Humanitarian Representative for Asia

Location: Bangkok

Duration: 18 months contract, with possibility of extension

Contract: Full-time

Reporting to: International Operations Coordinator and Head of Humanitarian Representation (IOHRC)

Starting date: ASAP

Deadline to apply: 28th of April 2025

I. MSF INTERNATIONAL

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 24 sections, 27 associations and 18 branch offices together. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International provides coordination, information and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.

II. POSITION BACKGROUND

The position is part of the Humanitarian Representation Team (HRT), which provides support to the MSF operations through linkages and actions to and from external networks (political, humanitarian, medical, and civil society). It is managed by the International Operations Coordinator and Head of Humanitarian Representation (IOHRC). The HRT maintains active relations with its network and continually informs the MSF operations of the relevant analysed information. The HRT influences its network through specific actions for the benefit of the MSF programs and MSF operations’ goals. In carrying out its actions, the HRT responds to direct requests from the operations (desks and Heads of Mission - HoM).

The HRT maintains active and effective internal links to co-ordinate its work. These include the reflection and advocacy centres of the operational sections, the Access to Products for Healthcare (APH - former Access Campaign) and partner sections (regarding their relations with their own host governments and regional networks – eg Canada, Germany, China, Australia, etc.), International President, Secretary General, International Medical Secretary & Medical Co-ordinator, medical working groups and others as necessary.

III. PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

Part of the MSF International Office Humanitarian Representation Team (HRT), the HRT Asia Representative works under the coordination and supervision of the IOHRC as well as in close link with the desks/cells in charge of operations and other pertinent MSF entities in the wider region.

The primary focus of this position is to provide direct operational support to MSF’s programs in South-East Asia, particularly in response to the Myanmar conflict and the Rohingya crisis. This involves strategic engagement with regional and global actors on issues related to the Myanmar conflict and its regional impact, particularly in terms of access, displacement, and refugee needs. For this purpose, Bangkok is currently assessed as the most relevant location.

IV. MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The position will also monitor the need for support to other Asia-Pacific operations, and emerging humanitarian crises especially in response to natural disasters, population displacements or conflicts.

The HRT representative will collaborate closely with regional desks, advocacy referents, and Heads of Mission (HOMs) to identify key contexts and priority topics for engagement, and will facilitate inter-desk coordination meetings.

When necessary, the HRT will engage with cross-cutting issues related to disaster preparedness, emergency response, and global health. This will require close collaboration with relevant focal points and advocacy units across MSF sections in the region, (both directly at office-level and through their shared APAC (formerly SEEAP) Partnership), and complementarities with the Access to Products for Healthcare (APH). Additionally, the HRT will contribute its expertise to analyse regional trends that may affect MSF’s operational space.

V. OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

Primary focus: Strengthen support for operations related to the Myanmar conflict and regional crisis

1. Ensure consistent and impactful engagement in Bangkok, manage diverse stakeholders, including regional hubs, international bodies, UN agencies, ICRC, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions.

2. Facilitate operational coordination among desks and missions (Myanmar and other regional interdesks), and in collaboration with partner sections, with a focus on improving stakeholder mapping and oversight to prevent duplication of efforts.

3. Engage with ASEAN countries, emphasizing the a frank but strategic engagement with ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar and reinforcing, in collaboration with the MSF missions, sections and desks, well-tailored and specific engagement with the upcoming ASEAN presidencies of Malaysia, then Philippines, then Singapore.

Secondary focus: Regional engagement South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific

1. Broaden MSF’s external network across South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific, in coordination with relevant focal points in MSF Australia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong (both in their respective offices and in their shared APAC project team) and MSF South Asia

2. Additionally, and based on needs and in collaboration with others in the HRT, the position will support humanitarian representation towards central Asian countries.

3. Maintain and strengthen relationships with ASEAN institutions and permanent representations in Jakarta, and proactive follow up of the ASEAN presidencies in coordination with the relevant desks and MSF’s missions. Regular travelling to Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

4. Coordinate with the APAC Partnership to follow up work on climate adaptation across missions/operations and opportunities to engage regional stakeholders on aspects related to MSF work.

5. Sustain partnerships on Civil-Humanitarian Coordination (e.g. Regional Consultative Group), focusing on disaster preparedness and response.

6. Engage with regional health actors, working closely with APH to build and maintain relevant networks.

7. Develop the HRT Asia regional network further by deepening collaboration with MSF sections and offices and through the desks, with the missions’ humanitarian affairs and relevant APAC focal points.

• Commitment to MSF’s humanitarian principles

• Deep knowledge of international humanitarian affairs and strong familiarity with Myanmar and neighbouring countries and the Southeast Asia region;

• Extensive field experience with MSF (or equivalent humanitarian organizations) required

• Master’s degree (M.A.) or equivalent, or 6-10 years of relevant experience (or a combination of education and experience)

• Strategic vision and problem-solving skills

• Familiarity with International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law

• Ability to analyze complex and sensitive issues and report findings clearly

• Strong writing and diplomatic communication skills, with the ability to interact with senior diplomatic officials

• Excellent interpersonal skills, judgment, and the ability to build and maintain networks

• Strong written and spoken English

• Ability to travel frequently throughout the region and beyond

• Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At MSF, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.