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RECRUITMENT NOTICE
EXTERNAL/INTERNAL
Médecins Sans Frontières
is recruiting in Amman a Head of the Protocol Office (HPO)
CONTEXT
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a private, non-profit international humanitarian organization
dedicated to providing medical assistance to populations in crisis, without discrimination and
regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.
Based on a Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Government of Jordan, MSF has a special legal
status in Jordan which brings with its unique administrative procedures for visas, work permits,
residency, tax/customs exemptions, registrations, and other processes with relevant authorities.
MSF’s Protocol Office is tasked with:
• Handling the administrative procedures for all other MSF offices in Jordan
• Coordinating procedures with all other MSF offices in Jordan
• Negotiating and implementing procedures
The Head of the Protocol Office (HPO) is expected to ensure the smooth functioning of the Protocol
Office, for the effective and coordinated implementation of the Host Country Agreement (HCA) by all
MSF sections present in the country. This is achieved through providing internal support to MSF
coordination teams in implementing relevant HCA procedures and processing benefits derived and
engaging with external stakeholders including technical and mid-levels of the Government’s
administration.
The HPO shall be in direct contact with different interlocutors related to HCA implementation, such
as the Board, as leading and facilitating intersectional meetings between HR, Finance, Supply, and
external HCA holders such as other international organisations and embassies.
S/he hierarchically reports to the MSF Country Representative (CR) in Jordan and functionally to the
HCA Legal Advisor based in the MSF Intersectional Legal Department (ILD) based in HQ outside of
Jordan.
Scope of Responsibilities
– Defining common administrative procedures to (i) ensure consistency with the common MSF
representation under the HCA, and (ii) benefit from the privileges and immunities granted by the
HCA including: immigration (visa, residency, work permits), importation, tax exemptions (GST and
excise duties refunds, any other tax exemptions), medical licence, among others.
– Develop strategies to reduce administrative bottlenecks, make recommendations on specific
administrative issues and overcome specific challenges in the HCA implementation, working
closely with the ILD focal point
– Ensure that all MSF activities are running lawfully and in agreement with the HCA in all
administrative or customs related issues and inform about any possible risks or problems.
– Develop and maintain technical networking and undertaking negotiations with government
representatives at technical and mid-level as may be required to facilitate smooth implementation
of HCA benefits
– Support the Country Representative in networking with the Government, in conjunction with the
ILD focal point
– Drafting and implementing a stakeholder engagement / networking strategy, to secure effective
ongoing support in implementing the HCA from government and other relevant external actors
– Follow up and analyse political, legal and context in link with possible implications on the HCA
holders
– Drafting tools, including updating the internal guide on procedures / SOPs for obtaining privileges
and immunities, and tracking tools
– Develop the strategy/action plan to ensure the continuity of the implementation of the HCA and
the proper functioning of the PO
– Briefing on the PO and training the MSF teams on the harmonized administrative framework and
the procedures to be followed for the HCA
– Working closely with MSF teams to support day-to-day implementation of relevant HCA
procedures, including providing technical advice and ensuring a coordinated approach across all
MSF sections
– Managing the protocol office team members in the processing of HCA files
– Ensure focus on priorities and objectives of the PO as set by the Board and the ILD focal point
– Ensure, as may be assigned, the annual consolidated audited financial statement and the follow
up on the HCA bank account and authorizations limit
– Consolidate and follow up in the annual MSF activity report with the communication teams
– Prepare quarterly reports to be diffused internally, documenting the regular activities of the PO
and providing context analysis related to the HCA
– Ensure regular updates and communication to the Board and the ILD focal point
– Draft the annual PO budget, follow up and manage running-costs
Profile of Desired Candidates
Education: University Degree in public administration or a related field
Experience:
1. 4 years relevant experience working in Jordan within a Protocol Office,
government administrations or embassies
2. Experience working with MSF an asset
3. Excellent communication skills, problem-solving attitude, diplomatic and
negotiation skills
4. Organized, flexible, able to work under pressure
5. Legal exposure an asset
Languages
6. Written and verbal fluency in English & Arabic with translation skills
Knowledge
7. Highly computer literate; good knowledge of administrative procedures
Competencies
8. Strategic vision
9. Leadership
10. People Management and Development
11. Commitment to MSF Principles
12. Behavioural Flexibility
13. Service Orientation
14. Teamwork and Cooperation
WORK LOCATION: Amman, Shmeisani – Jordan
CONTRACT: 6 months fixed-term contract (renewable)
STARTING DATE: ASAP (for strong candidates, we will take into account the possibility of a
1-month notice period)
Interested applicants should submit their application in English containing
1. Motivation Letter & Curriculum Vitae (merged into one document)
2. Preferably names of three references, and their email and phone numbers.
no later than COB Saturday 19/11/2022 via the Akhtaboot website.
Due to the specificity of this recruitment, candidates who have any questions prior to applying may
write to [email protected]
Only complete applications and candidates meeting the requirements will be called for a technical
test/interview.
Notice: No monetary transactions, neither demands of favors in kind, nor other types of favoritism
will be tolerated in the recruitment process. MSF reserves the right to refuse hiring of a candidate
having benefitted from such acts. All illicit demands of these types may be pursued through the
judicial system.
