Netherlands: OPERATIONS SUPPORT OFFICER (OSO) (100%)

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent medical humanitarian organisation that provides assistance to people worldwide, regardless of their background, religion or political convictions. Above all, we aim to save lives and to offer medical care to victims of disasters, wars and epidemics. Working together with local staff, we give direct support to the population. MSF also appeals to those in power, including governments and international organisations, and speaks out about the abuses we encounter in the course of our work.

MSF Operational Centre Amsterdam (OCA) currently operates medical humanitarian interventions in 25 countries. On a yearly basis MSF-OCA deploys over 1000 international staff and employs approximately 8000 national staff. At headquarters in Amsterdam, approximately 170 employees offer their support to the projects.

The Emergency Support Department (ESD) is part of the Operations department and plays a fundamental role in responding to humanitarian emergencies: The ESD conducts exploratory and assessment missions; initiates and manages large scale emergency interventions; supports emergency interventions managed by regular desks; provides support to the organisation and existing missions in promoting and guarding emergency response capacity; and supports the management of operations in in highly insecure environments. The ESD consists of a headquarter-based Emergency Desk (5 permanent staff) and an Emergency Team for deployment in the field (currently 20 positions).

As per today, MSF-OCA has a vacancy for the position of:

OPERATIONS SUPPORT OFFICER (OSO) (100%)

Based in Amsterdam

The OSO reports to the Head of the Emergency Support Department (ESD) but also provides support to the operations managed by the Deputy Director of Operations. Related Key responsibilities of the OSO include:

• Provision of day-to-day operational and administrative support on a functional basis to missions managed by the Emergency Support Department (ESD) and the Deputy DirOps
• Gap-filling of key vacancies in the field
• Execution of administrative tasks in the Emergency Department
• Assistance to the Head of the Emergency Department in carrying out specific projects for the ESD.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Mission support function

The OSO supports the Emergency Managers and/or Deputy DirOps and the Heads of Mission on operational (including resource and administrative) issues and provides input in order to facilitate their decision making toward the development and realization of operational goals. S/he also facilitates interaction between support departments and the mission with the same objective. Furthermore, the OSO monitors the effectiveness and efficiency of field operations and support from HQ (in the portfolio assigned to OSO), and highlights and responds to problems and constraints as they arise.

Availability for field missions

S/he is available to spend up to 40% of the time in the field (for periods of up to 6 weeks) to gap-fill critical PC vacancies, or perform other relevant functions, with a priority for the missions directly supported by the OSO.

Administrative tasks in the Emergency Support Department

S/he carries out administrative tasks in the ESD, such as invoice approval (in APRO), absence planning, training planning, support to recruitment processes, monitoring and ensuring adequate donor reporting, etc.

Project-specific tasks in the Operations and Emergency Department

S/he provides coordination and management support to the Emergency Support Department in carrying out departmental projects.

PROFILE CANDIDATE

• We are seeking a flexible team player with a problem-solving attitude. S/he will have significant experience with humanitarian assistance in complex political and humanitarian contexts of which at least two years of experience in a challenging project coordination position.
• S/he will have experience working in insecure contexts, and experience managing resources (finance and/or logistics). S/he is required to demonstrate knowledge of the MSF organisation and of MSF policy and procedures.
• S/he is capable of analytical thinking and has proven skills to put forward solutions. This is a fast paced work environment that requires initiative and a flexible, stress resistant attitude. Good communication skills are essential, as well as an excellent command of English.
• The candidate must be willing to work irregular hours and spend up to 40% of the time in the field.

WE OFFER

• A full-time appointment for one year (option for renewal);
• A gross monthly salary scale 6 of a minimum of € 2,709 and a maximum of € 3,870 for a full-time appointment (based on relevant work experience);
• Other benefits include 30 holidays and a premium free pension.

INFORMATION & APPLICATION

For more information please contact Mrs. Maartje Hoetjes (current OSO): +31 20 520 8789.

If you believe that you fit the profile, you can react directly via this website. Please upload a letter of motivation and Curriculum Vitae in English as one combined document.

The deadline for application is 26 February 2017.