Rationale/Objective for Position
The Med Ops Cell Manager is tasked with operationalizing MSF Ubuntu’s vision into ethical, accountable, and community-focused medical-humanitarian initiatives. Reporting to the MSF Ubuntu Director of Operations, this role directs the strategic framework, operational supervision, and performance of designated countries, projects, or key thematic priorities. The position guarantees that MSF Ubuntu’s activities remain rooted in the actual circumstances of patients and communities, address pressing humanitarian demands, and uphold MSF’s core mission to preserve lives, ease suffering, and defend human dignity.
The position emphasizes a core strategic focus, driving key initiatives that align with organizational objectives. Primary responsibilities include analyzing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and developing long-term plans to enhance competitive advantage. The role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize complex data, and expertise in strategic decision-making. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to ensure alignment with broader business goals. Additionally, the position involves monitoring industry developments, assessing risks, and recommending innovative solutions to sustain organizational success. Qualifications include a proven track record in strategic planning, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a results-driven mindset.
The Med Ops Cell Manager will spearhead the development of MSF Ubuntu as a pioneering Operational Directorate, cultivating a unique operational presence that is locally grounded yet globally engaged. Guided by a commitment to people-centric care, this role will champion community leadership while fostering interdependence among communities, partners, and the broader MSF movement. The position will prioritize achieving lasting, positive impacts that extend beyond the scope of MSF’s direct involvement.
Demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and strategic alignment in all responsibilities. Ensures tasks are completed accurately and on time while maintaining high standards of performance. Actively contributes to team goals by aligning individual efforts with broader organizational objectives, fostering a cohesive and results-driven work environment.
This role will report hierarchically and functionally to the Director of Operations, MSF Ubuntu.
The Med Ops Cell Manager serves as a senior operational leader within MSF Ubuntu’s Operations Department, reporting directly to the Director of Operations.
Develops and maintains crucial professional connections with stakeholders, including colleagues across various departments, senior management, external partners, and clients, to ensure seamless collaboration and alignment with organizational goals.
The position collaborates extensively with key stakeholders across various departments to ensure alignment on project objectives and deliverables. Regular engagement is maintained with leadership teams to provide updates, address concerns, and facilitate decision-making processes. Additionally, the role partners with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, resolve challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential to foster productive relationships and achieve shared goals.
Heads of Programs, Project Coordinators, and country coordination teams are responsible for overseeing and managing various aspects of project implementation within their respective regions or areas of expertise. They collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure alignment with strategic objectives, monitor progress, and address any challenges that may arise during execution. These professionals play a crucial role in coordinating efforts, facilitating communication, and maintaining accountability to achieve project goals efficiently and effectively.
Medical, logistics, supply chain management, human resources, financial oversight, advocacy, communications, security protocols, analytical processes, and community engagement initiatives are integral to the operational framework.
MSF’s Ubuntu leadership frameworks and operational decision-making systems are designed to foster collaborative governance and inclusive strategic processes. These platforms facilitate collective engagement and shared accountability in guiding organizational decisions and actions.
Engaging with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, patient organizations, civil society representatives, academic institutions, governmental bodies, and other pertinent stakeholders, is essential for fostering collaborative initiatives and achieving collective impact.
MSF Operational Directorates, regional hubs, and international platforms collaborate closely to ensure alignment and coordination across all operational activities.
Ensure all assigned duties and obligations are fulfilled with precision and efficiency. Oversee and execute key responsibilities to meet organizational objectives, maintaining high standards of performance and accountability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align efforts and achieve collective goals. Monitor progress, identify potential challenges, and implement corrective measures as needed to uphold productivity and quality. Provide regular updates and reports to stakeholders to ensure transparency and informed decision-making. Demonstrate adaptability in response to evolving priorities and operational demands. Uphold compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and best practices to mitigate risks and foster a secure work environment.
Oversee a range of critical responsibilities including the development and execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Lead cross-functional teams to drive project completion, fostering collaboration and accountability throughout all phases. Manage high-priority tasks, prioritizing efficiency while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. Monitor performance metrics, analyze data trends, and implement improvements to enhance operational effectiveness. Communicate progress and outcomes to stakeholders through clear, concise reports and presentations.
Develop and execute the strategic operational direction for the designated portfolio to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and maximize performance outcomes.
Develops, implements, and evaluates country, regional, and thematic strategies within the designated portfolio.
Embed community leadership principles into all facets of care delivery while prioritizing person-centered approaches to ensure compassionate, responsive, and inclusive services. Foster collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders to champion equitable access to healthcare and social support systems. Champion initiatives that empower individuals and families to actively participate in their own care journeys, enhancing overall well-being and fostering sustainable community resilience.
Ensures community leadership and people-centered care are integrated as fundamental operational principles and strategic priorities rather than isolated activities.
Deliver operations with unwavering quality standards, pertinent outcomes, and transparent accountability.
Ensures all portfolio operations maintain relevance, high standards, quality, ethical integrity, and accountability throughout execution.
Provide assistance to Program Heads, Project Coordinators, and country-level leadership teams.
Offers strategic oversight, guidance, and assistance to senior field leadership personnel.
Lead, oversee, and direct the operational unit to ensure seamless functionality and optimal performance.
Directs a cross-functional operational team, ensuring optimal performance, cohesion, and a positive working culture.
Enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities to ensure robust and effective strategies are in place for managing crises and mitigating potential risks.
Upholds emergency response as the cornerstone of MSF Ubuntu’s operational identity.
Responsible for directing security protocols, managing access controls, and implementing risk mitigation strategies to ensure organizational safety and compliance.
Ensures safety, security, and access management are aligned with operational realities while incorporating MSF Ubuntu’s community acceptance-based approach.
Drive strategic advocacy, conduct insightful analysis, provide expert representation, and cultivate professional networking opportunities.
Advocacy efforts and analytical insights are systematically aligned with operational priorities and grounded in community realities to ensure effective outcomes.
Integrate strategic communications and public relations initiatives seamlessly into operational processes to ensure cohesive messaging and brand alignment across all functions.
Ensures that all communications and public positions consistently uphold MSF Ubuntu’s dedication to standing in solidarity with patients and communities.
Promote sound financial oversight and strategic allocation of resources with accountability and integrity.
Responsible for strategically planning, budgeting, and allocating resources within the portfolio to ensure optimal utilization and alignment with organizational goals.
Foster strategic alliances and operational synergy to enhance collaborative efforts and strengthen interconnected workflows.
Drives the integration and execution of interdependent initiatives throughout the portfolio.
Foster an environment that encourages ongoing learning, critical reflection, and the systematic management and dissemination of knowledge.
As a dedicated member of the MSF Ubuntu Operational Directorate, actively contributes with humility and a strong commitment to continuous learning.
Facilitate environmentally responsible and climate-conscious operational practices to ensure sustainability and minimize ecological impact.
Ensures operational decisions prioritize health and humanitarian impacts amid the climate crisis while upholding MSF Ubuntu’s environmental obligations.
Programs are granted the autonomy to make critical decisions regarding their operations and strategic direction.
Under the Director of Operations’ delegated authority, the Med Ops Cell Manager is empowered to: oversee operational functions within their designated scope, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and compliance standards. This role involves managing Med Ops personnel, coordinating workflows, and implementing best practices to optimize efficiency and effectiveness in mission-critical operations. Additionally, the position requires strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance monitoring to uphold service quality and operational readiness. The incumbent will serve as a liaison between Med Ops teams and senior leadership, providing clear communication, actionable insights, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
Responsible for evaluating and endorsing country strategies, multi-year plans, and significant operational modifications.
Evaluate, expand, modify, temporarily halt, transfer, or terminate interventions as necessary.
Assess operational priorities, proposed staffing plans, budgetary determinations, and resource distributions to ensure compliance with established thresholds.
Deliver expert arbitration to resolve operational dilemmas, establish security thresholds, and align interdepartmental priorities.
Prepared to assume interim responsibility for crisis management initiatives within the portfolio, in collaboration with the Director of Operations, as needed.
Serves as the primary liaison for MSF Ubuntu, representing its interests both internally within the organization and externally to external stakeholders on relevant operational topics.
Handle issues that necessitate the involvement of the Director of Operations, General Director, Council, or other entities with critical incident decision-making authority.
Qualifications
Education
A degree in medical, public health, humanitarian affairs, anthropology, political science, international relations, or operational management fields is required. Possession of a Master’s degree in one of these disciplines is advantageous.
With a proven track record in a relevant field, you offer expertise gained through hands-on involvement in industry-specific tasks. Your background demonstrates the ability to meet project deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. You possess strong analytical skills, enabling you to assess complex situations and develop effective solutions. Additionally, you exhibit excellent communication abilities, facilitating clear collaboration with team members and stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.
Essential
Requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience.
With extensive senior operational management expertise in Médecins sans frontières (MSF) or an equivalent medical-humanitarian organization, the ideal candidate will bring a wealth of strategic leadership and hands-on operational oversight to this role.
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.
Proven expertise in medical-humanitarian operations, emergency response protocols, security management strategies, and adherence to humanitarian principles.
Demonstrated ability to formulate operational strategies and execute them with measurable impact.
Proven ability to lead and coordinate diverse cross-functional teams while providing strategic support to senior field leaders throughout operations.
Demonstrates a high level of proficiency in financial management, human resources, security protocols, and operational strategy development.
Proven capability in navigating multifaceted humanitarian, political, security, access, and ethical challenges with discernment and effectiveness.
Demonstrates a steadfast dedication to prioritizing people-centered care, upholding accountability, ensuring safeguarding measures, and fostering inclusive leadership practices.
Proficient in both written and verbal communication in the English language.
Desirable
Proficiency in community engagement, community-driven initiatives, or accountability to affected populations is required.
Demonstrated expertise in fields such as medicine, public health, humanitarian affairs, anthropology, political science, international relations, or operational management is required.
Proficient fluency in French, Swahili, Arabic, or other languages critical to MSF Ubuntu’s strategic operational goals is required.
Proficiency in advocacy, analytical methods, negotiating access, strategic public positioning, or community-driven advocacy approaches is required.
Demonstrated involvement in establishing, revitalizing, or significantly expanding an operational entity from its inception or through transformative phases.
Applicants must demonstrate experience collaborating within interdependent organizational structures or multipartner frameworks.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
