Rationale/Objective for Position
The Med Ops Cell Manager translates MSF Ubuntu’s operational vision into practical, ethical, and community-focused medical-humanitarian initiatives. Reporting to the MSF Ubuntu Director of Operations, this role guides the strategic direction, operational management, and performance evaluation of an assigned portfolio encompassing countries, projects, or thematic operational priorities. The position ensures MSF Ubuntu’s operations reflect the actual needs of patients and communities, address pressing humanitarian demands, and remain consistent with MSF’s core mission to preserve lives, ease suffering, and uphold human dignity.
The primary emphasis is on driving strategic initiatives that align with organizational objectives, ensuring cohesive decision-making and sustainable growth. This role requires a forward-thinking approach to analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and implement long-term solutions. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, leadership experience, and the ability to collaborate across departments to achieve key performance targets. Responsibilities include developing and executing strategic plans, monitoring progress, and adapting approaches based on performance data and evolving business needs.
The Med Ops Cell Manager will be instrumental in establishing MSF Ubuntu as a new Operational Directorate, characterized by a unique operational identity—grounded locally while operating globally. This role will prioritize patient-centered care, foster community leadership, and emphasize interdependence with communities, partners, and the broader MSF movement. Additionally, the position will focus on ensuring lasting, positive impacts extend beyond the scope of MSF’s direct involvement.
Ensures adherence to established policies and procedures while maintaining responsibility for accurate reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements. Facilitates strategic positioning initiatives to align with organizational goals and market demands. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive performance improvements and uphold accountability standards.
This role will report directly to the Director of Operations for MSF Ubuntu, ensuring alignment with both hierarchical and functional responsibilities.
The Med Ops Cell Manager holds a senior operational leadership role within MSF Ubuntu’s Operations Department, reporting directly to the Director of Operations.
Maintains key working relationships with colleagues across various departments, ensuring seamless collaboration and effective communication to drive project success and organizational goals.
The position collaborates extensively with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with organizational goals. This involves partnering with key stakeholders, including department heads, external partners, and clients, to gather requirements, provide updates, and address any challenges that may arise. Regular communication and coordination are vital to maintaining efficiency and achieving desired outcomes.
Heads of Programs, Project Coordinators, and country coordination teams play pivotal roles in overseeing project implementation, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, and fostering effective cross-functional collaboration. These professionals are responsible for managing program activities, coordinating stakeholders, and providing leadership to country-based teams to achieve deliverables within set timelines and budgets. Their duties include developing project plans, monitoring progress, mitigating risks, and facilitating communication between headquarters and field offices. Additionally, they ensure compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, and best practices in program management.
Medical, logistics, supply chain, human resources, financial management, advocacy, communications, security, analytical, and community engagement functions.
MSF leverages Ubuntu leadership frameworks and participatory decision-making mechanisms to foster collaborative operational governance.
Local stakeholders including patient groups, civil society organizations, academic institutions, local authorities, and other pertinent parties.
Other operational directorates within MSF, regional hubs, and international platforms collaborate to ensure cohesive and effective implementation of our programs. These entities work in synergy to provide strategic guidance, share best practices, and align efforts across diverse geographic and thematic areas. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, they enhance operational efficiency and maximize impact in delivering humanitarian aid.
Tasks include conducting market research, analyzing consumer trends, and developing strategic plans to enhance customer engagement. Responsibilities encompass identifying new business opportunities, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting findings to stakeholders. Additionally, overseeing the execution of marketing campaigns, monitoring performance metrics, and optimizing strategies based on data insights are key duties. The role requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in digital marketing tools, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams. Experience in project management and a solid understanding of industry best practices are also essential.
Oversee a diverse range of critical duties to ensure seamless operations and organizational success. Key tasks involve developing and implementing strategic initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, and driving performance through data-driven decision-making. Responsibilities also include fostering a collaborative work environment, optimizing processes to enhance efficiency, and ensuring adherence to company policies and industry regulations. Additionally, the role demands strong leadership skills to mentor staff, allocate resources effectively, and align departmental goals with broader business objectives.
Develop and execute strategic operational initiatives for the designated portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and driving performance excellence.
Develops, executes, and evaluates country-specific, regional, and thematic strategies for the assigned portfolio.
Embed community leadership principles while prioritizing compassionate, person-focused care to empower individuals and foster collective well-being.
Ensures that community leadership and person-centered care are integrated as fundamental operational principles and priorities, rather than treated as distinct activities.
Maintain stringent quality standards, uphold operational relevance, and enforce accountability throughout all processes to ensure consistent performance and reliability.
Ensuring the portfolio’s operations maintain high standards of relevance, quality, ethical integrity, and accountability remains a key responsibility.
Provide assistance to Program Directors, Project Managers, and country-level leadership teams.
Offers strategic oversight, direction, and assistance to senior field leadership.
Lead and oversee the operational cell’s daily functions, ensuring efficient coordination and execution of key processes. Direct the team to maintain high performance standards, while fostering collaboration and accountability among members. Implement strategic initiatives to optimize workflows, enhance productivity, and achieve operational objectives in alignment with organizational goals.
Heads a cross-functional operational team, ensuring its effectiveness, unity, and fostering a positive work environment.
Enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities to ensure robust and effective management during critical incidents.
Maintains the integration of emergency response as a fundamental aspect of MSF Ubuntu’s operational identity.
Responsible for managing security protocols, controlling access permissions, and mitigating risks across systems and operations.
Ensures safety, security, and access management measures are aligned with operational realities while being firmly rooted in MSF Ubuntu’s community acceptance-based approach.
Advocate for the organization by fostering strong relationships, conducting thorough analyses, and representing its interests with professionalism. Cultivate a robust network of stakeholders to enhance collaboration and support strategic objectives.
Ensures alignment between advocacy initiatives and critical operational priorities while grounding them in the realities of the communities served.
Integrate strategic communications and public positioning initiatives seamlessly into daily operational workflows to enhance brand visibility and stakeholder engagement.
Ensures communications and public statements align with MSF Ubuntu’s dedication to standing in solidarity with patients and communities.
Exercise diligent oversight to uphold financial integrity and allocate resources with prudence and accountability.
Responsible for leading strategic planning, budget management, and optimal resource allocation across the portfolio.
Foster robust operational synergy and interdepartmental cohesion to enhance collective performance and efficiency.
Demonstrates leadership in fostering interdependence across the portfolio through coordinated efforts and shared accountability.
Promote continuous learning, foster reflective practices, and facilitate knowledge management initiatives to enhance organizational growth and innovation.
Serves as a valuable member of the MSF Ubuntu Operational Directorate, demonstrating humility and a strong commitment to continuous learning.
Facilitate environmentally conscious practices and promote climate-responsible business activities.
Ensures that operational decisions incorporate considerations for both the health and humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis, alongside MSF Ubuntu’s environmental commitments.
You will be entrusted with the authority to make critical decisions regarding program initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and organizational priorities. This role requires astute judgment, accountability, and the ability to assess risks while driving program outcomes. You will oversee the evaluation of program proposals, approve resource allocations, and monitor implementation to guarantee efficiency and effectiveness. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and a results-driven mindset are essential to execute this responsibility successfully.
Under the designated authority vested by the Director of Operations, the Med Ops Cell Manager is empowered to undertake the following responsibilities:
Formulate or endorse comprehensive country strategies, multi-year plans, and significant operational adjustments as deemed necessary.
Recommended actions include initiating, expanding, adjusting, pausing, transferring, or terminating interventions as necessary.
Evaluate proposed operational priorities, staffing plans, budget determinations, and resource distributions to ensure they remain within pre-established limits.
Offer expert arbitration to resolve operational challenges, establish security benchmarks, and align interdepartmental priorities.
Prepare to assume interim leadership of crisis management initiatives within the portfolio, collaborating closely with the Director of Operations when necessary.
As the MSF Ubuntu representative, you will advocate for its interests both within the organization and in external engagements regarding operational issues.
When issues necessitate higher-level oversight, such as decisions from the Director of Operations, General Director, Council, or those involving critical incidents, they should be escalated appropriately.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience is required, along with a minimum of three years in a similar role, preferably within the industry. Proficiency in [specific software/tools] is essential, and strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are necessary to succeed in this position. The ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks efficiently, and meet deadlines is critical. Familiarity with [relevant regulations/standards] and prior experience in [specific function, e.g., project management, compliance, or technical support] is highly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of delivering results and contributing to team objectives.
Education
A 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
Minimum seven years of relevant work experience is required.
With extensive senior operational management experience within Médecins sans frontières (MSF) or another medical humanitarian organization, the candidate will bring a wealth of leadership expertise to the role.
Senior leadership experience in international humanitarian missions, preferably in roles 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 adherence to humanitarian principles.
Demonstrates a strong capability to design and execute operational strategies with measurable success.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and assist senior field leaders effectively.
Demonstrates a robust understanding of financial principles, human resources management, security protocols, and operational strategy.
Proven capability in navigating intricate humanitarian, political, security, access-related, and ethical challenges with adept judgment and strategic acumen.
Demonstrates a strong dedication to prioritizing individual needs, ensuring accountability, upholding safeguarding standards, and fostering inclusive leadership practices.
Fluent proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential.
Desirable
Proven track record in community engagement initiatives, designing and implementing programs led by the community, or ensuring accountability to affected populations is required.
A background in medical fields, public health, humanitarian affairs, anthropology, political science, international relations, or operational management is required.
Proficient fluency in French, Swahili, Arabic, or other languages aligned with MSF Ubuntu’s operational goals is required.
Skilled in advocacy, analytical processes, negotiating access, strategic public positioning, and community-driven advocacy initiatives.
Experienced in playing a pivotal role in establishing, revitalizing, or steadily scaling operational entities from the ground up.
Proven experience collaborating within interdependent or multipartner organizational frameworks.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
