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.Main Purpose of the position
The Liaison Officer will serve as a vital link between the project and local communities in Sokoto state-Nigeria.
This role requires a proactive, culturally-sensitive individual who can facilitate communication, assist in context analysis, and promote community engagement while ensuring equality and inclusivity.
The Liaison Officer will also support the Project Coordinator Support and cover duties in absence.
MSF Specific and Contextual Accountabilities
Establish and maintain effective relationships with community members to foster trust and collaboration.
Organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and focus group discussions to gather input and provide information about MSF activities.
Assist in bridging language barriers by providing accurate translations of project-related materials and communications for stakeholders.
Ensure that key messages and project information are delivered in culturally sensitive and accessible ways.
Collaborate with the Project Coordinator in conducting thorough context and community analyses to identify needs, dynamics, and potential risks that may impact project implementation.
Stay informed about local security situations and social dynamics to provide timely insights for project adjustments.
Step in for the Project Coordinator Support during absence.
Participate in planning, implementing, and monitoring project-related activities.
Participate in community assessments, evaluations, and surveys as needed to gather data and insights that inform project strategies and Analyze feedback from assessments and share with the project coordinator.
Participate media reviews and assist in the development of content that effectively highlights community engagement efforts and project successes.
Collaborate with Humanitarian affairs to create and document case studies and success stories that showcase the impact of the project in the community.
Shares the voices of the beneficiaries and community members to the project coordinator so as to promote equity.
Engagement of diverse community members and to ensure their active participation in project activities.
Maintain a strong understanding of the socio-cultural differences within the communities, ensuring respectful and effective interaction.
Adapt responses and strategies based on cultural contexts and community feedback.
Requirements & Qualifications
To apply for this role applicants MUST meet the following criteria:
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, History or a related field.
Experience:
Essential previous experience of at least one year in related relevant positions or community engagement, in MSF or other NGOs.
Languages:
Fluency in English and local languages (Hausa and Fulfulde) is essential.
Knowledge:
Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
Competencies:
Flexibility, Stress Management, Commitment to MSF Principles, Teamwork and Result Oriented.
