Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality. A worldwide movement MSF was founded in Paris, France in 1971. Its principles are described in the organisation’s founding charter. It is a non-profit, self-governed organisation. Today, MSF is a worldwide movement of 24 associations, bound together as MSF International, based in Switzerland. Thousands of health professionals, logistical and administrative staff – most of whom are hired locally – work on programmes in some 70 countries worldwide. Humanitarian action MSF’s work is based on humanitarian principles. We are committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. MSF operates independently. We conduct our own evaluations on the ground to determine people’s needs. More than 90 per cent of our overall funding comes from millions of private sources, not governments. MSF is neutral. We do not take sides in armed conflicts, we provide care on the basis of need, and we push for independent access to victims of conflict as required under international humanitarian law. Bearing witness and speaking out MSF medical teams often witness violence and neglect in the course of their work, largely in regions that receive scant international attention. At times, MSF may speak out publicly in an effort to bring a forgotten crisis to public attention, to alert the public to abuses occurring beyond the headlines, to criticise the inadequacies of the aid system, or to challenge the diversion of humanitarian aid for political interests. Quality medical care MSF rejects the idea that poor people deserve third-rate medical care and strives to provide high-quality care to patients. In 1999, when MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the organisation announced the money would go towards raising awareness of and fighting against neglected diseases. Through the Access Campaign, and in partnership with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, this work has helped lower the price of HIV/AIDS treatment and stimulated research and development for medicines to treat malaria and neglected diseases like sleeping sickness and kala azar.
- Experience 1 year
- Location Abuja
Accountabilities / Responsibilities
- Together with the HR Co, ensure that all MSF staff has applied and obtained on time any visa, stay, travel or working permits in the mission country according to needs, and keep information on legal, administrative procedures.
- Follow up on any new or modification of Nigerian policies relative to immigration regulations.
- Write and keep updated guidelines about visa procedures in Nigeria and MSF policies relative to it.
- Maintain the support travel service in HQ informed about ongoing processes, specific situations or changes in the procedures related to visas, working permits, etc..
- Establish and maintain professional contacts with relevant authorities, depending on the context and the needs of the mission.
- Arrange meetings related to administrative issues for the Human Resources Coordinator or the Head of Mission as well as attend them when required.
- Keep a complete and updated detailed list of all useful contacts in the Country/Mission with names, telephones, addresses, and other relevant details.
- Ensure, together with the Coordination members that all MSF activities are running lawfully and in agreement with the Memorandum of Understanding in all administrative or customs-related issues and inform about any possible risks or problems.
- Ensure that no illegal money is paid to any authorities or any individual, promoting and sharing MSF principles and values at all levels.
- Keep all documentation and files updated, properly filed, and easily accessible for internal users.
- Keep a complete and updated detailed list of all useful contacts for visa purposes: NIS (Nigeria Immigration Services), travel agencies, embassies, etc.
- Prepare briefings for international staff arrival and departure (briefings and debriefings)
- Main contact person with Nigerian travel agencies, for national and international flight reservations, quotations, and problem resolution.
- Briefing of new national and international staff at their arrival: check-in, information about their stay and visa.
- Give international and local staff all necessary information about their international travels: itinerary, Health (yellow fever card, etc).
Required Skills and Competencies
- Education: Diploma and or Degree in Administration, Communication, and related studies
- Experience: minimal of 1-year essential experience, with MSF, other NGOs etc.
- Languages: English
- Computer Literacy: Essential computer skills; Word, excel, outlook, internet, etc
- Competencies: Result-oriented, Teamwork, Flexibility, Commitment, Service-oriented and Stress management.
