Watchman at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Sokoto

Location: Sokoto, Nigeria

Employment Type: 1-Year Definite Contract (with possibility of extension)

Application Deadline: January 1, 2026 (5:00 PM)

Organization: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – OCA

Guarding the Mission of Mercy

In a humanitarian setting, the safety of our personnel and the integrity of our facilities are the foundation upon which life-saving medical care is built. A secure environment allows doctors, nurses, and logistics experts to focus entirely on aiding populations in distress without fear or interruption. As a Watchman with MSF, you are the first line of defense and the primary steward of our premises, ensuring that the mission remains a safe haven for both our staff and the people we serve.

Job Summary

The Watchman is responsible for the continuous surveillance and physical security of MSF facilities in Sokoto. By adhering to strict security protocols, the successful candidate will manage site access, protect organizational assets, and maintain the premises to ensure a safe, orderly, and functional environment for the entire mission.

Key Responsibilities

Security & Surveillance

  • Access Control: Monitor all entry and exit points, guiding authorized visitors to reception and coordinating with the administration team for guest approvals.
  • Perimeter Patrols: Conduct regular, vigilant patrols of the facility’s boundary fences and property to prevent unauthorized entry or security breaches.
  • Incident Reporting: Promptly identify and report any security threats, theft, vandalism, or accidents to the line manager; assist in emergency evacuations as required.
  • Asset Protection: Log all incoming and outgoing personnel and vehicles, ensuring that organization equipment and buildings are safeguarded at all times.

Facility & Equipment Maintenance

  • Site Stewardship: Maintain the cleanliness and order of the MSF premises, including waste management, gardening, and basic landscaping (pruning, grass cutting, etc.).
  • Operational Readiness: Ensure all security lighting, communication radios, and torches are functional; manage battery supplies and report technical faults immediately.
  • Utility Management: Monitor fuel levels for generators and water pumps; oversee the daily cleaning and correct operation of generators, including maintaining operating hour logs.
  • Logistics Support: Assist in the unloading of materials and help staff move heavy items when necessary, ensuring all arrivals are reported to the supervisor.

Requirements & Qualifications

  • Educational Foundation: Possession of a Primary School Certificate is required.
  • Professional Experience: Previous experience in a security, guarding, or related surveillance role is essential.
  • Linguistic Skills: Proficiency in English (mission language) and Hausa (local language) is mandatory for effective communication.
  • Technical Knowledge: Basic understanding of security principles and the correct use of fire extinguishers.
  • Core Competencies: A strong commitment to MSF principles, a high level of stress management, behavioral flexibility, and a results-oriented mindset.

Why This Role is Essential

The Watchman is the “eyes and ears” of the MSF mission. Without a dedicated security presence, our medicines, vehicles, and specialized equipment would be at risk, and our staff would be vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of conflict-affected regions. Your vigilance ensures that the gates of MSF remain open to those in need while keeping threats at bay, directly enabling our medical teams to operate around the clock.

Benefits of Joining MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières)

  • Mission-Driven Work: Serve with one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations, aiding victims of conflict and disaster.
  • Professional Integrity: Work in an environment guided by a strict Code of Conduct and a culture of ethical humanitarianism.
  • Stability & Growth: Benefit from a structured 1-year contract with potential for renewal based on performance and mission needs.
  • Salary Expectations: MSF offers a competitive salary for this level of responsibility, designed to support professional staff in the Sokoto region.

About the Organization

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a private, international, non-profit organization dedicated to providing medical assistance to people in distress, victims of natural or man-made disasters, and those affected by armed conflict. We operate without discrimination regarding race, religion, or political affiliation. Having worked in Nigeria since 1996, our teams are driven by the core values of medical ethics and the humanitarian impulse to provide aid where it is most needed.

Application Instructions

How to Apply: To apply, please submit your CV, Application Letter, and photocopies of your credentials in a sealed envelope.

Address: Sub-Coordination Office, Human Resource Department, Usman Faruk Roundabout (behind the Secretariat), Sokoto, Sokoto State.

  • Important: Clearly mark the envelope: “Application for the post of Watchman”.
  • Deadline: Applications must be received by January 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Tips for Applicants

  1. Emphasize Reliability: MSF protocols state that a Watchman must never leave their post unattended. In your application, highlight your history of punctuality and dependability.
  2. Highlight Language Proficiency: Since both English and Hausa are “essential,” make sure your application clearly states your ability to speak and understand both fluently.
  3. Physical Stewardship: While this is a security role, it also involves garden and generator maintenance. Mentioning your willingness to perform these manual tasks can give you an advantage.