DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international independent medical humanitarian organisation created in 1971, provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters or exclusion from health care. MSF runs humanitarian programs in around 462 projects worldwide. MSF opened its office in the Republic of Korea in 2012, based in Seoul. The MSF Korea office focuses on four key pillars: (1) recruitment of skilled Korean medical and non-medical staff to dispatch to MSF field projects, (2) communications to the Korean public on global humanitarian crises and urgent health emergencies, (3) outreach to Korean stakeholders and policymakers in support of international community engagement and action, (4) and fundraising from Korean donors to directly support MSF medical humanitarian activities
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The External Relations Advisor works under the direct supervision of the General Director (GD) and is part of the Management Team (MT).
External relations: He/she will support the GD in engaging with Korean stakeholders to promote and enhance MSF’s voice in the Korean society, and actively providing accurate insights to the MT in order to identify MSF Korea (MSF K) opportunities in Korea. He/she will play a role in increasing MSF K leverage in the debates on select humanitarian issues of relevance for MSF. Under the supervision of the GD, the External Relations Advisor will be the focal point for most of the contacts with Korean stakeholders.
Internal relations: He/she will play an active role in the strategic development of the MSF K office. The External Relations Advisor will work on transversal dossiers defined by GD / the MT having an institutional interest for the organisation and closely liaise and synergise with the fundraising department and communication department. He/she will also actively liaise with the MSF Access Campaign and the Humanitarian Representation Team (HRT) to contribute to the social mission and strategically link MSF K with the MSF Movement.
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. External Relations
- Maintain a mapping of stakeholders (institutions and individuals), academics, local NPOs and international organizations in line with MSF humanitarian and medical activities,
- Build an accurate and updated contact list /database of all contacts and key actors in the country and the region in specific areas related to social, economic and geopolitical events and other elements related to MSF activities,
- Establish privileged contacts with Korean stakeholders (authorities, institutions and individuals) and update them about MSF activities, policies, and humanitarian positions,
- Create a network of contacts in areas of expertise that contributes to the social mission of MSF and identify potential partnerships with Korean medical and non-medical associations,
- Collect and analyze all relevant information and/or evolution of the social, economic and political environment (national and regional) that may have an impact on MSF activities in the country/region,
- Engage with Korean government for changes to laws that may affect MSF activities,
- Propose and draft an advocacy strategy in line with MSF objectives.
2. Representation
- Represent MSF K in national and international meetings/conferences/public engagements per request of the GD and provide accurate report and analysis upon completion,
- Accompany the GD for major national or international level meetings, under request,
- Produce external presentation materials for speech/presentation opportunities aimed at the appropriate audience,
- Be part of MSF K Crisis Management Team (CMT).
3. Access Campaign
- Oversee all matters related with the MSF Access Campaign in Korea,
- Actively liaise with the Access Campaign head of advocacy and head of region representatives,
- Proactively engage with pharmaceutical stakeholders in Korea,
- Advise Korea-specific guideline to the Access Campaign,
- Contribute to the Access Campaign strategy in Korea by linking the Campaign’s global objectives with the Korean context,
- Represent MSF K in national and international meetings of Access Campaign when relevant,
- Advise the GD and DirCom on communications relevant to the Access Campaign.
4. Inter-departmental support
- Provide insight and advice to DPRK Advisor for development of advocacy/operational activities,
- Liaise with MSF Humanitarian Representation Team (HRT) and regional advocacy representatives for topics relevant to Korea,
- Support other departments for occasions that require high-level engagement of VIP protocol arrangement,
- Support the GD in providing regular updates to the MSF K Board Members (MSF K activities and major information related to MSF operations and the MSF Movement),
- Facilitate visits/meetings of representatives from MSF entities to/in Korea,
- Advise appropriate protocols and provide contextual briefings for international staff and visitors.
5. Others
- Contribute to the plan of action (POA) of MSF K by proposing strategic approach that translates into specific goals and activities, including that for the Access Campaign,
- Develop thematic reports as requested by the GD and other MSF entities,
- Provide interpretation for key meetings when appropriate and requested by the GD,
- Take minutes during major meetings under GD’s request,
- Undertake ad hoc tasks as required by the GD.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
1. Essential Skills and Experience
- Degree in a related field (e.g. Political Science, Social Science, Law, MPH) or equivalent field of experience.
- At least 5 years progressive experience in reporting and/or representation role (advocacy) preferably in an INGO, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience and knowledge of NPO is a plus,
2. Values and Competencies
- Commitment to the values, principles and MSF’s social mission
- Good understanding of the nonprofit and/or humanitarian sectors
- Fluency in English is essential.
- Korean is an asset.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with a capacity to influence
- Impeccable judgment with strong interpersonal, networking, and diplomacy skills in the management of stakeholder expectations
- Rigorous analytical skills
- Ability to respect deadlines and resolve problems in a timely manner
- Strong interpersonal skills and able to work in a team
- High attention to detail
- Self-driven
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
- This position is for maternity leave replacement.
- Dynamic candidates with relevant qualifications who are interested to apply may submit a letter of motivation and CV, in English to 'recruit@seoul.msf.org'
- Only electronic applications will be accepted. No phone calls, please. Applicants will be screened as they apply, and the post will close on.
- Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Application without a letter of motivation will not be considered.