Health Policy Advisor & Global Fund focal point

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 60 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. 

Health Policy Advisor & Global Fund focal point (m/f/x) – Brussels – MSF Belgium

CONTEXT 

The Analysis Department & The Health Politics Team 

The role of the MSF OCB Analysis Department is to support and critically engage with operations in navigating MSF’s political environment and in overcoming the obstacles faced by patients and operations. The team’s role is to build in-depth analysis of MSF’s environment and to implement strategies alongside operations to address those challenges, be it through public positioning, advocacy, networking, negotiations or the development of innovative operational models. 

The analysis department is a multi-disciplinary team that contributes to the MSF-OCB social mission through the following objectives: 

1. To conduct in depth humanitarian and health policy related research/reflection; 

2. To strengthen context analysis and negotiation/networking capacity 

3. To take public positions on politics of health and humanitarianism based on MSF’s operational experiences. 

4. To develop and implement advocacy strategies, rooted in our operations, as a tool to achieve change 

5. To support in the development of innovative operational approaches and models of care 

6. To design data collection methods for the purposes of advocacy and analysis 

The department has 4 thematic teams: a Forced Migration Team; a Health Politics Team; a Conflict and Humanitarianism Team; and a Humanitarian Access and Networking Team. It also includes a Knowledge Management and Learning Focal Point as well as two polyvalent Senior Humanitarian Specialists. 

Within OCB’s Analysis department, the Health Politics Team (HPT) is in particular analysing existing and emerging health policies, the political factors behind them and how this affects the environment in which MSF operates. The HPT contributes to MSF’s networking, information collection, analysis, positioning, policy exchange and advocacy. 

This position combines responsibilities in analysis & advocacy of health policy dossiers that have relevance and consequence for MSF and a specific role as focal point for the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and malaria (GFATM or GF). 

The latter role as Global Fund focal point goes beyond the realm of OCB and provides support to all MSF-operational sections and MSF in general; the role as GF focal point/liaison is expected to take up around 50% of the position. The Global Fund is a key global actor with high relevance for MSF, both in terms as the main funding agency for country plans for HIV, TB, malaria and health systems, but as a key actor influencing policies at country and global level. Recently the GF has also taken on a prominent role in pandemic preparedness and response.

As Health Policy Advisor, you contribute to the analysis of specific dossiers that involve reflection, analysis, research, development of advocacy strategies and the positioning of MSF. These dossiers fall within the broad themes of access to health care and the nature of health systems. You work with other members of the team on this dossier, including the other Health Policy Advisors, the Knowledge Management referent, Advocacy MIO and other stakeholders.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Global Fund liaison function and related analysis and advocacy (across MSF sections) 

1.1 Represent MSF towards the Global Fund

• Lead on engagement with key GF structures and stakeholders, including Secretariat Staff, governance structures (in particular the Developed Country NGO delegation of the GF board), the Global Fund Advocates Network (GFAN) and other civil society communities.
• Advance MSF’s positions and share MSF’s field-based expertise, to influence Global Fund policy and practice;

1.2. Support Operations (policy and advocacy advisory support) 

• Support MSF operations from all sections across all levels, on how to leverage engagement with GF stakeholders to advance MSF advocacy and operational priorities, including promoting missions/ops’ understanding of relevant GF policies, funding modalities etc and support missions’ ongoing efforts in relaying experiences on operational bottlenecks and advocating for improved GF program implementation. 

1.3. Monitor, analyse and influence GF high-level strategies and policies 

• Analyse GF policies and funding decisions for briefings to inform internal MSF discussions; maintain an up-to-date briefing pack on the GF for the MSF movement; provide input into MSF’s strategic positioning towards the GF and the various actors involved; share with wider MSF (GHAN network) information and compare analyses on trends in global health environment. 

1.4. Monitor and influence GFs resource mobilisation 

• Provide guidance and input into MSF’s strategic positioning towards the GF, including analysis of GF resource mobilisation efforts, donor behaviours and implication of funding shortfall mitigation measures on country programs; specific country situation analyses of GF (and other) funding commitments and perspectives (such as financial gap analysis and strategic funding and policy priorities). 

1.5. Analysing GFs role within the broader global health architecture 

• Analyse the GF role in the global heatlh ecosytem and provide input into MSF’s strategic positioning towards the GF and its various stakeholders; linking to other Global Health Actor focal points within MSF to share information and compare analyses on trends in global health (donor) environment. This includes analysis of the GF’s role in the wider global health system, its influence on wider policy and financing approaches in global health.

2. Analysis, Positioning & Advocacy 

• Conduct in-depth policy analysis and advocacy support on prioritized thematics: Specific dossiers are to be identified, possibly including health financing, outbreak response, health systems, NCDs, SRH, nutrition, and others. 
• Follow up of certain specific contexts and projects; do field visits as required for specific in-depth analysis and mission/project support. Specific support to certain regions or countries will be identified upon arrival. 
• Engage in the MSF global health debates and platforms to share HPT analysis and contribute towards improved understanding of global health actors and issues. 
• Participate and contribute to other activities and dossiers by the HPT or the department as required, including training, knowledge management, internal and external dissemination, support in analysis and advocacy etc…
• Write or contribute to publications, such as reports, peer reviewed articles, op-eds and comment/debate pieces; briefing and debriefing of key people on specific thematics and/or projects; 
• Contribute and provide input into communication material; 
• Participate, present and represent MSF at conferences and meetings;

REQUIREMENTS 

Education & Experience: 

• Academic background to Masters’ level degree
• (Para-)medical degree or master's degree in a health-related field is a strong asset 
• Significant experience (at least 3 years) with MSF or another humanitarian health organization 
• Solid experience in advocacy with MSF or other NGOs is required 
• Experience and expertise with Global Fund and other global health initiatives is a strong asset 
• Knowledge of current health policy issues relating to epidemics, pandemics, health systems strengthening, or nutrition is a strong asset 

Competencies:

• Strong networking skills and activist connections in global health 
• Strong analytical skills and capacity to develop and implement a strategic vision 
• Ability to work independently, take initiatives and seize opportunities 
• Excellent writing and redaction skills 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Ability to represent MSF toward multiple counterparts and willingness to act as a spokesperson 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Team player 

Language 

• Fluency in English (both written and spoken)
• Good knowledge of French is an asset

CONDITIONS  

• Expected starting date : As soon as possible
• Contract type: Open-ended contract – Full time
• Homeworking
• Location: Brussels (Belgium), Nairobi (Kenia), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Beirut (Lebanon), Johannesburg (South Africa), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Other locations* with an MSF office can be discussed

*For locations where there is an MSF office, the final decision is subject to local legal constraints (such as residency and work permit requirements) and an agreement with the MSF hosting entity where the chosen candidate will be based. The local contract and standard salary grid will be applicable. By default, the selected candidate will be based in the MSF office in their country of residence or the MSF office closest to their residence.

• The compensation package will also vary accordingly, defined by local status
• Mobility: Availability to travel and work irregular hours
• Benefit package: Salary according to MSF-OCB HQ grid if based in Brussels – Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs. Divergent package when alternative basis (specifics to be determined according to location and conditions of HR-policy) 
• 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: 10th of July 2024 

HOW TO APPLY? 

Please, send your CV and cover letter to Recruit-HQ-DG@brussels.msf.org  and mention “Health Policy Advisor and Global Fund focal point” in the subject of your email. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

MSF values diversity and is committed to create 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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