MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We are a non-profit, self-governed worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people.
We provide emergency medical assistance during armed conflict, natural disasters, outbreaks of deadly diseases and assist those who are excluded from healthcare. MSF delivers care based on need and when we see injustice, we speak out. We are an organization that remains impartial, knowledgeable, and effective, and this is what makes the difference between life and death.
People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ArtsenzonderGrenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they work together.
Legal Advisor
Objectives and responsibilities of the position
The Legal Advisor applies theirlegal skills in a specific country of operations to reduce administrative, financialand political blockages to MSF’s day-to-day activities, in areas typically including, among others:
The Legal Advisor uses theirorganizational and management skills to coordinate implementation of identified strategies and legal tools by operational teams. TheLegal Advisor isa member of the International Legal Department (ILD). The ILD is currently the only intersectional department of MSF (providing support to all MSF operational sections); Mainly dedicated to support MSF operations, the ILD rationaliseslegal support and provides high-level legal advice to all entities; its field of expertise is varied, including IHL, registration, MOU, taxes, medico-legal issues, medical research, labourlaw, commercial law, trademarks and international governance, etc. In collaboration with the ILD and under the supervision of legal advisors based in the headquarters, the legal advisor may be responsible forany of the following tasks:
Evaluate the applicable legal framework and practices of MSF operational teams
Identify and analyse the legal obligations applicable to MSF under the national legal framework and monitor changes to the framework
Identify and analyse legal, financial and administrative risks arising from the practices of each MSF section in the country
Coordinate consultation by local lawyers to obtain specialized advice on local laws and adapt external advice to MSF’s objects and practices
Recommend legal and political solutions and develop implementation tools
Identify and determine the best legal and political options and strategies to improve the legal and administrative framework of MSF country programmes
Design an action plan for the implementation of recommended strategies
Develop, and keep updated, internal guidelines and policies to support MSF operational teams to implement identified solutions
Coordinate harmonized responses by different MSF sections
Coordinate unified implementation of defined strategies by all MSF sections, including by leading intersectional meetings
Provide training to MSF Coordination teams (including staff responsible for logistics and supply, finance and human resources) in relevant areas of law
Set up intersectional platforms to facilitate effective communication and unified approaches by all sections
Manage compliance with administrative procedures
Oversee administrative steps to secure MSF’s registration with local authorities and maintain up-to-date registration documentation
Ensure effective archiving procedures for all documentation
Monitor compliance with reporting and other obligations under the local regulatory framework and applicable agreements
Carry out networking and negotiations with local authorities
Identify key political actors and persons of influence and design a networking strategy to enhance MSF’s operational space
Alongside other MSF representatives, build coalitions and undertake negotiations with key actors to secure MSF’s operational objectives
Candidate profile
Experience:
Some country programmes may require specialisation in:
Language:
Skills:
Interpretation of legal texts
Ability to prioritize and organize
Ability to manage a team
Strong written and verbal communication
Ability to reach negotiated outcomes
Ability to work with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams
Availability:
Information and Application
If you recognise yourself in this profile and meet the requirements, we welcome you to apply directly via the Apply button on this page and upload the following documents:
Candidate self-identifying as women who meet the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any questions on whether your profile fits the requirements, do not hesitate to contact the recruiter in charge for this position, Masha Petrovic, via masa.petrovic@amsterdam.msf.org
If you are interested and would like to have additional information, please contact Recruitment atrecruitment@amsterdam.msf.org
In MSF we are strongly committed to professionalism and responsible behaviour and therefore the final phase of the application process is background screening. Such screening can consist of an identity check, check of employment history, reference check and declaration on behaviour
Epidemiology, medical research, innovation and training group embedded in Medecins Sans Frontieres. Design & carry out projects in complex and unstable settings
