MSF Humanitarian Representative to the UN (New York)

Title: MSF Humanitarian Representative to the UN in New York

Location: New York, USA

Contract: Permanent, full-time contract (expected commitment minimum 3 years)

Reporting to: International Operations and Humanitarian Representation Coordinator

Deadline for applications: 07.08.2025

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

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 origins, 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 by engaging with external networks (political, humanitarian, medical, and civil society). The HRT is led by the International Operations Coordinator and Head of Humanitarian Representation (IOHRC). The HRT maintains active relations with its external network and informs MSF operations with relevant analysed information. Through targeted actions, the HRT seeks to influence these networks in support of MSF operations. The HRT responds to direct requests from the operational program managers (Desks and Heads of Mission).

Internally, the HRT coordinates closely with key MSF actors such as Reflection and Advocacy Centres of the Operational Directorates (ODs), MSF Access (formerly Access Campaign), MSF partner sections, the International President (IP), the International Secretary General (ISG), International Medical Secretary (IMS), the International Medical Coordinator, medical working groups and others, as necessary.

As part of the HRT mandate to strengthen operational support and strategic coordination of MSF operational positioning, the MSF Humanitarian Representative to the UN in New York plays a senior role in strategy, analysis, policy, and representation on behalf of MSF operations worldwide.

In collaboration with the IOHRC, the UN Representative facilitates and organizes inter-sectional operational coordination on specific contexts, networks, humanitarian subjects, or emergencies. This includes supporting high-level representation and messaging delivered by MSF’s senior leadership, including the IP and the ISG.

III. PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

The MSF Humanitarian Representative to the UN in New York reports to the IOHRC.

Based in New York, the Representative will ensure effective, productive and high-level representation to NY-based interlocutors in the UN system, Members States and the INGO community. The position will ensure tandem work with the IOHRC for relevant contributions to the representation role of the IP and the ISG.

The Representative manages the dossier-specific interns and/or consultants as applicable and oversees the work of the Humanitarian Affairs Adviser on UN issues. They also sit as a core member of the HRT Secretariat, a body that is responsible for the strategic exchanges with the operational lines of all MSF ODs.

IV. MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General

• Designs and drives the implementation of HRT's strategic medical-humanitarian engagement in NY with senior-level member states’ representatives, the UN system and any other relevant NGOs or institutions, ensuring alignment with MSF’s global operational priorities.

• Sustains and expands MSF’s NY robust network of high-level external stakeholders, exploring alternative ways of working that may enhance MSF’s influence and access at international levels.

• Delivers in-depth, strategic analysis of the UN system and the UN Security Council (UNSC) political landscape to inform and anticipate impacts on MSF operations and positioning.

• Leads high-stakes negotiations in complex and sensitive contexts, representing MSF’s operational interests at the highest levels of diplomacy and humanitarian diplomacy.

• Maintains daily dialogue with MSF operations, ensuring near-constant availability to respond to emerging needs and crises – operating at the same level of urgency and engagement as operational desks. Acts as a counterpart to MSF operational desks, playing a central role in the facilitation and coordination of Interdesk platforms.

Specific tasks

• Supports the IP, the ISG, and other senior MSF leadership in their representation efforts with the UNSC and UN leadership.

• Coordinates both internal and external preparations for the UN General Assembly High-Level Week and other key events such as ECOSOC and Protection of Civilians (PoC) Week.

• Leads the preparation of briefings to the UNSC and other high-level bodies.

• Provides regular updates and analysis to the IOHRC, Directors of Operations, and Desks/Cells on developments within the UN, regional organizations, key states, non-state actors, and the broader aid system.

• Supports collectively agreed high-level negotiations on key contexts of concern – such as Sudan or Gaza – aiming to develop a more comprehensive approach to MSF’s engagement.

• Coordinates strategic meetings and briefings for operations with relevant international humanitarian organizations, including agenda development, internal analysis, and follow-up as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• May recruit, manage, and evaluate office volunteers, work-study students, and/or interns to support administrative tasks related to MSF’s UN engagement.

• Is available for field visits and to temporarily fill field gaps, responding to operational needs.

• Master’s Degree in a field related to International Relations, plus six to ten years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Around 15 years of professional experience, including field experience with MSF or alike organizations.

• In-depth knowledge and practical experience on the UN political and humanitarian architecture.

• Proven ability to build and leverage high-level networks, both within the humanitarian sector and among state and institutional actors.

• Strong analytical skills, with the capacity to assess complex environments and translate insights into strategic action.

• Outstanding writing skills and proven experience on planning and writing high-level briefings.

• Demonstrated ability to write complex reports for internal and external audiences, high-level business correspondence and experience in engaging positively and strategically with senior government officials, high-level diplomatic and donor representatives, UN officials and the NGO community.

• Excellent communications skills including fluent written and spoken English, and fluency in another UN official language preferred.

All offers of employment will be subject to reference checks and to appropriate screening checks. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

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.

MSF is committed to preventing abuse, inappropriate behaviour, lack of integrity and financial misconduct in its work and care spaces. MSF expects all staff to share this commitment and promote an environment where abuse and misconduct is not tolerated.

We are committed to removing barriers for people with specific accessibility needs. If you need an adjustment to the recruitment process to be considered for the role, please let us know from the beginning of the selection process.