Job Detail

Contract: Full-time, fixed-term

Duration:  2 years, with possibility of extension

Starting date: ASAP

Location: MSF headquarter offices in the U.S., Europe, South Africa, or other locations can be considered

Deadline for applications: 25th August

MSF INTERNATIONAL
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 21 sections, 24 associations and other offices together. Based in Geneva, MSF International provides coordination, information and support to the MSF movement, and implements international projects and initiatives as requested.
Médecins Sans Frontières set up the MSF Access Campaign in 1998 to address systemic challenges and improve access to existing medical tools (medicines, diagnostics and vaccines) and to stimulate the development of urgently needed better tools for people in countries where MSF works and beyond. The priorities of the Access Campaign are guided by the medical challenges faced by MSF and its patients in its operational settings. The primary objectives of the Access Campaign include identifying, analyzing and advocating for changes around the legal and regulatory systems and practices that hinder access to medical tools and innovation suitable for people in need especially in resource limited settings.

PLACE IN THE ORGANIZATION

The TB Advocacy Advisor reports to the Senior HIV & TB Policy Advisor and works as part of a multidisciplinary TB team comprised of clinical, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, policy, advocacy, and communications specialists to respond to MSF operations’ needs and work towards policy change to meet the Access Campaign’s advocacy objectives.

OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

MSF is seeking a TB Advocacy Advisor to support MSF TB advocacy through the development and implementation of national, regional and global advocacy action plans and the advocacy materials and tools to further MSF’s advocacy priorities.

As such the TB Advocacy Advisor will support the TB team in its advocacy, and coordinate with advocacy positions at MSF headquarters and operations in developing and implementing context-specific advocacy plans. S/he will conduct advocacy, develop and oversee implementation of advocacy plans, including by mobilising MSF advocacy personnel throughout the MSF network, ensuring that advocacy milestones are met, and contributing to the team’s dynamic responses to developments relevant to MSF’s priorities.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
In collaboration with the rest of the team, the TB Advocacy Advisor will conduct and support a range of advocacy and communications activities including:

• Providing analyses and strategic advice on policy developments relevant to MSF’s TB work


• Documenting the arguments and evidence base, including based on MSF operational experience


• Preparing background documents and briefing notes, as needed


• Identifying opportunities to influence international, regional, and national policies and practices in priority geographical contexts (in the short term these priority contexts include South Africa, India and Eastern Europa and Central Asia, EECA).


• Developing, coordinating, and implementing strategies and action plans to meet AC advocacy objectives


• Engaging policy makers to further advocacy objectives


• Supporting the MSF movement, including advocacy staff at headquarters and field teams, in developing and implementing advocacy plans towards the AC advocacy objectives


• Managing and building a network of NGOs and civil society stakeholders at global level, and in priority contexts, to exchange information and advance advocacy objectives


• Creating content and advocacy tools to further AC advocacy objectives for various audiences, including the general public, TB community, global health actors and governments, and MSF operations and advocacy personnel


• Representing MSF position on key TB issues at critical meetings and policy-making fora

• Genuine commitment to MSF's humanitarian principles and to the Access Campaign mission


• Minimum six years related work experience in policy/advocacy and a background in global health including TB strongly preferred


• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing advocacy strategies, including the development of advocacy materials and toolkits


• Excellent writing skills, including writing for a general public audience


• Strong communication skills and public speaking


• Experience with building and managing successful relationships with internal and external stakeholders •    Experience engaging members of governments, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and/or multi‐lateral organizations preferred


• Knowledge of the global health ecology and the factors influencing access to optimal TB treatment, prevention, and care


• Knowledge of resource-limited settings and the humanitarian field, and familiarity with MSF’s mission and field work


• Creative and out of the box thinker, with demonstrated track record of analytic problem‐solving/seeking solutions to challenges


• Flexibility, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work independently


• Proficiency in English (French and/or Russian will be a significant asset)


• Ability to travel

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted 

MSF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.