Myanmar: (Legal) Compliance Advisor - Myanmar

I. Introduction

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent, medical, emergency relief organisation that provides assistance to people worldwide, regardless of their background, religion or political convictions. Above all, we aim to save lives and to offer medical care to victims of disasters, wars and epidemics. Working together with local staff, we give direct support to the population. MSF also appeals to those in power, including governments and international organisations, and speaks out about the abuses we encounter in the course of our work.

MSF coordinates operations through collaborations between global offices. ‘Artsen zonder Grenzen Nederland’ (MSF-Holland) has a partnership with offices in the UK and Germany. This partnership, known as ‘MSF Operational Centre Amsterdam’ (MSF-OCA), operates medical humanitarian interventions in about 25 countries. Annually, MSF-OCA deploys approximately 1,100 international staff and employs 7,000 national staff. MSF-OCA has worked in Myanmar since 1992 and continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to provide primary healthcare and care for HIV and TB patients.

The government of Myanmar is currently pushing forward economic and political reforms causing changes in its governance structures and legislation. Changes in labour-, tax-, investment- and NGO laws have a direct impact on MSF operations in Myanmar, and need to be properly analysed and anticipated on to guarantee a continuation of our medical programmes.

II. Terms of Reference

Position: Compliance Advisor

Job location: Yangon, Myanmar (with occasional travel within the country)

Job dimension: 100% (40 hours per week)

Start: 01.04.2018 (final start date depending on visa process)

End date: 31.03.2019

Salary: Internal MSF tariff, depending on country of residence and relevant previous work experience, gross yearly salary between €13.329 and €25.715 excl. per diem. Comprehensive health and evacuation insurance package, travel and accommodation are covered by the organisation.

Deadline:04.03.2018

Place within the organisation:

The Compliance Advisor reports directly to the Head of Mission (Country Director) and works in support of the various department heads in the Country Management Team (Finance, Logistics, Medical, Operations and HR). The position is based in Yangon, with travels to Naypyidaw and project locations on a needs basis.

Job purpose:

The Compliance Advisor monitors legal and regulatory requirements for the mission in order to analyse and evaluate the risk and impact of compliance at project and mission level. (S)He defines options and required changes for the mission, and provides guidance to department heads and project coordinators responsible for legal compliance related to their purview. We are not looking for a lawyer to provide legal services, but rather a person with a (para-) legal background to help interpret, navigate and coordinate compliance to legislative changes in the country.

III. Tasks:

· Keep current with law, regulations, and provide guidance as needed to integrate changes into agreements and current departmental policies and procedures.

· Identify issues requiring business and legal input/review, presenting clear, concise, and analytical summaries, and escalating issues as appropriate.

· Collaborate with management team to make sure that the organization is aware of compliance requirements and issues.

· Oversee the process for Contract Management, ensuring that the responsibilities on who prepares, reviews, approves, maintains, are followed.

· Conduct review of proposed agreements to check compliance with both local legal context and MSF requirements.

· Draft contract templates with support from HQ Legal or local counsel to minimize risk to the organization.

· Liaise with other NGOs and authorities as it concerns regulatory and tax compliance to determine who is doing what, possibly pool resources, and work collaboratively to identify an agenda for lobbying/advocacy.

· Coordinate legal inquiries with local legal counsel or MSF legal unit. This requires supporting the respective department with drafting a scope of work, coordinating the letter of engagement and monitoring deadlines and final work product.

· Support the Head of Mission in the registration and MoU process

· Plan and monitor compliance of withholding tax and stamp duty tax

· Further exploration and possible pursuit of exemption of expat income tax in conjunction with another MSF operational section and local law firm

· Lease review and management

IV. Profile:

· University degree in business- or legal-related field of study is essential; a post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies or law degree desirable

· Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in (legal) compliance work; preferably in contract management and legal compliance in an (I)NGO environment

· Excellent comprehension of legal concepts and terminology to review and interpret legal documents

· Excellent computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet)

· Fluent in written and spoken English

· Commitment to the aims and principles of MSF

Information and application

Further information and applications can be directed to:

Rik Vaassen, HR Officer Field Staff (Berlin): application@berlin.msf.org

We offer a very interesting position in a highly dynamic field with a strong and motivated team. We are looking forward to reading your application. Please submit your complete written application (incl. a letter of motivation, CV and certificates) by E-Mail and integrate all documents into one file (pdf, max. 5 MB). Deadline for applications: 04.03.2018.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted before 31.03.2018