Regional Advisor for Humanitarian Access & Risk for Africa at Medecins Du Monde

About the role

• The main objective of the Regional Humanitarian Access and Risk Advisor (HARA) is to improve the analysis, support operational management and access, safety, security capacity building of the MdM team working in 9 countries (DRC, CAR, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Sudan).
• You will establish regular remote relationships with MdM's key security managers in these countries and will work closely with the Desk officers.
• You will conduct regular visits to the countries within your area of responsibility, support the facilitation of humanitarian access, and contribute to regional analysis.

What you'll do

• Under the supervision of the head of security and safety unit (based at the HQ), your main responsibilities are the following:
  • Monitor and analyse the political and security context across the countries of responsibility, identify trends, assess risks, and produce timely alerts and recommendations
  • Maintain security monitoring tools, incident databases, and regional analysis to support informed decision-making
  • Develop and maintain a strong network of security and humanitarian stakeholders, representing MdM in coordination forums and strengthening information-sharing
  • Provide technical guidance to country missions on security risk management, humanitarian access, and security assessments for new operational areas
  • Review and validate security aspects of field missions, operational plans, and access management systems
  • Support incident and crisis management, ensuring effective communication, post-incident analysis, and implementation of lessons learned
  • Prepare high-quality security reports, regional analyses, and ensure accurate archiving and documentation in line with organisational standards
  • Deliver security briefings, debriefings, and training to staff and partners, promoting compliance with MdM security policies and procedures
  • Supervise and technically support Country Humanitarian Access & Risk Advisors (HARAs), contributing to their recruitment, performance management, and professional development
  • Assess mission security management, identify capacity-building needs, and contribute to the continuous improvement of security practices through annual action planning.

Who you'll work with

• Under the International Operations Department, the service supports our international and national programs and several members of the MdM network.

It is composed of 8 people:

• 1 Head of Unit
• 3 Regional HARAs dedicated to our International Programs   (1 for Europ/Asia, 1 for Middle East, 1 for Latin America)
• 1 HARA for the MdM Network
• 1 HARA for our domestic programmes in France.

Requirements

• Hold a degree in humanitarian security, security management, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Have solid experience in humanitarian security management, including field missions in high-risk or complex environments
• Have worked in one or more countries within the region of responsibility
• Can analyse complex political and security contexts, anticipate risks, and provide clear operational recommendations
• Are confident managing security incidents and advising teams in dynamic and challenging environments
• Have experience delivering security training and supporting the development of colleagues' security capacities
• Build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and communicate effectively across multicultural teams and networks
• Are organised, adaptable, and able to perform under pressure
• Are fluent in both English and French.

This role may not suit you if you:

• Prefer working in stable environments with limited exposure to operational security challenges
• Are uncomfortable making decisions or providing guidance in fast-changing or high-pressure situations
• Do not enjoy collaborating with diverse teams, partners, and external stakeholders
• Prefer a role with limited travel or field engagement
• Are not comfortable balancing strategic analysis with hands-on operational support
• Are not aligned with MdM’s values and activist approach.

Benefits

• Employment conditions.

Contract & status:

• Gross monthly salary: 3 663 €
• Fixed-term contract (6 months), starting as soon as possible
• Trial period : 2 weeks
• Single posting.

Work environment:

• Position based in Nigeria at Abuja or in Ethiopia at Addis Ababa
• Regular field visits (40% of the working time planned in the countries covered).

Benefits

• 13th month salary (paid in 2 installments after 6 months of service)
• Expatriation allowance: 10% of gross monthly salary
• Coverage of travel (home – mission), visas, and vaccinations
• Guesthouse
• Health insurance (50% covered by MdM and 50% by the employee)
• Repatriation insurance
• MdM promotes training and internal mobility.

Essentials:

• 5 weeks paid leave + 22.5 RTT days per year
• Strong commitment to inclusion and fighting all forms of discrimination.