Belgium

PROFILE

Education	Academic background to Masters’ level (anthropology/social/political sciences, law, gender studies, protection) with first-rate writing skills and excellent research / analytical skills.
Experience	Essential previous working experience of at least two years in research, analysis and advocacy. Campaigning organizational experience an asset   Essential experience with MSF or other NGOs   Desirable working experience in developing countries.
Languages	Good knowledge of English and French. Dutch desired

 

  Competencies           Commitment to MSF’s Principles

                                    Cross-cultural awareness

                                    Analytical thinking

                                    Strategic vision

                                    Results and quality orientation

                                    Teamwork and cooperation

                                    Networking and building relationships

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. We work in over 60 countries, offering assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. The MSF Belgian mission is looking for an:

Advocacy Manager (m/f/x)

CONTEXT

The Belgian mission is looking for an Adcocacy Manager to complete the team composed of a head of mission (HoM), a medical coordinator, a logistics/supply officer and a HR & finance coordinator.

 

The MSF mission in Belgium intends to address within a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach the health needs and its main social determinants of the most vulnerable segments of the populations including migrants in transit and undocumented persons as well as excluded communities in Belgium, in parallel to pro-actively engage on visibility of the problematics and promote institutional change.

Today, the Belgian mission is structured around 2 projects:

• The mental health project  includes active particpation in the Hub Humanitaire, where several organisations provide a wide range of services  for vulnerable population. In this structure, mental health care (first line) is provided by Médecins Sans Frontières. A second line service has also been created to provide psychological follow-up and respond to the needs identified.
• An outreach project, initially to support the response to COVID19 in Belgium among the most vulnerable population. The mobile team, which is also composed of various organisations, is intervening in non-accredited facilities (such as squats) and accredited facilities in terms of sensitization, prevention and control of infections, health promotion and referral to medical care if necessary.

The misison is also responding punctually to specific identified emergencies.

MISSION

Contribute to the development of humanitarian affairs activities in the Mission by supporting the Management Coordination Team in the analysis of context, humanitarian situation based on adequate data collection and in the definition of advocacy strategies, according to MSF policies and values, in order to improve the humanitarian and human rights situation among population.

It means to:

• Address operationally and through awareness raising/advocacy, problematics along the migration journey within Belgium
• Address operationally and through awareness raising/advocacy, problematics related to the most vulnerable populations through combined outreach activities and fix structures. 
• Respond to specific crisis within the frame of the actions with partners and institutions.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

• In collaboration with the HoM and other relevant parties, to define and develop a coherent mission strategy, in order to address the humanitarian situation on migration (and « sans abrisme »), and ensure that advocacy components are included in project and mission operational strategies
• Support implementation / coordination of MSF Belgium mission advocacy activities, including responsibility for defining, drafting and reviewing advocacy strategies, actions plans, tools, advocacy activities and messages addressing medical-humanitarian priorities in relation to mission needs;
• Provide data and discourse analysis in support of the Head of Mission and field coordinators to inform MSF positioning in-country (project-level and at national level), particularly in terms of political and operational environment; and ensure liaison with other OCB missions and MSF Operational Centers on migration related topics.
• Draft ad hoc lobbying points and internal/external reports in relation to main medical-humanitarian concerns while strengthening the integration of humanitarian affairs (analysis, critical reflection, contextual understanding) and operational communications.
• Liaise with MSF HQ relevant departments (linked to advocacy and networking in Belgium) in order to jointly define respective roles and responsibilities; to ensure coordination on advocacy strategies, development of partnerships, engagement with key actors and institutions; to harmonize common approaches, when relevant on specific topics (migration relation and/or “sans abrisme”) at federal and regional level.  

DATA COLLECTION

• Design and support the implementation of quantitative and qualitative data and testimonies collection systems with regards to migration (and “sans abrisme”) with a focus on national level with potential regional/global repercussions and local developments in project locations, in order to provide reliable information for operational and strategic decision-making. Identify necessary data to be collected and ensure that adequate data collection tools are in place an implemented on the projects of the mission in line with advocacy strategies
• Support the Head of Mission and field coordinators in the analysis of the data collected, in order to better orientate the programmes and projects, to provide an optimal response to population needs.

NETWORKING - COMMUNICATION

• Define, draft and review advocacy messages and targeting (including communications and dissemination strategies) to raise awareness of medical-humanitarian issues across MSF projects and at national level (transversal thematic).
• Provide recommendations and be a propositional voice for opportunistic communications (unplanned) from operations/medical activities’ analysis.
• Support networking needs by leading or participating representation duties in non-project locations (on delegation from the Head of Mission), including with domestic civil society, professional groups and local academics/universities.
• When necessary, support the organization of discussions, trainings, briefings, etc. about relevant thematic on migration (human right law / Humanitarian international law) and future advocacy activities, in order to raise awareness of MSF staff and partners regarding these matters.

CONDITIONS

• 1-year contract - Full time - extendable
• Expected starting date: As soon as possible.
• Location: Brussels, Belgium
• Salary package: Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension plan – 100% reimbursement of public transport costs
• A dynamic and stimulating work environment alongside multicultural colleagues.

Deadline Application: 12 October 2021

CV and motivation letter with “Advocacy Manager” in the subject line to be send to: Msfocb-belgium-HRFIN@brussels.msf.org. Please name you application documents with your LAST NAME.

We thank all those who apply. Please note that due to the volume of applications, only candidates selected for the interviews will be contacted further.

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, consult our privacy notice to job applicants.

Niveau de formation requis

• Vous êtes détenteur d’un diplôme de Master en sciences économiques, commerciales, de gestion ou autre orientation pertinente pour la fonction ;
• Une spécialisation en finance inclusive est un atout.

Expériences requises

• Au minimum 5 ans d’expérience pertinente en politiques de soutien au secteur privé, en appui à la création et au développement de MPME. Cela peut inclure une expérience du travail gouvernemental, du secteur bancaire ou (micro)financier, du travail dans le secteur privé ou du travail avec un organisme gouvernemental ou avec un organisme donateur dans les domaines susmentionnés ;
• Au minimum 2 ans d’expérience pertinente dans le financement des entreprises. Une expérience pratique des services d’aide au développement des entreprises et une bonne compréhension des écosystèmes entrepreneuriaux sont essentielles pour cette fonction ;

• Au minimum 2 ans d’expérience pertinente dans des pays en développement dans la mise en œuvre de projets/programmes dont au moins une mission long terme sur terrain de préférence en dehors de votre pays;

• Expérience de la formulation, de la mise en œuvre et du suivi-évaluation de projets/programmes de coopération ;
• Une expérience dans la mise en place de dispositifs d’accompagnement et de financement des entreprises est un atout

Compétences et connaissances requises

• Connaissance des politiques publiques relatives à la promotion économique, au travail décent, au développement du secteur privé et l’appui aux entreprises ; bonne compréhension de la formulation des politiques en la matière ainsi que des problèmes liés à la mise en œuvre de ces politiques ;

• Connaissance des institutions économiques et financières, des cadres réglementaires, ainsi que de leur rôle dans la création et la facilitation d’environnements entrepreneuriaux ;
• Une connaissance approfondie des problématiques liées au financement des entreprises en Afrique ;

• Une compréhension des problèmes relatifs au développement du secteur privé dans les pays en développement, en particulier dans les contextes fragiles, et une connaissance du contexte institutionnel et politique constituent un atout majeur ;

• Des qualités de communication, capacité de travail en équipe multiculturelle et de résolution de conflits;
• Capacité à travailler en toute autonomie, à gérer et à mener à bien de multiples projets/tâches en simultané et à travailler sous pression pour respecter les délais ;

• Vous parlez et écrivez couramment en français et/ou néerlandais. Vous travaillerez dans un environnement international ; une connaissance de l’anglais et du français est donc exigée compte tenu des langues utilisées dans nos pays d’intervention.

Vous vous engagez à respecter la vision, la mission et les valeurs d’Enabel (https://www.enabel.be/fr/content/vision-mission-valeurs-de-enabel).

Contexte

 

Le développement du secteur privé est l’une des solutions développées par Enabel pour répondre aux 5 global challenges mis en avant dans la Stratégie 2030 de l’organisation (paix et sécurité, changements climatiques, inégalités croissantes, mobilité accrue des personnes, urbanisation). Enabel appuie la mise en œuvre de politiques et de programmes ainsi que des partenariats qui permettent au secteur privé local de contribuer à la croissance inclusive et durable.

Les activités déployées par Enabel dans le domaine du développement du secteur privé entendent promouvoir, dans les pays partenaires, l’émergence d’entreprises autonomes susceptibles de tendre vers un développement durable, une croissance inclusive et la création d’emplois décents.

Les trois axes stratégiques principaux autour desquels Enabel articule ses actions sont

• l’amélioration de l’environnement entrepreneurial,
• le renforcement des chaines de valeur et des secteurs économiques,
• la création d’entreprises et l’amélioration des performances.

Nos groupes cibles sont les entrepreneurs, les travailleurs du secteur tant formel qu’informel et les entreprises locales, régionales et internationales établies dans les pays partenaires.

 

Nous nous focalisons en particulier sur les micro, petites et moyennes entreprises (MPME), puisqu’elles sont la principale source d’emploi et qu’elles offrent un potentiel de développement important.  Notre objectif est de créer un environnement propice au développement de ces entreprises et d’améliorer dans le même temps les conditions d’investissement pour les entreprises étrangères.

 

Dans les pays fragiles dans lesquels opère Enabel, les difficultés d’accès au financement pour les entreprises ciblées par les interventions sont nombreuses. Or, l’accès à des services financiers adaptés à leurs besoins est une contrainte majeure à la professionnalisation et au développement des MPME. La mise en conformité des entreprises aux normes de qualité est un préalable à l’accès aux marchés régionaux et internationaux. Cette mise aux normes implique des investissements matériels, et donc des financements de long terme. Cependant, dans un certain nombre de cas, aucun opérateur financier n’est présent dans la zone considérée, ou encore l’offre de produits financiers n’est pas adaptée à l’activité (par exemple crédits d’investissements). Le rôle d’Enabel peut être de contribuer à créer dans ces zones un marché financier où la demande d’investissement rencontre une offre adaptée.

 

Description de la fonction

 

En tant que Private Sector Development Expert – spécialiste de l’accès au financement des MPME, vous renforcez l’équipe « Private Sector Development / inclusive growth and Private sector engagement» au sein du département d’Expertise sectorielle et thématique (EST) d’Enabel.  L’objectif de la fonction est de développer davantage les outils et les pratiques d’Enabel en matière d’accès au financement des entreprises.

Vous assurez votre rôle d’Expert.e en appui aux interventions d’Enabel dans le domaine de l’entrepreneuriat ou dans les domaines d’intervention qui requièrent un lien renforcé avec les acteurs du secteur privé (formation professionnelle et éducation, agriculture et appui aux chaines de valeurs agricoles, santé, infrastructures, développement local…).

 

En outre, vous contribuez également à l’élaboration d’une vision et d’une stratégie de la Coopération belge dans ces domaines.

 

Vos responsabilités principales sont :

 

•  Élaborer des stratégies et des politiques ayant un impact sur le développement , dont 
  • La rédaction de notes de cadrage et de réflexion ;
  • L’intégration des thèmes transversaux tels que le Climat, le Genre et le travail décent dans les interventions ;
•  Co-créer des programmes (coopération bilatérale ou bailleurs tiers) dont; 
  • La préparation, suivi et exécution des formulations et assurance qualité des interventions d’Enabel ;
  • La prospection d’interventions pour tiers ;
• Fournir une assistance technique pour l'exécution des projets et programmes, y compris la formation continue des collaborateurs impliqués dans ces interventions dont :
  • l’exécution de missions ponctuelles sur le terrain pour l’appui au et suivi technique des activités dans les pays partenaires. ;
  • la facilitation des processus de prise de décision dans les programmes ;
• Appuyer les processus d’apprentissage et de capitalisation des connaissances et expériences d’Enabel pour les interventions directement et indirectement liées à la thématique du développement du secteur privé et de l’entrepreneuriat;
• Gérer, mobiliser et participer à des réseaux d’expertise dans les domaines liés à la fonction.

 

Votre profil

Niveau de formation requis

• Vous êtes détenteur d’un diplôme de Master en sciences économiques, commerciales, de gestion ou autre orientation pertinente pour la fonction ;
• Une spécialisation en finance inclusive est un atout.

Expériences requises

• Au minimum 5 ans d’expérience pertinente en politiques de soutien au secteur privé, en appui à la création et au développement de MPME. Cela peut inclure une expérience du travail gouvernemental, du secteur bancaire ou (micro)financier, du travail dans le secteur privé ou du travail avec un organisme gouvernemental ou avec un organisme donateur dans les domaines susmentionnés ;
• Au minimum 2 ans d’expérience pertinente dans le financement des entreprises. Une expérience pratique des services d’aide au développement des entreprises et une bonne compréhension des écosystèmes entrepreneuriaux sont essentielles pour cette fonction ;

• Au minimum 2 ans d’expérience pertinente dans des pays en développement dans la mise en œuvre de projets/programmes dont au moins une mission long terme sur terrain de préférence en dehors de votre pays;

• Expérience de la formulation, de la mise en œuvre et du suivi-évaluation de projets/programmes de coopération ;
• Une expérience dans la mise en place de dispositifs d’accompagnement et de financement des entreprises est un atout

Compétences et connaissances requises

• Connaissance des politiques publiques relatives à la promotion économique, au travail décent, au développement du secteur privé et l’appui aux entreprises ; bonne compréhension de la formulation des politiques en la matière ainsi que des problèmes liés à la mise en œuvre de ces politiques ;

• Connaissance des institutions économiques et financières, des cadres réglementaires, ainsi que de leur rôle dans la création et la facilitation d’environnements entrepreneuriaux ;
• Une connaissance approfondie des problématiques liées au financement des entreprises en Afrique ;

• Une compréhension des problèmes relatifs au développement du secteur privé dans les pays en développement, en particulier dans les contextes fragiles, et une connaissance du contexte institutionnel et politique constituent un atout majeur ;

• Des qualités de communication, capacité de travail en équipe multiculturelle et de résolution de conflits;
• Capacité à travailler en toute autonomie, à gérer et à mener à bien de multiples projets/tâches en simultané et à travailler sous pression pour respecter les délais ;

• Vous parlez et écrivez couramment en français et/ou néerlandais. Vous travaillerez dans un environnement international ; une connaissance de l’anglais et du français est donc exigée compte tenu des langues utilisées dans nos pays d’intervention.

Vous vous engagez à respecter la vision, la mission et les valeurs d’Enabel (https://www.enabel.be/fr/content/vision-mission-valeurs-de-enabel).

 

Nous vous offrons

 

• Une fonction intéressante et stimulante dans un environnement international.
• Un contrat d’une durée indéterminée, une fonction équivalente à un classe 6 et les conditions d’engagement du pays de travail.
• En fonction de votre lieu de résidence actuel, vous opérez soit au départ de notre bureau à Bruxelles, soit au départ du bureau de représentation d’un pays dans lequel Enabel est actif. Si la situation sanitaire le permet, vous effectuez de fréquents déplacements dans nos pays d’intervention.

 

Ce poste n’est pas une fonction d’expatriation

 

Cette publication peut donner lieu à la constitution d’une réserve de recrutement pour une durée de 3 ans pour toute fonction similaire.

 

Nos postes vacants sont ouverts à toute personne qui remplit les conditions décrites dans les offres d’emploi. Enabel s’engage en faveur de l’égalité des chances et de la diversité au sein de son personnel. Nous ne faisons pas de discrimination fondée sur le genre, l’origine, l’âge, la religion, l’orientation sexuelle, le handicap ou tout autre facteur que les compétences.

 

 

Intéressé.e?

 

Postulez, au plus tard le 11/10/2021, via ce lien et joignez votre CV actualisé et une lettre de motivation.

 

Seules les candidatures introduites via le lien ci-dessus seront prises en considération. 

Education:

• Academic background to Masters’ level is preferred
• (Para) medical profile is an asset

Experiences:

• Extensive experience in advocacy
• Significant experience with MSF is a strong asset
Competencies:
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to represent MSF toward multiple counterparts
• Strong networking skills are essential; proven skills of networking and HIV / global health activist connections
• Knowledge about HIV/AIDS essential, plus understanding of global health environment
• Capacity to develop and implement a strategic vision
• Proven ability to take initiatives and to work independently
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Good communicator
• Excellent writing and redaction skills
• Training and coaching skills are an additional asset
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing situation and organisational set-up
• Team player
• Ready to travel frequently and for longer periods of time

Languages:

• Fluent French and English (speaking & writing) is essential; Portuguese is an asset

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 60 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed or political affiliation.

MSF Operational Centre Brussels is looking for an:
                                                                     HIV/AIDS Advocacy Coordinator (m/f/x)

CONTEXT

MSF has been active in HIV since over 30 years, in particular in improving access to diagnosis, treatment and prevention in communities much affected by HIV/TB. Beyond implementation and support to service delivery for PLHIV, MSF has also taken up an important role in influencing health policies and practices, combining work on technical and political issues. MSF’s analysis of our experience and the health landscape in which we operate, allows to determine the organisation’s position on key issues, to speak out against certain problems and to advocate for action to improve the HIV response, especially for the most vulnerable, excluded and/or marginalized people.

MSF’s advocacy strategy and plan is updated regularly, according to the changes in our environment and emerging or intensified challenges faced by PLHIV, their communities and the HIV response. The current action plan focuses specifically on:

• The continued high mortality linked to HIV/AIDS and in particular the need to reduce mortality linked to advanced disease should receive more attention and efforts. MSF advocates for urgent access to the necessary medical tools and models of care for early detection as well as treatment of PLHIV at high risk of mortality.
• In certain regions, such as the West & Central Africa (WCA) region, the HIV response is relatively neglected and has remained backlogged in significant ways. Important gaps in regards of financing and in the adoption of proven models of care and innovations is keeping the number of deaths and new infections persistently high. MSF advocates for additional efforts in those areas, in order to close the gaps.
• Although well documented as effective and potential gamechangers, national health systems and some international actors are still reluctant to support the expansion of community approaches in HIV and health. MSF advocates for the critical involvement of affected communities, patients and civil society in implementing HIV diagnosis/treatment/prevention (including differentiated models of care, community based and patient autonomy), independent monitoring of availability and access of essential HIV products, advocacy and representation in policy decisions.
• The current funding context is putting at risk an effective and equitable HIV response. International commitments are stalling and reducing, the COVID-19 crisis has further undermined domestic contributions. All in all, political commitment and financial support to the HIV response are failing, putting at risk the possibility to implement the progress made in the HIV response. This translates into shortfalls in resources but also the build-up of resistance to apply the key elements of success that allow for an adequate, effective and equitable HIV response. MSF highlights the human and medical cost of those cuts, shifts and shortfalls.
• The advocacy agenda evolves and priorities might shift or be added. These can also include specific time-limited topics linked to emerging or worsening problems/threats or specific groups of concern (e.g. children; key populations; pregnant women etc), time sensitive opportunities etc.

The position of HIV/ AIDS Advocacy Coordinator is part of the Analysis Department of MSF’s Operational Center Brussels (OCB) and a member of the Health Politics Team.

The HIV advocacy coordination position develops and coordinates OCB’s strategic approach in advocacy in terms of HIV & coinfection (TB - Hepatitis C and others), combining work at international, regional and national level. This includes:

• Support projects and coordination teams with the development of analysis and advocacy in MSF missions; connect with, coach and advise missions and MSF country-based advocacy referents concerning HIV. Liaise with actors and platforms at international or regional level as appropriate on some of these country specific issues.
• Update and expand the analysis of main trends in global HIV policy; link these trends to consequences happening or expected at country/health facility/patient level.
• Liaise and communicate with people within MSF movement regarding important trends, MSF position and advocacy efforts linked to HIV/AIDS.
• Exchange and liaise with key experts across the MSF movement, seeking input, synergy and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain an updated active network of relevant external actors, including international, national, local community based.
• Disseminate through bilateral contacts, meetings, conferences, public communication and publications, MSF’s experience and messages for leverage and change.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The HIV Advocacy Coordinator position will - in consultation with operations and medical department - design, adapt/update, coordinate and lead the implementation of OCB’s international HIV advocacy strategy. Tasks imply information collection and analysis, mapping and networking with other key actors, develop and disseminate MSF position and advocate for key changes related to the HIV response.

• He/she provides strategic advocacy advice to OCB’s missions to develop and implement country-based advocacy plans. He/she further brings coherence within the country specific issues and or creates the links with the regional /international offices with a coherent agenda across countries.
• He/she engages with civil society organisations in terms of sharing analysis, building advocacy approaches and work together towards engagement with government, donor and other organisations. Close collaboration with the current MIO position on capacity building for monitoring of service provision, stock outs, free care, and more is expected.
• He/she is responsible for analysis of international and regional policy and funding trends related to HIV as well as mapping and updating regional and international actors.
• This analysis will also be disseminated to the missions, operations and other relevant entities in OCB, the Access Campaign, other MSF sections and international office and networks as required.
• The Coordinator will also provide methodological support to the field teams to analyse the country specific policy and funding trends, environments and actors.
• The HIV Advocacy Coordinator will provide overarching and strategic support to and build synergies with MSF’s HIV- work and positioning.
• The Coordinator will represent OCB in all relevant (regional/international) HIV platforms/initiatives which exist within MSF throughout the movement and outside of MSF. He/she will ensure engagement, participation and dissemination of relevant materials and information.
• Identify training needs, develop tools, organise and support trainings for advocacy, overall and in particular in selected MSF missions/projects with a strong HIV component.
• The coordinator will exchange, liaise and collaborate closely with experts in SAMU and other relevant people in the medical department. This includes opportunities for synergy and mutual input a.o. through regular mutual updates, participation in training courses and coaching, meetings on OR plans (with input to agenda and optimal use of OR results & plans) etc.
• The Coordinator should collaborate closely with the communication representatives to lead and contribute to public communication on strategic priorities and objectives that aim at leverage and awareness on HIV/AIDS.

At present OCB projects that (plan to) include specific HIV response activities are located in: DRC, Guinea, CAR, Malawi (ending), Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya and Ukraine. Other countries might be included as relevant.

The Coordinator ensures that all advocacy initiatives are shared with and performed in close coordination with other willing OCs that have HIV/AIDS activities, as well as with entities such as the Access Campaign and the intersectional AIDS Working Group.

The position is part of the Health Politics Team and the Analysis department; close collaboration and exchange with colleagues is expected.

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

Education:

• Academic background to Masters’ level is preferred
• (Para) medical profile is an asset
Experiences:
• Extensive experience in advocacy
• Significant experience with MSF is a strong asset

Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to represent MSF toward multiple counterparts
• Strong networking skills are essential; proven skills of networking and HIV / global health activist connections
• Knowledge about HIV/AIDS essential, plus understanding of global health environment
• Capacity to develop and implement a strategic vision
• Proven ability to take initiatives and to work independently
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Good communicator
• Excellent writing and redaction skills
• Training and coaching skills are an additional asset
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing situation and organisational set-up
• Team player
• Ready to travel frequently and for longer periods of time

Languages:

• Fluent French and English (speaking & writing) is essential; Portuguese is an asset

 

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: November 2021
• Contract type: Open-ended contract (CDI), full-time
• Location: Based in Cape Town, Nairobi, Kinshasa, Dakar or Brussels. The final outcome depends on local legal limitations (residency, work permit, etc.).
• Compensation package will also vary accordingly, defined by local status.
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments

Deadline for applications: October 10, 2021

 

How to apply?

Please, send your CV and cover letter to Recruit-HQ-DG@brussels.msf.org and mention “HIV/Aids Advocacy Coordinator” in the subject of your email.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, consult our privacy notice to job applicants.

The successful applicant will:

• Have the ability to work in an English spoken environment and demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills in Dutch, French and English. Ability to communicate in Arabic is an asset.
• Possess experience in conducting and analysing qualitative research (in-depth interviews)
• Ability to reach out participants from wider members of the community for interviews in case studies.
• Have experience in applying ethical considerations to the collection and management of data
• Have experience in writing up research for non-academic audiences
• Be a good team player and have the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a research team
• Must have excellent organization and writing skills in Dutch and/or English.
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Proven professional experience in the migration and integration field.
• Possess strong computer skills in Microsoft programs and experience in various online platforms (Zoom, Teams, WebEx, etc.)
• Demonstrate proven interest in the work of Caritas International and enthusiasm for working within a European NGO environment.

CONDITIONS

▪ Subcontract Agreement taking place between October 2021 – June 2022 with a maximum budget of 6000 € (VAT inclusive).

▪ Work will require travel within Belgium to conduct field research and may require limited travel within Europe which will be financed separately.

▪ The researcher should be available for first kickoff meeting during the first week of October and regular meetings with research coordinator from November – June 2022

▪ Flexibility in timing of work will be required.

TO APPLY

Researchers meeting the above criteria are invited to submit their application by e-mail to s.demot@caritasint.be. Please write “External Researcher: Private Sponsorship” in the subject line.

Applications should include the following:

✓ CV of the consultant, outlining relevant experience in the migration and integration field and knowledge of private/community sponsorship

✓ Draft workplan that includes proposed daily rate and expected number of working days bearing in mind overall budget (maximum 1 page)

✓ Names and contact email addresses of 3 professional references

The closing date for receipt of applications is 1st of October. Applications will be evaluated upon receipt and candidates will be selected based on their proposal, experience, their research skills and knowledge of refugee integration and community sponsorship.

BACKGROUND

Caritas International supports victims of violence, natural disasters, and poverty in their own country or on the run by collaborating with our national and international networks. We accomplish our mission without discriminating based on nationality, political, philosophical, or religious beliefs.

Established in March 2012 and led by the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC)[1] Europe, the SHARE Network provides a Europe-wide platform for mutual exchange and learning amongst regional and local actors to foster welcome. Caritas International has been a partner within this network for many years.

The SHARE QSN project, implemented from January 2021 to June 2023 and co-funded by the European Union’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), supports pilot and ad-hoc sponsorship initiatives develop into sustainable, community-driven programmes, bringing together a consortium of actors in Belgium (BE), France (FR), Germany (DE), Ireland (IE), Italy (IT), Spain (ES), and the United Kingdom (UK), who are all experienced in refugee integration and are currently carrying out private sponsorship programmes in their national contexts.

The project uses a multi-stakeholder, grassroots and bottom-up strategy fostering refugee participation, bringing all grassroots sponsorship stakeholders and the lessons they are learning to the EU level. The project is in close alliance with UNHCR’s Three Year Strategy on resettlement and complementary pathways as well as the EU’s Action Plan on Inclusion and Integration.

As part of its monitoring and evaluation work in the project, ICMC Europe, the lead partner, will be working with partners and external evaluators in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain to conduct an assessment and gather feedback on community sponsorship groups and lead sponsors activities in each partner country from the various stakeholders involved. It will look at the drivers and barriers to engagement of local sponsors, as well as good practices for local sponsoring groups, including those during COVID-19, aiming to contribute to the knowledge base on how to facilitate sustained and long-term engagement from a wide spectrum of society. In Belgium Caritas International is the lead sponsor and act as the intermediate organisation between Fedasil (donor, Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers), the sponsor groups and refugee families.

Caritas International, as partner within the QSN Project, is subcontracting an External Evaluator/Researcher to conduct an assessment on the community sponsorship scheme in Belgium. The aim of the evaluation is to develop an understanding of the effectiveness of the Community Sponsorship model in Belgium with a view to feeding into the ongoing development and enhancement of its designs. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews will be adopted to ensure an in-depth understanding of the experiences and processes underpinning the schemes. Interviews will look into aspects of the application processes, refugee reception and support in the first few months and how this evolved over time, challenges faced, successes enjoyed and progress around integration. The evaluation will follow the Data Protection Principles, and relevant ethical guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY AREAS OF ACTIVITY

The external evaluator will cover the field research work that includes the interviews undertaken with different stakeholders of the Sponsorship model (support organisations, sponsor groups, refugees, local authorities, wider community implemented in (country name) according to the following timeline:

TIMELINE

Training session/kickoff meeting for external evaluators in 6 countries: 1st week of October

Desk research: 2nd week of October

Outreach to participants/setting up first interviews: October

Undertaking interviews and summarizing results: November 2021 - March 2022

Weekly meetings with ICMC research coordinator to report progress and any other aspect related with the research: November 2021 – March 2022

Data Analysis and presentation of first draft (both evaluation and case study): April – May 2022

Presentation of final draft (in country’s language): June 2022

DELIVERABLES

Findings will be presented in two documents:

• An evaluation report which aims to: (1) improve programme effectiveness by highlighting challenges and areas of best practice (2) map out which groups are well suited for private sponsorship and areas for programme growth (3) ensure the accountability of programme implementation
• A Case Study which aims to identify the impact of CSS on wider communities and institutions in areas where Sponsorship groups operate (particularly rural communities of low diversity)

Both documents will be drafted by the external evaluator/researcher, hired by Caritas International, with the support of ICMC Europe’s research consultants. Regular meetings will be held between the external researchers and the research consultants to monitor progress and address eventual challenges.

The evaluation report and the case study will be produced in the language of the country where research is conducted and will be translated into English.

 

[1] The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) serves and protects uprooted people, refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants, regardless of faith, race, ethnicity or nationality (www.icmc.net).