Association Engagement and Communication Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Rationale/Objective for Position

The Association Engagement and Communication Officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategic approaches to support the associative-governance goals of the MSF EA Board by driving member engagement, coordinating associative activities, managing communications and fostering a dialogue between the Board, the MSF Eastern Africa, and the Association members.

This dialogue should ensure continuous lines of information, exchange, and accountability remain open and functional. This position will be hierarchically and functionally accountable to the Head of Association

Tasks & Responsibilities

Technical and Operational Responsibilities

• Support engagement within MSF Eastern Africa Association
• Develop engagement strategies that promote an active, inclusive, and well-informed MSF EA Association (EAA).
• Facilitate engagement between the MSF EA Board and Association members.
• Cultivate the development of a collective associative identity and shared understanding of MSF principles.
• Support in the Organization and facilitation of EAA debates and associative events across the region, including the General Assembly (GA), ensuring broad and strong participation of EAA and other members.
• Liaise with other departments at the MSF EA office and the MSF Missions in the region on associative activities.
• Support in recruiting new members, administer the EAA membership, managing applications and keeping the Database up to date.

Support Associative engagement in countries of operations

• Support in the stimulation of associative life in the field and successful organization of planned associative activities.
• Support the network of Associative Focal Persons and members in countries of operations
• Learn and work with other Associations to develop trainings in collaboration with MSF EA Learning & Development Unit.
• Support in the Organization and facilitation of Field Associative Debates (FADs)
• Engage with Heads of mission towards ALF and any board priorities

Manage inclusive, qualitative, regular and engaging Association Communications

• Develop and implement a communications plan and strategic approaches to cultivate a well informed and engaged membership, ensuring inclusion of and adaptation to different audiences
• Coordinate timely and accurate communication about associative news, events and topics (national/international) between and towards association members and volunteers
• Assist in the production of EAA monthly newsletter and other identified tools of communication for the Eastern Africa Association, providing necessary content adapted to the target audience(s)
• Coordinate the development of upcoming EAA websites and stimulate and moderate discussions on online and social media platforms.
• Facilitate information flow and engagement between members, staff and the board as necessary.
• Ensure the preparation, editing, compilation and dissemination of Associative events and the GA minutes / outcomes / reports
• Develop the content, material/resource needs and the logistics of events, including Mini GAs, Pre and Post GA, -International General Assembly (IGA), End Year Events with close collaboration with country responsible board members and Associative Focal Points.

Other Responsibilities

• Participating in International Projects/Coordinate and implement new initiatives as agreed by the EAA board e.g. planning and implementation of the urban space’s initiative in EA.
• Ensure accurate integration of EDI & Safeguarding aspects into all policies and practices within the MSF EA Association.
• Compliance Assurance - Ensure that all data processing activities within the MSF EA
• Association comply with relevant data protection laws and regulations, including the Data Protection Act, 2019 and support your team to receive necessary training in this area.
• Policy Adherence - Enforce data protection policies, procedures, and guidelines within the MSF EA Association, ensuring that all team members are aware of and adhere to these protocols.
• Supervision of additional part-time volunteers or members for specific projects and events.
• Work closely with the MSF EAA/EA Board Officer on common issues/activities as directed by the Board/President.
• Replace the Board Officer in all kinds of matters his/her absence.
• Participate in annual plans and budget preparation in collaboration with the Association Office staff and the Board as per the EA calendar.
• Participate in the review, monitoring and evaluation of MSF EAA annual and strategic plans and budget as per the agreed/set timelines.

Qualifications

Education

• Undergraduate Degree in Business administration, International Relations, Social Sciences or other related disciplines.
• Knowledge of the Eastern Africa Context as well as of global humanitarian affairs
• Strong written and oral communication skills as well as presentation skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office applications such as Outlook, MSF Word, MS Excel, SharePoint
• Knowledge of ERP, CRM,
• Knowledge of MSF organizational structure, communication guidelines, and engagement strategies is highly desirable.
• Previous experience with MSF Association or executive work is desirable.

Experience

• Previous MSF experience in countries of operations, headquarters or the association a pre-requisite.
• At least 2 years’ experience in Strategic Communications / Event Planning / L&D

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Fluent/proficiency in English (reading and writing). French, Arabic and Swahili are an added advantage.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to synthesize and effectively present information
• Computer literacy with excellent MS Office, Outlook, power point and excel with
• ability to effectively navigate through social media and interactive platforms

Behavioral/General Competencies

• Full adherence and commitment to the principles, values and goals of MSF.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capacity (strong team-leading and teamworking skills).
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Respect and understanding of confidentiality.
• Able to work successfully under pressure within short deadlines; maintaining appropriate priorities, adequate detail, flexibility, and positivity.
• Willingness and personal flexibility to travel across the region and beyond with short notices as may be required
• Proactive, highly motivated and responsible, able to work with limited supervision,accountable and honest.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven experience in conflicts resolution
• Time management and organization skills
• Stress management ability
• Cross-cultural awareness and flexibility