Rationale/Objective for Position
The Med Ops Cell Manager plays a pivotal role in implementing MSF Ubuntu’s operational vision through medical-humanitarian initiatives that uphold the highest standards of quality, integrity, and community engagement. Reporting directly to the MSF Ubuntu Director of Operations, this position provides strategic leadership, operational guidance, and performance oversight for a designated portfolio of countries, projects, or thematic priorities. The role ensures that all MSF Ubuntu operations are deeply rooted in the lived experiences of patients and communities, swiftly addressing urgent humanitarian crises while remaining steadfastly aligned with MSF’s core mission—to preserve life, ease suffering, and defend human dignity.
We concentrate on pivotal, long-term objectives that steer the organization toward sustained success. This role demands the ability to analyze complex market dynamics, anticipate industry shifts, and align resources with high-priority initiatives. Key responsibilities include developing forward-looking strategies, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring alignment with overarching business goals. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional analytical skills, a track record of strategic decision-making, and the capacity to drive transformative change. Proficiency in stakeholder management and a deep understanding of competitive landscapes are essential for excelling in this position.
The Med Ops Cell Manager will spearhead the establishment of MSF Ubuntu as a pioneering Operational Directorate, characterized by a unique operational presence—locally grounded yet globally active, guided by patient-centered care, dedicated to community empowerment, and defined by collaboration with communities, partners, and the broader MSF network. Their mandate will prioritize sustainable impact, ensuring lasting benefits extend beyond the scope of MSF’s direct involvement.
We are seeking a highly responsible individual to ensure strict adherence to performance metrics and strategic positioning within our organization. The successful candidate will be tasked with maintaining high standards of accountability while driving initiatives that enhance our market presence and competitive edge. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement, implementing corrective measures, and fostering a culture of responsibility across teams. Additionally, the position demands strong analytical skills to assess performance data, align business objectives with market trends, and refine positioning strategies to maximize impact.
This role will report both hierarchically and functionally to the Director of Operations at 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.
Key Working Relationships
The position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including but not limited to engineering, product management, and design, to ensure alignment on project objectives and deliverables. Additionally, the role interfaces with key stakeholders to gather requirements, provide progress updates, and address any concerns or challenges that may arise during the project lifecycle. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to foster productive working relationships and facilitate seamless coordination across departments.
Heads of Programs, Project Coordinators, and country coordination teams oversee strategic initiatives and ensure seamless implementation of programs and projects across regions. These roles collaborate closely with stakeholders, manage cross-functional teams, and align activities with organizational objectives to drive impactful outcomes. Responsibilities include planning, monitoring progress, and adapting strategies to meet evolving needs while maintaining high standards of efficiency and accountability.
Medical, logistics, supply chain management, human resources, financial oversight, advocacy initiatives, communications strategies, security protocols, analytical assessments, and community outreach efforts constitute essential operational functions.
MSF drives leadership development and operational decision-making through Ubuntu circles and platforms.
Engaging with local communities, patient organizations, civil society representatives, academic institutions, local governing bodies, and other pertinent stakeholders remains essential to our mission.
Other operational directorates within Médecins sans frontières, regional hubs, and international platforms.
We are seeking a detail-oriented professional to oversee a comprehensive range of tasks and responsibilities, ensuring seamless operations and adherence to established protocols. The ideal candidate will manage daily activities, maintain accurate records, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives. Key duties include coordinating project timelines, resolving operational challenges, and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency. Additionally, the role demands strong analytical skills to evaluate performance metrics, identify trends, and provide data-driven recommendations. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional organizational abilities, clear communication, and the capacity to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment. A commitment to continuous learning and adaptability to evolving business needs is essential.
Oversee and manage daily operations to ensure organizational objectives are met efficiently. Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance productivity and drive growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to foster innovation and streamline processes. Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies as needed to maintain high standards of quality and service. Lead and mentor staff to cultivate a high-performing and engaged team. Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements. Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements while maximizing resource utilization. Serve as the primary liaison between departments to facilitate seamless communication and alignment of goals.
Lead operational strategy for the assigned portfolio
Drives the formulation, execution, and evaluation of country-specific, regional, and thematic strategies tailored to the designated portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and stakeholder needs.
Embed community leadership principles and prioritize person-centered care within all initiatives. Foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders to champion equitable health outcomes and empower local populations. Ensure decisions reflect the needs and values of the communities served while maintaining a commitment to inclusive, compassionate service delivery.
Ensures that leadership within the community and care focused on individuals are seamlessly integrated as foundational operational principles and primary priorities.
Ensure operational excellence by maintaining stringent quality standards, upholding relevance in all processes, and fostering a culture of accountability throughout the organization.
Responsible for maintaining the relevance, high quality, ethical standards, and accountability of all portfolio operations.
Provide assistance to Program Heads, Project Coordinators, and country leadership teams to ensure seamless program execution and effective leadership support.
Offers strategic oversight, direction, and assistance to senior field leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
Lead and oversee the operational cell, ensuring its efficient functioning and alignment with organizational objectives. Direct the cell’s activities, foster a productive work environment, and maintain high performance standards through strategic planning and resource allocation. Implement best practices to optimize workflows and drive continuous improvement across all operational processes.
Oversees a cross-functional operational team, ensuring its efficiency, cohesion, and fostering a positive working environment.
Enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities to ensure robust readiness and effective action in crisis situations.
Upholds emergency response as a fundamental aspect of MSF Ubuntu’s operational identity.
Responsible for directing security protocols, managing access controls, and mitigating potential risks to safeguard organizational assets and information integrity.
Ensures safety, security, and access management measures align with operational needs while firmly embedding MSF Ubuntu’s community acceptance-based approach into all practices.
Foster advocacy, conduct analysis, provide representation, and cultivate professional networks to advance organizational objectives and strategic goals.
Connects advocacy efforts and analytical processes directly to key operational priorities and the specific realities of the communities served.
Integrate strategic communications and public-facing positioning seamlessly into daily operational workflows to enhance organizational visibility and credibility.
Ensures that all communications and public statements consistently embody MSF Ubuntu’s dedication to advocating in solidarity with patients and communities.
Ensure the prudent oversight of financial resources and the responsible allocation of organizational assets.
Responsibilities include strategic planning, budget oversight, and efficient resource allocation within the portfolio to ensure optimal performance and alignment with organizational goals.
Foster a collaborative environment that strengthens interdependent relationships and enhances operational synergy across teams.
Facilitates the integration of interdependence principles throughout the entire portfolio to ensure cohesive and synergistic operations.
Facilitate the advancement of learning, foster reflective practices, and enhance knowledge management initiatives to drive organizational growth and development.
Serves as a modest, growth-focused member of MSF Ubuntu’s Operational Directorate, dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.
Promote environmental stewardship and implement climate-conscious practices within daily operations to ensure sustainable and responsible business conduct.
Ensures that operational decisions are made with careful consideration of the health and humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis, alongside MSF Ubuntu’s environmental obligations.
The incumbent is entrusted with the authority to make decisions pertaining to program initiatives.
Under the designated authority of the Director of Operations, the Med Ops Cell Manager is empowered to:
Develop and endorse country strategies, multi-year plans, and significant operational modifications as necessary.
Assess the feasibility of launching, expanding, scaling, modifying, pausing, transferring, or terminating interventions as necessary.
Review and confirm operational priorities, staffing proposals, budgetary determinations, and resource allocations to ensure compliance with established thresholds.
Deliver expert arbitration to resolve operational challenges, establish security benchmarks, and align interdepartmental priorities.
Be ready to act as interim in leading crisis management processes within the portfolio, in coordination with the Director of Operations, if required.
Represent MSF Ubuntu internally and externally on assigned operational matters.
Escalate matters requiring Director of Operations, General Director, Council or critical incident decision-making authority
Qualifications
Education
A degree in fields such as medicine, public health, humanitarian affairs, anthropology, political science, international relations, or operational management is essential. Possession of a Master’s degree in any of these relevant disciplines would be considered advantageous.
Seeking candidates with a proven track record of hands-on experience in relevant fields, along with the ability to apply theoretical knowledge effectively. Proficiency in [specific tools, software, or methodologies] is essential, and familiarity with industry standards is highly desirable. Strong problem-solving skills and the capacity to work independently or collaboratively within a team are required. Additionally, excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, are necessary to convey ideas clearly and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
Essential
A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience is required.
With extensive senior operational management expertise gained within Médecins sans frontières (MSF) or a comparable medical humanitarian organization, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in leadership.
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.
Proficiency in medical-humanitarian operations, emergency response coordination, security management, and the application of principled humanitarian action is essential.
Demonstrates a strong ability to devise operational strategies and execute them efficiently.
Skilled in leading cross-functional teams and providing assistance to key field leadership personnel.
Demonstrates expertise in financial management, human resources, security protocols, and operational planning.
Proven capacity to navigate intricate challenges across humanitarian, political, security, access, and ethical domains.
Demonstrates a steadfast dedication to prioritizing people-centric care, upholding accountability standards, ensuring safeguarding measures, and fostering inclusive leadership practices.
Native-level proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential.
Desirable
Demonstrated expertise in community involvement initiatives, programs guided by community leadership, or maintaining accountability to populations impacted by crises is essential.
Backgrounds in medicine, public health, humanitarian affairs, anthropology, political science, international relations, or operational management are preferred.
Fluency in French, Swahili, Arabic, or other languages aligned with MSF Ubuntu’s operational goals is required.
Experience in advocacy initiatives, data analysis, negotiation of access, strategic public positioning, or grassroots-driven advocacy campaigns is required.
A proven track record of playing an active role in launching, restructuring, or significantly scaling an operational organization.
Experience working in interdependent or multi-partner organisational models.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
