	Essential experience working in Sudan with demonstrated capacity for analysis, networking and negotiation. Preferred experience working with MSF as Humanitarian affairs officer, Project Coordinator, Deputy Head of Mission or Head of Mission.
Languages	English & Arabic
Knowledge	Essential computer literacy (Microsoft, word, excel, internet)
Competencies	Strategic vision, Leadership, People Management and development, Service Orientation, teamwork and cooperation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: 

The tasks and responsibilities mentioned in this job profile are not exhaustive and other tasks or accountabilities can be required temporarily by the line manager and/or the functional manager according to the needs of the mission without a new job profile. This document can be modified over time according to changes in the organization, the mission and/or the project. The changes will be formalized in a new job profile. The job profile is an integral part of the contract.

How to apply

Applications must include the below document:

• Complete CV in English
• Updated contact details (candidate’s phone number and a backup phone number)
• Sudanese National ID.

Copy of certificates of experience and qualification

Applications must include the below document:

• Complete CV in English
• Updated contact details (candidate’s phone number and a backup phone number)
• Sudanese National ID.
• Copy of certificates of experience and qualification

Please drop your application to the Labour office, MSF Switzerland Office at Port Sudan, square 16, house no.6 .Application after 05th October 2025 will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.