Regional Telecommunication Expert (flying) – 80% in the field

Regional Telecommunication Expert (flying) – 80% in the field

Remote working possible

Place in the organisation

The position reports to Coordinator of Operational Logistics of the Field Support Unit (FSU) and functionally reports to the Coordinator Technical Logistics (Back Office) and the Coordinator Field IT.

Objectives of the position

The Regional Telecommunications Expert provides telecom support to the missions of different Operational Centres of the organization, mainly the ones that are located in East Africa, and contribute to the installation of an effective and efficient telecom setup.

Main Responsibilities

Perform in the field support visits / consultancies (80% of the time):

• Audit radio and satellite telecom setup of the missions to advice and support local improvement and compliance to standards.
• Support in writing/updating the country specific communication hardware/ telecom policy covering the setup and use of analogic and digital Radiocom equipment (HF and VHF transceivers, antennas, repeaters), portable Satcom equipment (Thuraya, Inmarsat, Iridium, BGAN) and movements trackers.
• Advise the coordination on:
• The choice of most efficient telecom equipment and their configuration
• Identification of the roles and responsibilities of the staff in the mission
• Generate/Update the telecommunication Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) and execute installation of improved telecom systems directly.
• Organize and deliver trainings (classroom and on the job) to the logistics staff in order to support the implementation of the policy, SOP and good practices in the country.
• Ensure optimal performance of the telecom equipment in the mission: ensure repairs, maintenance and configuration are done according to recommended practices.
• Analysing the current situation in the field, designing, and supervising the installation of improved telecom systems.
• Assess local market for availability of quality spares, supplies and equipment; assess the quality of local / regional service providers (i.e. maintenance, repairs, preventive servicing, trainings, etc.).
• Contribute to the empowerment of the field staff in charge of the local support (ITC officers) – identify learning needs and opportunities to cover gaps, lead actions to strengthen the capacity of the staff (through webinars, video shooting, distance training/mentoring, setup and moderation of community of practice and trainings during field visits).
• Adhere to MSF-OCA Field Consultancy Guideline (ToRs, Reporting).

Duties not specific to field support visits / consultancies:

• Follow-up support request from the field users (e.g. trouble shooting, repairs, configuration).
• Provide second line support to field missions (when required).
• Support missions in setting up Telecom services in the start-up of (medium/large scale) emergencies.
• Join field deployment during onset of technical and/or operational emergency.

Candidate Profile

• A minimum of 5 years professional experience in a similar role
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant field experience in the humanitarian context
• Previous overseas work experience in humanitarian assistance in the health sector experience in East Africa is a strong asset
• MSF and/or INGO experience is mandatory
• Ability to work independently with minimum and/or without supervision
• Excellent communicator and stakeholder engager, capacity to build and maintain a network relevant for the organization
• Good level of English is mandatory. French is a strong asset
• Strong knowledge and experience of telecom infrastructure (Bgan, VSat, Tel Sat, Radio PMR, AIR BAND, HF, VH, Satcom, mobile network …)
• Expertise in digital radio and mobile embedded systems is an advantage.
• Ready to spend 80% of his/her time in the field

We offer

A challenging and exciting position in an international environment

A Dutch employment contract based on 40 hours per week. The contract is for one year with renewal option.

Other benefits include 30 holidays and a premium free pension.