Rationale/Objective for Position
The Med Ops Cell Manager plays a pivotal role in converting MSF Ubuntu’s operational vision into medical-humanitarian initiatives that uphold the highest standards of quality, integrity, accountability, and community-centered principles. Reporting directly to the MSF Ubuntu Director of Operations, this position is tasked with steering the strategic direction, maintaining operational oversight, and ensuring the performance of an allocated portfolio encompassing countries, projects, or thematic operational priorities. Responsibilities include guaranteeing that MSF Ubuntu’s operations are deeply rooted in the real-life contexts of patients and communities, promptly addressing pressing humanitarian needs, and fully aligning with MSF’s core mission to preserve life, reduce suffering, and safeguard human dignity.
The primary strategic focus revolves around driving long-term growth and innovation through meticulous planning and execution of key initiatives. This role demands a forward-thinking mindset, with a strong emphasis on identifying emerging market trends, optimizing operational efficiencies, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational objectives. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic frameworks, analyzing performance metrics to inform decision-making, and aligning business strategies with overarching company goals. The ideal candidate will possess proven leadership experience, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights while navigating dynamic business environments.
The Med Ops Cell Manager will be instrumental in establishing MSF Ubuntu as a pioneering Operational Directorate, distinguished by a unique operational identity that balances local grounding with global reach. This role will champion a people-centric approach to care, foster community leadership, and prioritize interdependence with communities, partners, and the broader MSF network. Additionally, the position will emphasize creating lasting, positive impacts that extend well beyond the conclusion of MSF’s direct involvement.
Ensures responsibility for outcomes and maintains a strategic stance to achieve organizational objectives.
This role will report directly to the Director of Operations at MSF Ubuntu, ensuring alignment with both hierarchical and functional oversight responsibilities.
The MedOps 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 extensively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, and executive leadership, to align on strategic initiatives and operational goals. Additionally, the role interfaces with external stakeholders, such as clients and partners, to ensure seamless project execution and deliverables. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to foster productive relationships and drive collective success.
Heads of Programs, Project Coordinators, and country coordination teams are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational execution of initiatives within their designated regions or sectors. They facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while managing resources efficiently to achieve project milestones. Their roles involve monitoring progress, resolving challenges, and maintaining clear communication channels to support cohesive team performance and successful program delivery.
Medical, logistics, supply chain, human resources, financial, advocacy, communications, security, analytical, and community engagement functions are integral to the role.
MSF’s Ubuntu leadership circles and operational decision-making frameworks establish collaborative environments for leadership and strategic choices.
Local communities, patient organizations, civil society representatives, academic institutions, local authorities, and other pertinent stakeholders are essential participants in this initiative.
MSF Operational Directorates, along with regional hubs and international platforms, maintain interconnected systems to ensure cohesive and effective field operations.
Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, implementing strategic initiatives, and ensuring adherence to company policies and industry regulations. Duties involve managing cross-functional teams, coordinating project timelines, and optimizing workflow efficiency. Additionally, the role requires analyzing performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and driving continuous organizational growth. Collaboration with senior leadership to align objectives with broader business goals is essential, as is fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. Strong problem-solving abilities, exceptional communication skills, and a results-driven mindset are necessary to meet evolving market demands.
Oversee a comprehensive range of duties encompassing operational management, strategic planning, and team leadership to ensure organizational excellence. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and performance metrics to enhance efficiency, productivity, and compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align projects with business objectives, fostering innovation and sustainable growth. Monitor key performance indicators, analyze data trends, and provide actionable insights to senior management for informed decision-making. Serve as a liaison between departments, stakeholders, and external partners to facilitate seamless communication and project execution. Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and ethical guidelines while maintaining a high standard of accountability and transparency.
Develop and execute the strategic operational direction for the designated portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and driving efficient performance outcomes.
Heads the formulation, rollout, and evaluation of country-specific, regional, and thematic strategies within the designated portfolio.
Demonstrate leadership within the community while prioritizing a people-centric approach to care.
Ensures the seamless integration of community leadership and people-centric care as fundamental operational principles and priorities, rather than distinct activities.
Deliver operational excellence by guaranteeing high standards of quality, relevance, and accountability throughout all activities.
Responsible for maintaining the operational relevance, high quality, ethical standards, and accountability of activities within the assigned portfolio.
Provide assistance to Program Heads, Project Coordinators, and country leadership teams to ensure efficient and effective execution of tasks.
Offers strategic oversight, mentorship, and assistance to senior field leadership to enhance operational effectiveness and decision-making.
Directly oversee and administer the activities of the operational unit, ensuring seamless execution of all processes and functions within the designated cell.
Directs a cross-functional operational team, ensuring its effectiveness, cohesion, and positive work environment.
Enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities to ensure swift, effective action during critical situations.
Upholds emergency response as the cornerstone of MSF Ubuntu’s operational identity, ensuring its enduring prominence and significance.
Responsible for directing security protocols, managing access controls, and mitigating potential risks.
Ensures safety, security, and access management align with operational realities while adhering to MSF Ubuntu’s community acceptance-based approach.
Advocate for the organization by conducting thorough analysis, representing its interests, and fostering strategic networks to strengthen stakeholder relationships and amplify its influence.
This role integrates advocacy and analysis efforts with key operational objectives and the practical needs of the communities served.
Integrate communications and public positioning strategies seamlessly into all operational processes to ensure cohesive messaging and brand alignment.
Ensures that all communications and public positioning consistently embody MSF Ubuntu’s dedication to advocating in solidarity with patients and communities.
Ensure prudent financial oversight and judicious allocation of organizational resources.
Responsible for strategic planning, budget management, and resource allocation across the portfolio.
Foster teamwork and strategic cooperation to enhance operational efficiency and synergy across departments.
Facilitates the integration of interdependence principles throughout the entire portfolio to ensure cohesive and collaborative execution.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, encourage reflective practices, and facilitate the exchange and preservation of organizational knowledge.
Serves as a collaborative and growth-focused member of the MSF Ubuntu Operational Directorate.
Contribute to sustainable practices and environmentally conscious business activities.
Ensures that operational decisions incorporate considerations for both the health and humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis, while also adhering to MSF Ubuntu’s environmental commitments.
The incumbent will be responsible for making authoritative decisions regarding programmatic initiatives. This role encompasses evaluating proposals, assessing risks, and determining strategic priorities to ensure the successful execution of programs. The individual must demonstrate strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to align decisions with organizational objectives. Key responsibilities include approving or rejecting project proposals, allocating resources, and resolving conflicts that may arise during program implementation.
Under the Director of Operations’ delegated authority, the Med Ops Cell Manager is empowered to:
Evaluate and endorse country strategies, multi-year plans, and significant operational modifications.
Recommend whether to initiate, expand, scale up, adjust, temporarily halt, transfer, or terminate interventions based on evolving needs and circumstances.
Review and approve operational priorities, staffing proposals, budgetary decisions, and resource allocations to ensure they align with established thresholds.
Deliver expert arbitration to resolve operational challenges, establish security benchmarks, and align interdepartmental priorities effectively.
Prepare to serve as an interim leader for crisis management initiatives within the portfolio, collaborating with the Director of Operations when necessary.
Represent MSF Ubuntu in both internal and external operational contexts as assigned, serving as a key liaison for relevant matters.
Elevate issues that necessitate approval or intervention from the Director of Operations, General Director, Council, or require critical incident decision-making authority.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics is required. A minimum of three years of experience in software development, preferably in a leadership or mentorship role, is necessary. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ is essential. Familiarity with agile methodologies, version control systems, and cloud platforms is also required. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are critical. Excellent communication abilities to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders are a must.
Seeking a highly motivated individual with a passion for continuous learning and academic excellence. The ideal candidate must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with preference given to those holding advanced degrees. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include conducting research, analyzing data, presenting findings, and contributing to the development of innovative solutions. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organizational abilities, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
A degree in medical, public health, humanitarian affairs, anthropology, political science, international relations, or operational management is essential, with a Master’s degree in a related field being highly desirable.
Experience
Essential
A minimum of seven years of professional experience is required.
With extensive senior operational management expertise acquired within Médecins sans frontières (MSF) or a comparable medical-humanitarian organization, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of leadership in complex operational environments.
Seeking a candidate with prior leadership experience in senior program roles, such as Head of Mission, Country Director, Operations Manager, Emergency Coordinator, or Medical Coordinator, or in a comparable position.
Proficient in medical-humanitarian operations, emergency response protocols, security management strategies, and the adherence to humanitarian principles.
Demonstrates a strong ability to formulate operational strategies and successfully execute them in practice.
Skilled in coordinating cross-functional teams and providing assistance to key field leadership personnel.
Demonstrates a high level of proficiency in financial management, human resources administration, security protocols, and operational strategy development.
Proven capability in navigating intricate humanitarian, political, security, access, and ethical challenges with adept decision-making and strategic foresight.
Demonstrates a steadfast dedication to prioritizing patient-centric care, upholding accountability standards, ensuring robust safeguarding measures, and fostering inclusive leadership practices.
Fluent proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.
Desirable
Experience in community engagement, designing and implementing community-led initiatives, or ensuring accountability to affected populations is required.
Background in medical, public health, humanitarian affairs, anthropology, political science, international relations, or operational management is highly desirable.
Proficient in French, Swahili, Arabic, or any other languages deemed essential to MSF Ubuntu’s operational goals.
Experience in advocacy, policy analysis, negotiating access, strategic public communication, or grassroots-driven advocacy initiatives is required.
Demonstrated involvement in the establishment, transformation, or sustained expansion of an operational organization is required.
Proven track record in collaborative organizational frameworks involving multiple partners or interdependent teams.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
