Project Coordinator Support – Strategic Liaison and Contextual Analysis at Medecins Sans Frontieres - MY NGO JOBS

In the high-stakes world of humanitarian aid, the ability to navigate complex political landscapes and security environments is what determines the success of life-saving medical missions. This role serves as the vital bridge between our medical operations and the diverse stakeholders across Anambra State and the wider South East region. By providing deep contextual insights and fostering high-level diplomatic relations, you ensure that our teams can operate safely and effectively in areas where medical needs are most critical.

Job Summary

The Project Coordinator Support acts as a senior advisor and strategic representative, working alongside the Project Coordinator to manage the organization’s external image and security posture. You will be responsible for mapping influential actors, analyzing evolving security trends, and ensuring that our humanitarian principles are clearly understood by local authorities, community leaders, and security forces. Your work is fundamental to maintaining the “humanitarian space” required to deliver aid without interference.

Key Responsibilities

Diplomacy, Representation & Advocacy

External Diplomacy: Represent the organization in high-level negotiations with local authorities, NGOs, and community leaders to secure operational access and promote medical advocacy.
Network Cultivation: Build and sustain a robust directory of contacts across government agencies, military actors, and traditional leadership structures to ensure reliable information flows.
Strategic Communication: Assist in drafting formal correspondence and act as a high-level interpreter to ensure our mission’s objectives are communicated with absolute clarity and cultural sensitivity.
Coalition Building: Enhance our presence within NGO coalitions to align medical advocacy goals and improve collective humanitarian impact in the region.

Security Analysis & Risk Management

Contextual Intelligence: Monitor and evaluate the socio-political and security climate in South East Nigeria, providing the Project Coordinator with bi-weekly analytical reports on incidents and trends.
Database Management: Maintain a rigorous security incident logbook and mapping database, collaborating with GIS teams to plot safe movement routes and identify emerging risks.
Assessment & Exploration: Participate in field exploratory missions to identify healthcare gaps and evaluate the feasibility of new projects based on security and logistical constraints.
Crisis Availability: Remain on-call to provide urgent contextual advice during security emergencies or operational shifts outside of standard working hours.

Staff Integration & Training

Cultural Induction: Design and lead cultural and security briefings for all incoming national and international staff, ensuring they understand the local customs and safety protocols of the Awka metropolis and the South East.
Frontline Training: Provide regular security coaching and updates to guards, drivers, and assessment teams to ensure organizational safety standards are upheld at all levels.

Why This Role is Important

Without a deep understanding of the local context, a humanitarian mission risks becoming disconnected from the people it serves or falling into avoidable security traps. As the Project Coordinator Support, you are the “eyes and ears” of the mission. Your analysis directly influences whether a team is sent into a new area, how we respond to a security threat, and how we are perceived by the local population. You are the safeguard for both our staff and our patients.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

Educational Background: A University Degree is required, with a strong preference for Social Sciences, Political Science, International Law, or Anthropology.
Contextual Expertise: In-depth, firsthand knowledge of the cultural, political, and security dynamics of Anambra State and South East Nigeria is non-negotiable.
Professional Experience: * Proven experience navigating complex political or humanitarian environments.
- Demonstrated ability in data collection, reporting, and high-level contextual analysis.
- Prior management or NGO experience is highly desirable.
Linguistic Mastery: Fluency in English, Igbo, and Pidgin English (written and oral) is essential for effective negotiation and translation.
Technical & Personal Assets: Proficiency in Office suites and social media monitoring; a profound commitment to the values of Neutrality, Independence, and Impartiality.

About the Organization

We are an international, self-governed medical movement dedicated to providing emergency assistance to those caught in the crosshairs of conflict, epidemics, and exclusion. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality; we provide care based on need alone, regardless of political or religious affiliations. In Nigeria, we strive to bring high-quality healthcare to underserved regions, often acting as the first responders in times of crisis. We value transparency and use our voice to speak out when we witness grave injustices against the populations we treat.

Benefits & Expectations

Salary: We provide a competitive salary and benefits package aligned with international NGO standards.
Contract: This is a “Definite” contract based in Awka, Anambra.
Impact: The opportunity to play a leadership support role in one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations.

Application Details

Location: Awka, Anambra State. (Local residents of Anambra and Awka metropolis are strongly encouraged to apply).
Closing Date: 27th December, 2025.
Submission: Interested professionals should submit a comprehensive CV, a cover letter detailing their contextual expertise, and copies of relevant academic and NYSC certificates via our Online Recruitment Portal.

Tips for Applicants

Demonstrate Local Knowledge: In your cover letter, give a brief example of how you have previously analyzed a complex situation or negotiated with local actors in the South East.
Focus on “The Why”: We are looking for someone who understands why security and context matter to medical aid, not just someone who can write a report.
Prepare for Analysis: If shortlisted, be ready for a technical test that will challenge your ability to synthesize information and provide strategic recommendations under pressure.

We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from both men and women. Only candidates meeting the high requirements for contextual knowledge will be contacted.