BACKGROUND
The Advocacy Unit of the Johannesburg section of MSF (known as the OSU) is connected closely to MSF operations in Southern Africa and supports field operations by undertaking advocacy, analysis and network building in key areas of expertise. A major new priority for the Advocacy Unit is to build capacity in understanding the role of climate change and climate-related events in Southern Africa and the direct impact of these on health outcomes and the environment in the region.
MAIN PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE
This role will be responsible for building up an institutional understanding of the impact of the climate crisis on health outcomes and MSF operations in Southern Africa (and beyond). It will gather, collate, synthesise and analyse data and information to create a comprehensive climate change mapping of the Southern Africa region. This would include examination of climate-related stresses and shocks in the region, as well as identifying vulnerabilities and dependencies in line with these, and assessing risks and resilience. It will use this to develop a concrete position, planning, preparation and adaptation for MSF operations and advocacy in this thematic.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Building information, expertise and capacity for the OSU in the thematic of the climate crisis
- Drawing clear linkages for understanding, operations and advocacy between the climate crisis and climate events and health outcomes
- Working to understand the causal chain between climate change, extreme climate events and disease outbreaks
- Using data and evidence collected on climate/outbreak dynamics that can be leveraged to reduce health equity gaps
- Liaising with relevant stakeholders inside and outside MSF on climate crisis impacts
- Building up strategy and way forward for OSU and MSF Southern Africa in determining positioning on the intersection between climate change and health impacts
- Working closely with field operations to integrate preparation, planning and response to climate-related events into project strategies
- Work closely with field operations to use available data and models to assess underlying vulnerabilities in health systems
- Working closely with the OSU team and other relevant stakeholders to determine advocacy strategy with regard to the climate crisis and health outcomes
- Work closely with relevant water and sanitation referents to assess MSF’s own environmental impact and reduce this where possible
- Building active networks with civil society and other organisations working on climate-related issues
- Building networks and collaborating across the MSF movement with other sections, operational centres and offices that are undertaking climate-related research and work
- Liaising closely with various stakeholders within MSF, including the MSF Climate-Smart project, the Climate, Environment and Health (CEH) working group, and the MSF Humanitarian Action on Climate and Environment (HACE) unit, particularly in capacity building and project implementation, on environmentally sustainable solutions for MSF
- Undertaking representation role when necessary at relevant forums
- Organising training and information sessions to share findings and capacity-build MSF and external stakeholders
- Working closely with Head of OSU and OSU Community Engagement Coordinator to ensure strategic coherence and interlinked work wherever possible
- Playing an active role as a member of the OSU team and MSF Southern Africa Johannesburg Section office
REQUIREMENTS:
Essential:
- At least two years of demonstrable experience working on climate-change-related topics
- Demonstrable understanding and experience in advocacy, research and analysis
- Some experience in data collection and analysis (qualitative and quantitative)
- Ability to design and implement strategy
- Passionate and excited about working in the climate change space
- Commitment to MSF’s core principles
Desirable:
- Two years experience with MSF in an operational or advocacy role
- Experience in operational research
- Experience in field data collection and analysis
- Tertiary qualification in a relevant field of study (social sciences, environmental sciences etc.) or related practical experience
- Experience in NGO working environment
- Experience working in Southern Africa
- Knowledge of French or Portuguese is a bonus
NB: Kindly note that this is a 12-month contract with the possibility of renewal. Should you not hear from the recruiter within 4 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.