Radio Operator at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality.

A worldwide movement

MSF was founded in Paris, France in 1971. Its principles are described in the organisation’s founding charter. It is a non-profit, self-governed organisation.

Today, MSF is a worldwide movement of 24 associations, bound together as MSF International, based in Switzerland.

Thousands of health professionals, logistical and administrative staff – most of whom are hired locally – work on programmes in some 70 countries worldwide.

Humanitarian action

MSF’s work is based on humanitarian principles. We are committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.

MSF operates independently. We conduct our own evaluations on the ground to determine people’s needs. More than 90 per cent of our overall funding comes from millions of private sources, not governments.

MSF is neutral. We do not take sides in armed conflicts, we provide care on the basis of need, and we push for independent access to victims of conflict as required under international humanitarian law.

Bearing witness and speaking out

MSF medical teams often witness violence and neglect in the course of their work, largely in regions that receive scant international attention.

At times, MSF may speak out publicly in an effort to bring a forgotten crisis to public attention, to alert the public to abuses occurring beyond the headlines, to criticise the inadequacies of the aid system, or to challenge the diversion of humanitarian aid for political interests.

Quality medical care

MSF rejects the idea that poor people deserve third-rate medical care and strives to provide high-quality care to patients. In 1999, when MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the organisation announced the money would go towards raising awareness of and fighting against neglected diseases.

Through the Access Campaign, and in partnership with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, this work has helped lower the price of HIV/AIDS treatment and stimulated research and development for medicines to treat malaria and neglected diseases like sleeping sickness and kala azar.Main Purpose

Operating the VHF and HF radios, in accordance with the MSF security protocols and rules, in order to ensure quality and confidential radio communications for the operational needs of the mission/projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Operating the VHF and HF radios, in accordance with the MSF security protocols and rules, to en-sure quality and confidential radio communications for the operational needs of the mission/projects.
Operating the HF and VHF radios, avoiding using any sensitive or security related information and following the MSF security rules. Ensures radio frequencies' (HF and VHF) quality and transmission capacity.
Installs and programs frequencies in all type of radios when necessary.
Ensuring that messages are well copied/passed to all people concerned and records the messages on the radio logbook. Responding to radio contacts from other approved organizations and forwarding it on the information via this channel.
Making radio contacts with reference bases (capital and/or field) according to communication rules / schedules and forwards all information concerning the security of the teams to the Project/Capital Coordinator.
Monitoring and registering any movement, of people, vehicles, helicopters, airplanes, and cargo, (departure, arrival, number of passengers, route taken, standard contact points) and informs line manager of any delays.
Supervising and monitoring the VHF radio allocation book (handsets) and registering the loan of handsets to all staff, following it up on a regular basis.
Installing, operating, and performing preventive maintenance checks on assigned equipment, checking that the equipment is working properly and immediately informing the line manager of any damage/loss/theft.
Maintaining the equipment, communications room, and premises in clean and tidy conditions.
Maintaining and supervising HF VHF batteries status in good maintenance conditions.
Providing basic radio training when necessary to MSF staff

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

Ensure the use of radio codes when communicating any sensitive information to drivers and staff members.
Use the official communication codification system as the standard method for transmitting confidential messages.
Monitor all vehicle movements using the organization’s tracking system and during “kiss movements.”
Serve as a key source of information for the Security Focal Point or Line Manager in the event of any incident.
Ensure regular follow-up and accurate inventory of all radio equipment, updating the list of tools periodically.
Always provide the Line Manager with regular updates on the whereabouts of all MSF vehicles.
Ensure there is no communication gap between drivers, vehicles, and other staff members.
Conduct a radio communication check at the start of duty to confirm clear frequency with all drivers and vehicles.
Report any signal interruptions or low frequency levels to the Supervisor and prepare for necessary maintenance.
Track and follow up all MSF vehicle movements by phone and/or radio within Abuja and during airport movements.
Restrict all movements during curfew hours and during public protests.
Ensure that all movements to “red zones” are communicated to and validated by the Logistics Manager or Head of Mission.
Coordinate closely with the HR team for airport and other official movements to prevent communication gaps.
Give priority to medical needs, especially for patient referrals.
Ensure compliance with the weekly movement schedule and support the rationalization of all movements.

Minimum Required Skills and Qualifications
Education

A degree or HND is required, preferably in Computer science.
Basic Knowledge of Computer Operations (MS Word / MS Excel) essential.

Experience:

Desirable work experience as radio operator in related jobs
Practical knowledge of VHF, HF, and iridium PTT radio systems and coded communication procedures.
Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, e-mail) and ability to use GPS tracking tools.
Awareness of security procedures and information confidentiality.
Previous experience in a humanitarian radio operator, or security environment is a strong asset.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experienced problem solver with active listening skills
Desirable work experience as radio operator in related jobs with MSF or other INGOs.