Rationale/Objective for Position
The Med Ops Cell Manager plays a pivotal role in implementing MSF Ubuntu’s operational vision through high-quality, principled, accountable, and community-focused medical-humanitarian initiatives. Reporting directly to the MSF Ubuntu Director of Operations, this position provides strategic leadership, operational supervision, and performance oversight for a designated portfolio encompassing countries, projects, or thematic priorities. The role ensures MSF Ubuntu’s operations reflect the lived experiences of patients and communities, remain responsive to pressing humanitarian challenges, and uphold MSF’s core mission to preserve lives, ease suffering, and defend human dignity.
We are seeking a highly motivated professional to drive our organization’s core strategic initiatives forward with precision and vision. This role demands a deep understanding of industry trends, competitive dynamics, and long-term business objectives to craft and execute innovative strategies that ensure sustainable growth and market leadership. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and implementing high-impact strategic plans, coupled with exceptional analytical, leadership, and communication skills to align stakeholders and drive organizational change. Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive market research, identifying growth opportunities, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field is required, and an MBA or equivalent advanced degree is strongly preferred. Prior experience in a senior strategic role, preferably within our industry, along with proficiency in strategic planning tools and data-driven decision-making, is essential.
The Med Ops Cell Manager will assume a pivotal role in establishing MSF Ubuntu as an innovative Operational Directorate, characterized by a unique operational ethos: locally grounded yet globally active, guided by patient-centric healthcare, dedicated to community empowerment, and shaped by collaborative interdependence with communities, partners, and the broader MSF network. Their focus will extend to ensuring sustainable, positive impacts that endure beyond the conclusion of MSF’s direct involvement.
We are seeking a results-driven professional to ensure the highest standards of accountability and strategic positioning within our organization. The ideal candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining robust accountability frameworks, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations, and driving initiatives that enhance our competitive positioning. Responsibilities include overseeing performance metrics, conducting audits, and implementing corrective actions to mitigate risks. The role requires a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments to align business objectives with operational execution. Proficiency in data analysis tools and experience in regulatory compliance are essential, along with exceptional communication and leadership capabilities to influence stakeholders at all levels.
This role will report directly to the Director of Operations at MSF Ubuntu, both in terms of hierarchy and operational oversight.
The Med Ops Cell Manager serves as a senior operational leader within MSF Ubuntu’s Operations Department, reporting directly to the Director of Operations.
Key Working Relationships
The position requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, and customer support, to ensure alignment on strategic objectives and seamless project execution. Additionally, the role involves regular engagement with senior leadership to provide updates, address escalated issues, and contribute to high-level decision-making processes. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to foster productive relationships with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring clear communication and efficient problem resolution.
This position collaborates extensively with various stakeholders, including department heads, cross-functional teams, and external partners, to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with organizational objectives.
Program Heads, Project Coordinators, and national coordination teams are responsible for overseeing and implementing initiatives across multiple regions. These roles involve managing project timelines, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration among stakeholders. Responsibilities include resource allocation, risk assessment, and maintaining effective communication channels to monitor progress and address challenges. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and proficiency in project management methodologies are essential for success in these positions.
The organization provides essential services across multiple domains, including medical care, logistics management, supply chain operations, human resources, financial oversight, advocacy efforts, communications, security measures, data analysis, and active community engagement initiatives.
MSF’s Ubuntu-based leadership frameworks and operational decision-making systems foster collaborative governance and strategic alignment.
Engaging with local communities, patient groups, civil society organizations, academic institutions, local authorities, and other pertinent stakeholders is essential for fostering collaboration and achieving shared objectives.
MSF’s operational directorates, regional hubs, and international platforms collaborate to enhance programmatic coherence and operational efficiency across diverse contexts.
Responsibilities include performing a range of duties such as managing daily operations, overseeing project execution, coordinating team efforts, and ensuring adherence to company policies and industry regulations. Key tasks involve analyzing performance data, identifying process improvements, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance productivity and efficiency. Additionally, the role requires maintaining accurate documentation, generating reports, and communicating updates to stakeholders to support informed decision-making. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to align goals, resolve challenges, and drive continuous improvement across departments.
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Key responsibilities include overseeing daily operations to ensure efficiency and adherence to company policies, managing team performance through coaching and feedback, and developing strategies to enhance productivity and meet organizational objectives. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with cross-functional departments to align on projects, monitoring key performance indicators to assess progress, and implementing process improvements to optimize workflow. The position also requires maintaining accurate records, preparing detailed reports for leadership, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
Develop and execute strategic initiatives to optimize operational performance within the designated portfolio.
Directs the creation, execution, and assessment of country-specific, regional, and thematic strategies aligned with the designated portfolio.
Embed community leadership principles into people-centric care delivery, ensuring services align with the needs and values of the communities served. Foster collaboration with local stakeholders to enhance trust, accessibility, and inclusivity in healthcare initiatives. Champion initiatives that prioritize individual dignity, respect, and holistic well-being, while advocating for equitable access to resources and support systems.
Ensures community leadership and people-centric care are integrated as fundamental operational principles and priorities, rather than isolated activities.
Uphold operational quality, relevance, and accountability to maintain high standards and adherence to established guidelines throughout all processes.
Responsible for maintaining the relevance, integrity, quality, and accountability of all portfolio operations, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and organizational expectations.
Provide assistance to Program Heads, Project Coordinators, and country leadership teams.
Delivers strategic oversight, mentorship, and assistance to senior field leadership.
Direct the operational cell by providing leadership and strategic direction to ensure optimal performance and alignment with organizational objectives. Oversee all operational activities, coordinate team efforts, and implement processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and service delivery. Ensure adherence to established policies, standards, and compliance requirements while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
Directs a multifaceted operational unit, ensuring its effectiveness, cohesion, and organizational culture while overseeing all operational activities and team dynamics.
Enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities to ensure swift, effective action in critical situations. Develop and implement robust strategies to mitigate risks, coordinate with relevant stakeholders, and maintain readiness for potential crises. Lead training initiatives, conduct drills, and evaluate response protocols to enhance overall resilience and compliance with safety standards. Foster a culture of proactive risk management and continuous improvement in emergency management practices.
Ensures that the emergency response framework remains integral to MSF Ubuntu’s core operational identity and mission.
Responsible for the management and oversight of security protocols, access controls, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure organizational safety and compliance with relevant regulations.
Ensures safety, security, and access management are tailored to operational realities while aligning with MSF Ubuntu’s community acceptance-driven approach.
Drive advocacy, conduct comprehensive analysis, serve as a key representative, and cultivate strategic networking opportunities.
Ensures the integration of advocacy and analysis with operational priorities and community circumstances.
Integrate strategic communications and public positioning initiatives seamlessly into operational frameworks to enhance overall effectiveness and alignment.
Drives organizational communications and public stance to consistently embody MSF Ubuntu’s dedication to advocating in solidarity with patients and communities.
Promote fiscal responsibility and optimize the allocation of organizational resources effectively.
Responsible for strategic planning, budget management, and optimal resource allocation within the portfolio.
Foster strong operational collaboration and interdependence to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness within the organization.
Drives the implementation of interdependence across the full scope of the portfolio.
Promote continuous learning, foster reflective practices, and enhance knowledge management initiatives within the organization.
Serves as an integral member of the MSF Ubuntu Operational Directorate, embracing a humble and growth-focused approach to contribute effectively to the team’s objectives.
Promote environmentally responsible and climate-conscious operational practices to align with sustainability goals.
Ensures that organizational activities align with health and humanitarian considerations arising from the climate crisis while upholding MSF Ubuntu’s environmental responsibilities.
The incumbent will assume full decision-making authority over assigned programs, ensuring strategic alignment with organizational objectives. This role entails evaluating program feasibility, allocating resources efficiently, and mitigating risks to optimize performance and outcomes. The successful candidate will oversee cross-functional collaboration, drive stakeholder engagement, and maintain accountability for program success. Additionally, they will monitor progress against KPIs, implement corrective measures as needed, and report findings to senior leadership to inform data-driven decisions. Strong analytical skills, leadership acumen, and a results-oriented mindset are essential for this position.
Under the designated authority granted by the Director of Operations, the Med Ops Cell Manager is empowered to:
Develop and endorse country-specific strategies, multi-year plans, and significant operational modifications as required.
Provide guidance on initiating, expanding, scaling, adapting, suspending, transferring, or concluding interventions as necessary.
Review and approve operational priorities, staffing plans, budgetary determinations, and resource allocations to ensure alignment with established thresholds.
Offer expert mediation to resolve operational challenges, security parameters, and interdepartmental strategic priorities.
Prepared to assume interim responsibility for overseeing crisis management procedures across the portfolio, in collaboration with the Director of Operations, as needed.
Serving as the official representative for MSF Ubuntu, you will liaise on designated operational matters both internally within the organization and externally with stakeholders.
Handle instances that necessitate approval or intervention from the Director of Operations, General Director, Council, or other authorities empowered to manage critical incidents.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of three years of experience in software development or a comparable technical role. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential, along with expertise in database management systems like SQL or NoSQL. Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking are necessary to troubleshoot complex issues and optimize system performance. Excellent communication skills are also required to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Education requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science, information technology, or engineering, with a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. Preference will be given to candidates holding advanced degrees or industry certifications, including but not limited to PMP, CISSP, or AWS Certified Solutions Architect. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ are essential. The role demands meticulous attention to detail and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
A bachelor’s degree in medical, public health, humanitarian affairs, anthropology, political science, international relations, or operational management is required. A master’s degree in any of these fields is preferred.
Experience
Essential
A minimum of seven years of professional experience is required.
With a proven track record in senior operational management roles within Médecins sans frontières (MSF) or comparable medical-humanitarian organizations, the ideal candidate will bring extensive leadership experience to this position.
Extensive background in senior program leadership roles, including positions such as Head of Mission, Country Director, Operations Manager, Emergency Coordinator, or Medical Coordinator, is required.
Proficient in medical-humanitarian operations, emergency response protocols, security management, and the core principles of humanitarian action.
Demonstrated ability to formulate operational strategies and execute them with measurable effectiveness.
Seasoned in leading cross-functional teams and assisting top-tier field executives.
Proficient in financial management, human resources, security protocols, and operational planning, with a strong foundation in each discipline.
Proven capability to navigate intricate humanitarian, political, security, access, and ethical challenges.
Demonstrates a steadfast dedication to prioritizing client welfare, maintaining ethical accountability, ensuring safeguarding protocols, and fostering an inclusive leadership approach.
Consistently demonstrates proficiency in both written and verbal English communication.
Desirable
Proven track record in community engagement initiatives, leadership in community-driven programming, or expertise in accountability to affected populations.
A background in medical, public health, humanitarian affairs, anthropology, political science, international relations, or operational management is required.
French, Swahili, Arabic, or other languages essential to MSF Ubuntu’s operational objectives are required.
Proven expertise in advocacy initiatives, analytical methodologies, negotiating access, strategic public positioning, or community-led advocacy efforts is required.
Demonstrated involvement in establishing, restructuring, or significantly enhancing the operational performance of a business or organization is required.
Demonstrated expertise in collaborative organizational frameworks involving multiple stakeholders or interdependent entities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
