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The Emergency Support Department (ESD) is part of the operations department and plays a key role in responding to humanitarian emergencies. The ESD conducts exploratory assessments; initiates and manages large scale or complex interventions to support people in precarious situations. The ESD provides support to existing country programs and the wider organisation to promote and improve emergency preparedness and response capacity.  The ESD consists of a headquarter based Emergency Desk (E Desk) of Emergency (Health) Managers, an Operational Support Team (OST) of advisors and specialists, and an Emergency Team of approx. 25 country programme based medical and non-medical profiles.   

The ESD is accepting open applications at any time for any position. With immediate effect, the ESD is particularly looking for: 

 

 

 OCA EMERGENCY TEAM 

Emergency Coordinator 

Candidates at both experienced Project Coordinator and Head of Mission level will be considered. The successful candidate will be recruited at their experience level. Female candidates and candidates with French language skills are encouraged to apply.  

(90% country programme based – 10 % Amsterdam office/work from home) 

 

Emergency Team Members spend about 90% of their workdays (excluding holidays) in country programme locations travelling with short notice to any required area and approximately 10% at the headquarters for briefing/debriefing/trainings/report writing/help work on specific files/tools, etc. 

 

Place within the organization: 

Reports overall to one of the Emergency (Health) Managers in Amsterdam. During country programme assignments reports to relevant Management Team (MT) at capital level (if PC), otherwise to an Emergency Manager or Operational Manager in Amsterdam (if EmCo/HoM). 

 

Main Objectives of the post: 

To provide emergency response capacity for MSF in country programme operations (90%). This often consists of filling key operational management positions when opening new programmes in emergency settings or within existing programmes/projects.  These responses may be under the management of the Emergency Desk, of other operational desks of OCA depending on the situation. 

The emergency coordinator can be asked to contribute to emergency support activities including scanning, emergency preparation, contribution to guidelines, facilitation of MSF trainings, etc. 

 

Description of the job 

• Preparation, design and implementation of emergency projects and country programmes in new countries or locations with existing OCA presence 

• Carry out assessments and exploratory assignments, either via desk study and/or on ground assessments 

• Readjust the strategy and resources in a timely manner depending on context changes 

• Closing projects/programmes in specific circumstances 

• Function as coordinator at capital or project level in emergency projects, new country programmes or key existing projects (interim management) 

• Contribute to the update and development of guidelines and procedures regarding emergency management in liaison with the different departments at HQ 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of trainings for emergency staff, as well as attending trainings for personal development 

• Contribute to being part of the OCA Emergency Team in terms of participation in meetings, discussions, etc 

• Remains open and flexible to respond to the needs of the Emergency Desk or other desks 

 

Candidate profile 

Essential 

• At least 24 months field experience with one of the MSF sections in at least two different projects, of which at least one emergency project or a high security setting 

• Knowledge of basic Public Health, Rapid needs assessment, Health Surveillance, and Humanitarian Affairs  

• Fluent in English (minimum C-level) 

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet) 

• Strategic vision 

• Leadership 

• Negotiation and diplomatic skills as well as experience with the representation of MSF 

• People management skills. Ability to influence others in a positive way, bring people along and care for others 

• Proven flexibility, solution-oriented and ‘can-do’ mentality and ability to be decisive in chaotic circumstances 

• Maintain a positive outlook and attitude 

• Able to work in teams and under stressful conditions 

• Proven organizational skills 

• Demonstrated commitment to non-discrimination and inclusive values in line with MSF’s principles of equity and respect for all. 

• Willingness to travel to any required area, frequently at short notice and work in any role depending on the needs as set by the Emergency desk including in a technical role if relevant. 

 

 

Desirable 

• Degree or diploma in Public Health or equivalent, management, conflict studies or relevant studies 

• Experience in assessments, closing or opening an MSF project or mission 

• Experience in highly insecure contexts 

• Proficiency in French, Spanish and/or Arabic an asset 

• Experience with one or more of the following (emergency) responses/programs: outbreak response, mass vaccination, nutritional crisis, conflict/war wounded response, mass displacement, SGBV program 

 

We Offer 

• A challenging position within a stimulating, professional working environment in a major international organization – plus great colleagues to work alongside! 

• A fulltime appointment for 1 year with a potential to renew (based on performance) 

• Salary will be determined based on the professional profile and the level or experience/capacity of the successful candidate, and according to MSF standards (IRFFG level) 

• Candidate’s domicile determines which MSF section will act as employer 

• 45 holidays per year 

• Completion bonus of 1.5 month of extra salary after completion of every 12 months commitment 

• Prioritization for trainings in MSF (external trainings also considered) 

 

Application 

If you recognize yourself in the profile, please apply directly via our website and upload a letter of motivation and Curriculum Vitae (in English) as one combined document. 

 

The application deadline is 29 November at 23h59 CET. 

 

Selection will be by means of an interview. A test/assignment may be part of the selection process. 

Please note that only candidates that fully meet the requirements of the position will be taken into consideration. 

  

Information 

 

Additional information about the position can be requested from Ozan Agbas, Emergency Manager (ozan.agbas@amsterdam.msf.org) 

For more information about the recruitment procedure, please contact Julie Bergeron, recruiter at julie.bergeron@amsterdam.msf.org