Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a leading international independent medical humanitarian organisation, providing expert medical relief to vulnerable populations at times of conflict or disaster. Operating in over 71 countries, MSF provides both life-saving emergency relief and longer-term assistance to make basic healthcare services available to the most vulnerable or excluded communities. MSF coordinates the Search and Rescue operations in the central Mediterranean which provide lifesaving activities and basic assistance operating with own vessel.

Scope and objectives of the position

The Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator leads humanitarian affairs and advocacy activities at country level in line with MSF policies and values. As a member of the Country Management Team, contributes to country strategy, advises operational and medical teams, and represents MSF externally when delegated. The role supports the analysis of humanitarian needs and challenges to guide operational and advocacy priorities while safeguarding MSF’s identity.

Specific Accountabilities

Advocacy & Strategy

  • Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the SAR mission advocacy strategy in coordination with relevant mission staff and MSF sections.
  • Identify and engage key advocacy stakeholders in Italy and across Europe.

Representation & Networking

  • Represent MSF in relevant coordination, advocacy and lobbying forums at national and international level.
  • Build, maintain and coordinate networks with key SAR advocacy actors and partners.

Protection

  • Support the design and implementation of protection activities within the SAR project, including SOPs, staff training and referral mechanisms.

Analysis, Monitoring & Advice

  • Lead data collection and contextual analysis related to the Central Mediterranean and European political context.
  • Produce advocacy materials (briefings, key messages) and contribute to the mission communication strategy.

Reporting

  • Provide regular analysis and updates on policies, actors and advocacy-relevant developments.

Humanitarian Affairs & Team Support

  • Provide technical guidance and support to Humanitarian Affairs Officers and Cultural Mediators.
  • Coordinate humanitarian affairs and advocacy activities between project and mission levels.
  • Support data collection systems for operational analysis and advocacy.
  • Provide gap-filling support to HAOs when required.

Requirements

Education
  • Degree in Law, Humanitarian affairs, Political Sciences or related university degree

Experience
  • Desirable: MSF experience
  • Desirable: experience with public advocacy/campaigning
  • Desirable: experience in the field of migration and/or SAR.

Languages
  • Fluent written and spoken English essential (C1)
  • Essential Italian (C1)

Knowledge
  • Advanced level knowledge MS Office (specifically excel)
  • Desirable: Knowledge of protection
  • Essential: Analytic and strategic skills, able to independently develop advocacy frameworks and strategies
  • Knowledge of migration contexts

Competencies
  • Analytical thinking L4
  • Networking and building relationship L3
  • Strategic Vision L3
  • Results and Quality Orientation L3
  • Teamwork and Cooperation L3

Conditions

Contract: Fixed term contract (12 months), full-time. Level I of Italian CCNL Commercio Terziario Distribuzione e Servizi.

Candidates should hold a work permit to work in Italy.

Gross Annual Salary: euro 42.700 – 46.116 depending on MSF experience of the candidate

Location: based in Rome with occasional travel to SAR vessel and/or port of disembarkation 

Starting Date: end of April 2026

Application procedure: 

To apply for this role, please submit your application to sar-jobs@oca.msf.org 

Subject: HAC_Your Surname

Including the following:

  • CV (in English)
  • motivation letter (in English)
  • Availability
  • 2 contacts for references

The application deadline is 4 March 2026

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Applicants not invited for interview within 4 weeks from the closure of the vacancy may consider their applications unsuccessful.

MSF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No employee, or applicant for employment, shall be discriminated against in any term or condition of employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or sexual orientation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. We expect this same commitment from our staff.