Radio Operator at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Job Summary

• Operating the WhatsApp movements group and VHF and HF radios once installed, in accordance with the MSF security protocols and rules, in order to ensure quality and confidential radio communications for the operational needs of the mission / projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Operating the movements, tracking and follow up of MSF Vehicles, based on the validated chain avoiding using any sensitive or security related information and following the MSF security rules.
• Ensures radio frequencies' (HF and VHF) quality and transmission capacity.
• Good Knowledge of how to Installs and programs frequencies in all type of radios when necessary.
• Ensuring that messages are well copied/passed to all people concerned and records the messages on the radio logbook.
• Responding to radio contacts from other approved organizations and forwarding it on the information via this channel.
• Making radio contacts with reference bases (capital and/or field) according to communication rules / schedules and forwards all information concerning the security of the teams to the Project/Capital Coordinator.
• Monitoring and registering any movement, of people, vehicles, helicopters, airplanes and cargo, (departure, arrival, number of passengers, route taken, standard contact points), informs the PC and logistic manager if any delays.
• Seeks and sees to it that the validation process for movement is respected for any extraordinary / unplanned movement validation.
• Maintaining the equipment, communications room and premises in clean and tidy conditions. Maintaining and supervising HF VHF batteries status in good maintenance conditions.
• Providing basic radio training when necessary to MSF staff.
• Supervise and support staff/users of technical equipment (VHF, HF, Whatsapps, etc.).
• Should be available to carry out other task as assigned by the Supervisor.

MSF Section / Context Specific Accountabilities:

• Supervising and monitoring the VHF radio allocation book (handsets) and registering the loan of handsets to all staff, following it up on a regular basis.
• Ensure the use of radio codes when communicating any sensitive information to drivers and staff members.
• Use the official communication codification system as the standard method for transmitting confidential messages.
• Monitor all vehicle movements using the organization’s tracking system and during “kiss movements.”
• Serve as a key source of information for the Security Focal Point or Line Manager in the event of any incident.
• Ensure regular follow-up and accurate inventory of all radio equipment, updating the list of tools periodically.
• Always provide the Line Manager with regular updates on the whereabouts of all MSF vehicles.
• Ensure there is no communication gap between drivers, vehicles, and other staff members.
• Conduct a radio communication check at the start of duty to confirm clear frequency with all drivers and vehicles.
• Report any signal interruptions or low frequency levels to the Supervisor and prepare for necessary maintenance.
• Track and follow up all MSF vehicle movements by phone and/or radio within Anambra and during airport movements.
• Restrict all movements during curfew hours and during public protests.
• Ensure that all movements to “red zones” are communicated to and validated by the Logistics Manager or Project Coordinator.
• Coordinate closely with the HR team for airport and other official movements to prevent communication gaps
• Give priority to medical needs, especially for patient referrals.
• Ensure compliance with the weekly movement schedule and support the rationalization of all movements.
• Communicates adequately on decisions with the concerned (drivers, passengers and Log/Ops team)

Minimum Required Skills and Qualifications

• Education: HND, Bachelor’s Degree / Diplomas in Information Communication Technology, Computer Science and other relevant Field and / or all recognise MSF Trainings in the assigned Technical Area.
• Exerience: Minimum of two years Radio Operator experienced.
• Previous experience with MSF or other NGO in a developing-country context is an added advantage (Desirable)
• Language: English Language is essential