HEAD OF MISSION ADVISOR (Port Sudan / Khartoum) – MSF Belgium
Job Description
| Organization | Medecins sans Frontieres Belgium |
| Job Title | HEAD OF MISSION ADVISOR |
| Location | Port Sudan / Khartoum |
| Section/Unit | Operations |
| No. of Post | 1 |
| Grade Level | Level 12 |
| Duration | 6 Months with 3 months trial period |
| Supervisor | Head of Mission |
| Closing Date | 30 Nov 2025 |
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 in the development, implementation and maintenance of a networking 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.
Ensuring appropriate reporting to the relevant authorities (annual report, regular updates on MSF activities etc.) and renewal of registration and all relevant documentation.
Duties and responsibilities:
Accountabilities
Context analysis / networking
- Coordinate the actor mapping (community key-individuals and community groups, customary and political structures, local CSOs etc.) looking at national, State and local (as relevant) authorities and support HoM(s) with context analysis. The HoM advisor oversees the quality and analysis of this mapping, whilst the HoM Assistant maintains and updates the relevant documentation.
- Develop and maintain a network of contacts, identify new risks, threats and opportunities. Ensure that the contact list is well maintained. Develop a network of counterparts in the different organizations to ensure information exchange. Advise the HoM on engagement priorities with authorities, communities and relevant stakeholders.
- Gain an understanding of how MSF is perceived by health professionals, population and relevant actors.
- Produce context analysis briefings highlighting the latest social, economic, political and security trends with (potential) impact on the security and humanitarian contexts.
Security management and briefings
- Provide strategic advice on context evolution and its implications for risk analysis and security planning.
- 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 general information on the context and advise on cultural appropriateness of organizational activities and individual behaviours.
- Upon request, write up reports on each security incident affecting MSF personnel and monitors its aftermath.
Representation
- Support the HoM in official representation. Upon delegation, represent MSF in meetings.
- Support the HoM in elaborating key messages/ communication strategies.
- Ensure appropriate record (minutes/logbook) of discussions held and follow-up points.
Support to operations
- Actively support the SEP team in context analysis, elaborating all security and operational required documents, participate actively to the negotiation of access, identify gaps that prevent MSF to operate and contribute to strategic engagement papers.
- Advise on and be involved in the negotiations, finalization and maintenance of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Technical Agreements between MSF and the Government / relevant institution(s) involved.
- Participate to the elaboration of different mission strategic documents, contributing to the mission´s strategic planning and objectives.
- On request of the HoM, fill gaps of project coordinator in the field.
Minimum Qualification, Skills and Experience Required
Requirements
| Education | Essential master’s degree in political sciences, international relations, law, social sciences or any relevant field or medical university degree (PhD, MBBS, nursing, midwifery etc.) assorted with minimum 2 years of MSF experience |
| Experience | Essential experience working in the mission country. Demonstrated capacity for analysis, networking and negotiation At least 2-year experience with MSF, NGOs or with other international organizations in a similar role. At least 2-year experience in a managerial position. |
| Languages | Fluent in Arabic and English. Additional knowledge of local languages is an asset. |
| Competencies | Strategic vision L2 Leadership L2 People Management and Development L3 Service Orientation L3 Teamwork and Cooperation L4 |
Application Requirements:
Interested candidates are requested to send the applications with documents; (Updated CV, Educational certificates, work experience certificates, previous employers’ references and copy of their national ID) to:
Via hand delivery of the application through Labour Office, Port Sudan or MSF Belgium office in Port Sudan House #12/19, Block#5Z, South, Transit Area, Port Sudan – Red Sea State, Sudan.
NOTE: Please note that MSF will Only accept applications and CVs submitted in the English language. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Opening date: 16 November 2025 Closing date: 30 November 2025
