PROJECT COORDINATOR SUPPORT

Position status: Full time 
Location:  Ad Dahi Hospital – Ad Dahi District, Hodeida Governorate
Contract duration: one year contract possibility of extension based on the fund and performance.  

Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, humanitarian, non-governmental organization providing assistance to people in need as a result of natural and man-made disasters, irrespective of race, religion, ideology or politics.

Main Purpose

Providing support to the Project Coordinator in the security management and the coordination tasks, ensuring a smooth relation with local and national authorities and contributing to the context analysis and follow-up according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to ensure the smooth running of the project

Accountabilities

• Representing MSF externally together with the Project Coordinator (PC) or alone (when delegated) and negotiating on behalf of the project coordination in close cooperation with the PC and based on beforehand agreed messaging. Assisting in safeguarding and promoting MSF’s image externally
• Monitoring, analysing and reporting on key issues (security, risk, etc.) to the Project Coordinator and providing contextual information, through a sound knowledge of counterparts, parties, actors, authorities, in different administrations/parties and governorates/districts in order to improve understanding and decision making processes. Maintaining the security database and providing a biweekly context analysis based on recent incidents and developments
• Assisting in exploratory missions and assessments as needed and participating in the development of security plans
• Assisting the Project Coordinator in Internal and External Communication sessions and events about MSF (for National staff, the Ministry of Health staff, as well as local authorities, community leader,) in order to improve awareness, understanding of MSF principles and services and public opinion adhesion. Write meeting minutes and contribute to the meeting logbook.
• Ensuring the continuity of relations/networking with local actors (other NGOs, UN agencies, local authorities, media, etc.) and filing and updating field contacts and correspondence in order to ensure information sources accuracy and its availability on regular basis. Organizing advocacy contacts and appointments for the Project Coordinator. 
• Translating and reviewing documents and acting as an interpreter when needed. Assisting the Project Coordinator in the drafting of correspondences with authorities and counterparts (government officials, community leaders, UN agencies, NGOs, etc.) in order to ensure fluent and accurate communication flows.
• Preparing and conducting context, cultural briefings on the project context to new employees (national and international) in order to facilitate their integration and within the project environment. Ensuring regular briefings/trainings of assessment team, drivers, and guards in consultation with the Project Coordinator.
• Being contactable by phone and available to assist the Project Coordinator with important context and operational issues that may occur outside of regular working hours unless otherwise agreed with the PC (e.g., holidays)
• Performing assigned additional responsibilities or tasks as required by the Project Coordinator

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

• Organize and coordinate external meetings with community leaders, religious leaders, local authorities and key stakeholders in Adahi and Hodeidah.
• Support the Project Coordinator in representation activities with external stakeholders.
• Provide accurate and professional interpretation/translation during meetings involving the Project Coordinator and different stakeholders.
• Assist the PC in maintaining regular communication with key stakeholders regarding MSF activities in Adahi.
• Assist the Project Coordinator in ensuring that stakeholders understand MSF’s operations, scope of intervention, limits of capacity, principles, values, policies, and organizational decisions.
• Support the PC in reminding stakeholders of MSF’s role, positioning, and operational limitations when needed.
• Communicate proactively with the PC on relevant developments, risks, concerns, and contextual information that may support timely decision-making.
• Ensure timely and accurate relay of information relevant to project follow-up, while respecting confidentiality and internal communication channels.
• Draft, follow up, and archive meeting minutes, action points, and recommendations from internal and external meetings.
• Maintain and regularly update the logbook with relevant operational, contextual, and stakeholder-related information.
• Track pending issues requiring follow-up with authorities, community representatives, or other stakeholders.
• Ensure that key verbal exchanges and commitments made during meetings are properly documented and shared with the PC.
• Support the PC in identifying, anticipating, and helping address conflicts, tensions, or other challenges that may affect team dynamics, acceptance, access, or continuity of operations.
• Assist in the early identification of issues within the community or among stakeholders that may negatively affect project implementation.
• Contribute to the resolution of operational or communication-related challenges through appropriate follow-up and stakeholder engagement, under the guidance of the PC.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive discussions, operational matters, staffing issues, and stakeholder exchanges.
• Remain neutral, professional, and respectful in all interactions with colleagues, authorities, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Show humility and discretion, especially given the sensitivity of the role and proximity to the Project Coordinator.
• Avoid any misuse, inappropriate sharing, or personal interpretation of information linked to the function.
• Ensure that the position is not used, or perceived as being used, to exert influence over colleagues or members of the community.
• Maintain respectful working relations with all colleagues and contribute to a positive and professional work environment.
• Respect MSF internal communication lines, roles, and decision-making processes at all times.
• Support the PC in preparing briefings, stakeholder mappings, and meeting preparation points ahead of key external engagements.
• Help identify and flag sensitive rumours, misunderstandings, or community perceptions that may require clarification or response.
• Facilitate coordination with relevant departments when follow-up from meetings involves operational action.
• Support continuity by ensuring important information is properly handed over and not dependent on informal verbal communication only.
• Promote clear, factual, and non-biased communication at all times.
• Alert the PC promptly in case of any issue that may affect MSF acceptance, reputation, access, or staff relations.
• Ensure consistency of messages delivered to external stakeholders, in line with MSF positioning and validated decisions.Support the PC in maintaining a constructive relationship with stakeholders without creating unrealistic expectations on MSF’s capacity or commitments.
• Support the PC on ensuring safeguarding awareness among the staff.

Requirements

Education    

• University Diploma Level, preferably in the field of Social Sciences (Political Sciences, International Public Law, Anthropology, Economics, etc.)

Experience    

• Essential: Experience in and exposure to working in a complicated political, security and humanitarian environment
• Essential: Experience in data collection, reporting and analysis
• Desirable two years previous experience in similar jobs in the field of humanitarian aid with MSF or other NGOs
• Desirable: Management experience

Languages        

• English and Arabic language essential (high level command oral and written

Knowledge    

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel, Internet/social media)
• Excellent understanding of MSF’s principles and values
• Knowledge of and interest in humanitarian issues
• In-depth contextual knowledge and analysis skills
• High level of knowledge of local culture and customs

Competencies    

• Results and Quality Orientation L2 
• Teamwork and Cooperation L2 
• Behavioral Flexibility L2 
• Commitment to MSF Principles L2 
• Stress Management L3