The Sahel Alliance states (Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali) have, for several months, strengthened their domestic legal frameworks relating to the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, and have also made substantial changes to the legal framework for NGOs in their countries: strengthening reporting and accountability mechanisms, particularly financial (FATF, SYSBN, new tax mechanisms – for national and international staff), strengthening the conditions of residence and work of NGOs. Context/Specifics of the Mission
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For several months, the Sahel Alliance states (Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali) have strengthened domestic legal frameworks relating to the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, but have also made substantial changes to the legal framework for NGOs in their countries: strengthening reporting and accountability mechanisms, particularly financial (FATF, SYSBNL, new tax arrangements – for national and international staff), strengthening the conditions of residence and employment of foreigners, the civil and criminal liability of managers… The legislative and regulatory inflation is also part of a dynamic of reassessment of the humanitarian space requiring a legal position to support MSF teams in complying with the new provisions, but above all by assisting the teams in setting up engagement strategies with the administrative authorities of the different countries.
Responsibilities
- The lawyer supports (in intersection) the Doctors Without Borders teams to proactively analyze changes in standards relating to NGOs and update with the referring lawyer the risk analysis relating to these changes.
- He/she supports the teams in drafting official letters, analyzing memoranda of understanding, renewing administrative acts related to registration and compiling files.
- He/She supports the finance, HR, logistics and Supply teams in all issues related to the application of various tax texts, labor law, or those relating to the importation of various inputs, produces relevant legal analyses and proposes concrete solutions, adapted to the specificities of MSF.
- He/She ensures intersectionality of services provided and strives to foster interactions with the various administrative authorities by strengthening networking related to his/her activity, reporting to the head of mission in charge of country representation.
- He/She ensures consistency in the responses provided to the different sections to manage operational constraints/blockages, in collaboration with the legal advisor at headquarters.
- They identify and evaluate external lawyers, help teams pool resources and capitalize on lessons learned and legal consultations. They prepare recommendations, memos, and tools to ensure this capitalization and develop practical guides for operational teams.
- He/She acts as a liaison for the legal department on site, disseminates the legal department’s tools and escalates issues outside his/her area of expertise to specialist lawyers.
Required profile
- Holder of a Master 2 degree in law (administrative, business and/or tax law)
- Having two years of professional experience, experience in a similar position is a considerable advantage.
- Excellent command of French
- Minimum English level B1 (with an interest in developing this skill or currently undergoing improvement)
- Experience in negotiating and engaging with key administrative authorities (tax and civil administrations, immigration, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Finance).
- Essential analytical, writing, and diplomatic skills
- Ability to thrive in a multicultural environment and demonstrate commitment to and support for diversity, inclusive and non-discriminatory attitudes and behaviors.
- Flexibility and stress resistance
MSF Offer
- A unique and varied professional experience where your skills make the difference
- Preparatory course and briefing about the identified project
- Contract for the duration of the mission
- Monthly salary according to the MSF salary scale (based on professional experience and country of residence)
- Insurance coverage including repatriation
- Accommodation and meals provided
- Transportation, visa and vaccination costs covered
- Per diem on site
- One week of rest every three months
- Psychosocial support before, during and after the mission
- Debriefing, individualized career support within MSF, and training opportunities
- Departure without an escort (no partner or family).
- Mission location to be confirmed according to MSF’s operational needs
On MSF
MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application, recruitment, or training fees. MSFCH welcomes applications from people of all sexual and gender identities and encourages women to apply.
The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data solely for the recruitment process (i.e., receiving all the necessary information and documents to complete the recruitment process, validating the best applications, and selecting the most suitable candidate). Your personal data will be treated confidentially. MSF will not use your personal data for any purpose other than that related to this recruitment. Foreign nationals, the civil and criminal liability of managers… Legislative and regulatory inflation is also part of a dynamic reassessment of the humanitarian space, requiring a legal perspective to support MSF teams in complying with new provisions, but above all, to assist teams in developing engagement strategies with the administrative authorities of different countries.
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and cover letter in French via the following link before 09/12/2025:
We reserve the right to close this offer early if we receive a sufficient number of high-quality applications. We therefore encourage you to apply without delay!
Applications will be treated confidentially. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more details about the offer or about MSF, please visit our website: http://www.msf.ch/travailler-avec-nous/