Advocacy & Partnerships Coordinator – Sierra Leone
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 70 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.
Advocacy & Partnerships Coordinator (m/f/x) – Sierra Leone – MSF Belgium
CONTEXT
MSF Operational Center Brussels (OCB) supports a transition phase in Sierra Leone linked to the progressive integration of the Hangha Mother and Child Hospital into the national health system. This transition aims to strengthen local healthcare capacity, ensure sustainability, and maintain access to quality secondary healthcare for women and children. Advocacy plays a key role in accompanying this process and supporting operational decision‑making.
As the Advocacy & Partnerships Coordinator, you are responsible for all advocacy activities within the Sierra Leone programme, in line with MSF policies, principles and values, and following the operational line in close coordination with the OCB Analysis Department in Brussels.
You support the transition and sustainability of the Hangha Mother and Child Hospital through external engagement, partnership development and strategic reflection. You are a member of the Country Management Team (CMT) and act as a sparring partner for operational and medical teams.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
External Engagement and Representation
- Lead systematic mapping and engagement with relevant external stakeholders, including donors, INGOs, UN agencies, philanthropic organisations and private‑sector actors linked to health system strengthening and hospital sustainability
- Engage proactively with the Ministry of Health, relevant agencies, District Health Management Teams, district authorities and national coordination platforms, in collaboration with operational and medical teams
- Support partnership discussions and agreements in coordination with Operations and the Protocol Office
- Represent MSF in relevant humanitarian, development and health coordination forums alongside the operations team
- Maintain an updated overview of key stakeholders, interactions and follow‑up needs
Grants, Resource Mobilisation and Funding Strategy
- Conduct landscape analysis of potential funding streams relevant to the sustainability of the Hangha Mother and Child Hospital
- Support the drafting of concept notes, partnership proposals, memoranda of understanding and letters of collaboration, ensuring alignment with MSF operational and ethical frameworks
- Contribute to strategic and financial reflections on sustainability options in collaboration with Operations, the Country Coordinator and relevant support departments
Partnership Strengthening
- Support the development and maintenance of strategic partnerships with public institutions, INGOs, local NGOs, civil society organisations, community leaders and professional associations
- Facilitate joint planning and collaboration opportunities contributing to the long‑term viability of the Hangha Mother and Child Hospital
- Support structured engagement with community representatives and patient associations to enhance ownership, accountability and alignment
Internal Coordination and Strategic Support
- Act as a sparring partner for operational and medical teams on advocacy‑related matters
- Maintain close functional links with the HQ Reflection Unit
- Contribute to internal analysis, reporting and strategic reflection related to advocacy, partnerships and transition dynamics
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- Master’s level academic background in public health, health economics, social sciences or political sciences
- Minimum 3 years of proven international advocacy experience with MSF or another humanitarian NGO
- Demonstrated experience in grants, partnerships or external relations
- Experience in a medical INGO is a strong asset
Competencies
- Strong analytical, research and writing skills
Languages
- Proficiency in English, written and spoken, is mandatory
CONDITIONS
- Expected starting date: 1st of October 2026
- Location: Freetown (Sierra Leone)
- Contract Type: Fixed-term contract – full time
- Contract duration: 12 months
- Mobility: 30-50% project visits and/or travel within the country
- Salary according to MSF salary grid
- The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate
- No family or couple position
- 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: 9th of July 2026
How to apply?
➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button
➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position
➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (in PDF format)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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