Survivor of Violence Referent

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  • Belgium
    Location
  • French & English
    Language skills
  • Previous MSF experience as an asset
    MSF experience required
  • Part time
    Time allocation
  • 12 months
    Length of contract
  • Fixed term
    Contract type
  • Paramedical & Medical
    Expertise
  • Hybrid
    Work model
Apply here
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 70 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed or political affiliation. 

Survivor of Violence Referent (m/f/x) – Brussels – MSF Belgium 

CONTEXT  

The medical department of MSF Belgium (OCB - Operational Center Brussels) plays a strategic role by defining the modalities of implementation of MSF’s medical strategy to ensure both coherence and quality. Strategic support is provided throughout the phases of the project cycle. It has a normative role and a technical support function in the implementation and follow-up of the projects. The medical department ensures the knowledge transfer to the medical workforce and stimulates research and innovation by challenging current medical practices and exploring new approaches.   

It is composed of multiple specialists based across a network of units worldwide (Belgium, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and South Africa) and works in close collaboration with operations, other OCB departments and the MSF movement. We are also supporting the MSF WACA projects.  

Addressing violence in all its forms remains a critical focus for MSF, in line with our core mission to provide impartial medical care and humanitarian aid to populations in crises – from conflict zones and displacements to communities affected by interpersonal or structural violence. Over the years, MSF has responded to the impact of violence in diverse contexts – from conflict zones and urban violence (i.e. physical trauma care, surgery and ‘Mental Health and Psychosocial Support – MHPSS’), to targeted interventions for survivors of torture and sexual and gender-based violence. In addition, there has been a programmatic shift towards the integration of sexual violence, which needs to be continued. The external analysis showed that the factors driving violence are escalating – armed conflict, political instability, forced migration, climate change, socio-economic inequalities and converging to exacerbate existing tensions and creating new crises, making more people vulnerable to violence. OCB’s ambition to work on violence has been articulated over the years and is being updated for the OCB Strategic Ambitions 2026-2031.   

As the Survivor of Violence Referent, you will improve the institutional and operational approach to SoV (Survivors of Violence) in the OCB portfolio by being the focal point and coordinator of the multidisciplinary response required in projects addressing survivors of violence.  

Multidisciplinary teamwork is a key component in the approach to care for SoV (legal, analysis and advocacy, protection, social work, mental health, intercultural mediation, SRH, pediatrics, surgery, rehabilitation) 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

  1. Coordination of/and support to projects 

  • Responsible for coordinating relevant multidisciplinary technical support to operations on SoV: 

  • Lead the SoV circle where all subject matter experts are gathered 

  • Identify and link project needs with relevant ‘Subject matter experts’ (i.e. medical, Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH), paediatrics, surgery, physical therapy, mental health, social worker, intercultural mediation; anthropology, Legal; Analysis and advocacy, community engagement; research) 

  • Act as the first point of contact for SoV projects  

  • Coordinate technical support on SoV to ensure smooth communication and coordination of recommendations, follow up of projects, including convening multidisciplinary meetings to support projects (as needed) and to foster multidisciplinary approach in projects 

  • Conduct visits to the projects to assess SoV programs/integration and provide on-site support, training and recommendations (with a multidisciplinary lens) 

  • Organize briefings and debriefings for relevant profiles in the projects 

  1. Advancing SoV expertise in OCB 

Work cross-functionally and in collaboration with key stakeholders to identify gaps and contribute to the development of policies, guidelines (protocols, standardized tools) and learning resources, including (but not limited to): 

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of a protection policy in OCB  

  • Contribute to protocols for medico-legal documentation and ensure data protection principles in the projects in collaboration with the legal unit 

  • Lead the definition of appropriate, context-adapted service packages (curative activities, referral options) to be implemented in the projects. Define a lighter, adapted approach that can be implemented in non-specialized SoV projects 

  • Lead the definition of the patients flow and the organization of the multidisciplinary approach, and support the development of admission and discharge criteria 

  • Collaborate with the OCB and MSF Denmark ‘Learning and Development unit’ (L&D) and proactively analyze trainings on SoV (current offerings for example include ‘Gender-based violence’ - GBV, SoV Introduction, SoV training)  

  • Co-organize the SoV training as subject matter expert with the L&D team of Denmark 

  • Support the development of efficient data collection systems for SoV care activities: 

  • Define an interdisciplinary monitoring tool of quality and quantity indicators necessary for the monitoring of the program in collaboration with the e-health unit 

  • Contribute to the development of operational research in collaboration with the OCB operations and the MSF LuxOr unit 

  • Support the development of an advocacy strategy in close collaboration with the Analysis Department and the OCB operations 

  • Ensure documentation, collection of information and capitalization of the SoV projects, and ensure dissemination of these findings within the OCB community 

  • Be the champion for SoV care in OCB - including improving the knowledge, awareness and understanding of SoV   

  1. Coordination with internal MSF groups (platforms, partner sections) and external groups 

  • Be a member of the intersectional SoV platform and support the intersectional ambitions on MSF’s response to SoV, together with relevant subject matter experts 

  • Functional link with MSF Italy for the coordination of Survivor of Torture (SoT) care related activities 

  • Identify and lead networking efforts with key external stakeholders working on Violence 

  • Act as a focal point to facilitate (or arrange) OCB representation in external meetings (expert groups, conferences, workshops, etc.) 

REQUIREMENTS 

Education & Experience 

  • Medical doctor or a Paramedical degree is mandatory 

  • Additional training or work experience in projects focusing on care for ‘Victims of Violence’ or Protection is mandatory 

  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in international humanitarian settings, including protracted crisis, acute conflict and/or migration projects 

  • MSF operational experience is a strong asset 

Competencies 

  • Analytical skills to enable an assessment, its interpretation and subsequent action plan 

  • Ability to plan, set priorities and organize own work in stressful environments 

  • Good teamwork and cooperation capacity / excellent team player with leadership experience and qualities and networking 

  • Mobile & flexible to travel to countries where MSF works 

  • Proactive and willing to propose innovative ideas and solutions rapidly 

  • Good writing and reporting skills 

  • Capacity to lead and influence changes 

  • Strong cross-cultural awareness 

Languages 

  • Good level in English and French, both oral and written is mandatory 

  • Additional languages such as Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic is an asset 

CONDITIONS 

  • Expected starting date: As soon as possible 

  • Location** Brussels* (Belgium) 

* Other location/s where there is an MSF entity, accessible by train, could be discussed. The outcome depends on the residency of the candidate, the local legal limitations (residency, work permit, etc.) and on agreement with the hosting MSF entity of these locations and in compliance with the standard MSF function and salary grids 

** Due to legal administrative constraints, given the duration of the contract, candidates must already have the right to live and work as EU national or resident, and/or valid work permit with mention of "access to the labor market"  

  • Mobility: up to 20% for project visits 

  • Contract type: fixed-term contract – 60% working time 

  • Contract duration: 1 year (possible extension) 

  • The contractual terms and conditions will be established according to the place of work, legal constraints and in respect of MSF standard function and salary grids  

  • Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment 

  • Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments 

Deadline for applications: 13 April 2025  

How to apply?   

  • Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button  

  • You will be directed to the online application form for this position   

  • It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload   

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.   

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.  

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