Rationale/Objective for Position
The Med Ops Cell Manager is tasked with implementing MSF Ubuntu’s operational vision through high-quality, principled, accountable, and community-focused medical-humanitarian operations. Reporting to the MSF Ubuntu Director of Operations, this role provides strategic leadership, operational guidance, and performance management for an assigned portfolio of countries, projects, or key operational priorities. The position ensures MSF Ubuntu’s initiatives remain grounded in the real-world experiences of patients and communities, responsive to pressing humanitarian needs, and fully aligned with MSF’s core mission to preserve lives, reduce suffering, and uphold human dignity.
The primary emphasis of this role centers on driving strategic initiatives that align with long-term organizational objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and competitive positioning. Key responsibilities include analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities for expansion, and developing data-driven strategies to enhance operational efficiency and profitability. Additionally, this position requires collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement and monitor strategic plans, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Strong analytical skills, a results-oriented mindset, and the ability to translate complex insights into actionable strategies are essential for success in this position.
The Med Ops Cell Manager will be instrumental in establishing MSF Ubuntu as a new Operational Directorate, characterized by a unique operational identity that balances local roots with global reach. Guided by a patient-centered approach, the role emphasizes community leadership and interdependence with communities, partners, and the broader MSF movement. Additionally, the position is dedicated to ensuring sustainable, positive impacts that extend beyond the conclusion of MSF’s direct involvement.
We value individuals who take ownership of their responsibilities and consistently deliver results, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. This role requires a proactive approach to positioning oneself for success, demonstrating adaptability in dynamic environments, and maintaining high standards of performance. Candidates must exhibit a strong commitment to accountability, as well as the ability to strategically position their contributions within the broader context of the team and company objectives.
This role will report directly to the Director of Operations, MSF Ubuntu, both hierarchically and functionally.
The Med Ops Cell Manager serves as a key senior operational leader within MSD Ubuntu’s Operations Department, reporting directly to the Director of Operations.
Maintains critical partnerships with stakeholders, team members, and leadership across various departments to ensure alignment and drive collaborative achievements. Engages with external partners, clients, and vendors to support business objectives and foster mutually beneficial relationships. Facilitates clear communication and coordination to optimize workflows and enhance operational efficiency.
The position collaborates extensively with stakeholders across various departments to drive project alignment and ensure seamless execution of initiatives. Key interactions include regular coordination with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners to align objectives, track progress, and resolve dependencies. Strong communication skills and the ability to foster collaborative relationships are essential for this role to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.
Heads of Programs, Project Coordinators, and country-level coordination teams are responsible for overseeing project implementation, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve desired outcomes. These roles require strong leadership, meticulous planning, and the ability to manage diverse stakeholders while maintaining clear communication channels across multiple levels. Additionally, they must monitor progress, mitigate risks, and ensure timely delivery of initiatives in accordance with established timelines and budgets. Proficiency in project management methodologies, data-driven decision-making, and adaptability to evolving priorities are essential for success in these positions.
The organization requires robust capabilities across medical services, logistics and supply chain management, human resources, financial operations, advocacy initiatives, communications strategies, security protocols, analytical processes, and community engagement efforts.
MSF Ubuntu leadership forums and operational decision-making bodies.
Local communities, patient advocacy organizations, civil society groups, academic institutions, governmental bodies, and other pertinent stakeholders.
Other operational directorates within Médecins sans frontières (MSF), regional operational hubs, and international platforms collaborate to ensure cohesive and effective field operations.
Responsibilities and duties include supporting the team by managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and ensuring all administrative tasks are completed promptly. Handling correspondence, both incoming and outgoing, maintaining databases, and organizing files are also part of the role. Additionally, the position requires assisting with project planning, tracking deadlines, and providing logistical support to various departments. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment are essential for success in this role. Proficiency in standard office software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, and exceptional communication abilities are required.
Oversee the execution of key operational duties, ensuring adherence to established protocols and standards. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance productivity and efficiency across assigned processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align objectives and resolve complex challenges. Monitor performance metrics to identify trends, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement. Provide leadership and guidance to team members to foster a culture of accountability and excellence. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies at all times.
Spearhead the strategic direction and operational execution for the designated portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and driving performance excellence.
Drives the formulation, execution, and evaluation of country-specific, regional, and thematic strategies for the designated portfolio.
Embed community leadership principles into your practice while prioritizing compassionate, patient-focused care to enhance overall well-being and foster trust within the community.
Ensures community leadership and people-centric care are integrated as fundamental operational principles and top priorities, rather than treated as distinct activities.
We are responsible for upholding the quality, relevance, and accountability of all operational processes.
Ensures that all portfolio operations adhere to the highest standards of relevance, quality, ethics, and accountability.
Provide assistance to Program Directors, Project Managers, and country-level management teams.
Delivers strategic oversight, mentorship, and assistance to senior field leadership.
Lead, oversee, and direct the operational division, ensuring seamless coordination and execution of all activities within the assigned unit. Manage a team of professionals, fostering a collaborative environment while maintaining high standards of efficiency and productivity. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance operational performance, streamline processes, and drive continuous improvement across the department. Ensure compliance with organizational policies, industry regulations, and best practices to uphold accountability and operational excellence.
Directs a cross-functional operational unit, ensuring its effectiveness, cohesion, and organizational culture thrive.
Enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities to ensure swift and effective action when critical situations arise.
Ensures emergency response remains a core component of MSF Ubuntu’s operational identity.
Responsibilities include managing security protocols, controlling access permissions, and mitigating potential risks to safeguard organizational assets.
Ensures safety, security, and access management are effectively aligned with operational realities while adhering to MSF Ubuntu’s community-centered acceptance methodology.
Champion the development of advocacy initiatives, conduct in-depth analyses, serve as a key representative, and cultivate strategic networking opportunities.
Ensures advocacy efforts and analytical processes are aligned with operational priorities and grounded in community realities.
Integrate strategic communications and public relations efforts seamlessly into daily operational workflows to align messaging with organizational objectives.
Ensures that all communications and external representations consistently uphold MSF Ubuntu’s dedication to voicing solidarity with patients and communities.
Promote fiscal responsibility and optimize the allocation of organizational resources.
Responsible for strategic planning, budget management, and efficient resource allocation within the portfolio.
Foster robust interdependencies and enhance operational synergy among teams to drive cohesive performance.
Drives the implementation of interdependence across the portfolio to ensure cohesive collaboration and alignment.
Facilitate continuous learning, foster reflective practices, and advance knowledge management initiatives within the organization.
Serves as a collaborative member of the MSF Ubuntu Operational Directorate, embracing a mindset of continuous growth and humility in fulfilling operational responsibilities.
Facilitate environmentally responsible and climate-conscious business practices to ensure sustainable operations.
Ensures that operational decisions are made with consideration for both the health and humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis, alongside MSF Ubuntu’s environmental commitments.
Programs are granted decision-making autonomy to ensure efficient governance and responsive execution. Key responsibilities include evaluating proposals, approving budgets, and aligning initiatives with strategic objectives. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical skills, leadership acumen, and proficiency in resource allocation to fulfil these duties effectively.
Under the Director of Operations’ delegated authority, the Med Ops Cell Manager is empowered to perform the following responsibilities:
Develop, endorse, or propose nation-specific strategies, long-term multi-year plans, and significant operational modifications as needed.
Provide guidance on the initiation, expansion, adjustment, suspension, transfer, or conclusion of interventions.
Review and approve operational priorities, staffing proposals, budgetary decisions, and resource allocations while ensuring they align with established thresholds.
Offer expert arbitration to resolve operational challenges, establish security benchmarks, and align interdepartmental priorities.
Prepare to assume interim leadership of crisis management processes within the portfolio, collaborating with the Director of Operations when necessary.
Engage in internal and external communications regarding designated operational issues on behalf of MSF Ubuntu, ensuring consistent representation across all platforms and interactions.
Matters necessitating the intervention of the Director of Operations, General Director, Council, or other critical incident decision-making authorities must be promptly escalated.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics) is required, along with a minimum of five years of professional experience in [specific industry/role]. Proficiency in [specific software/tools] and strong analytical skills are essential. Candidates must demonstrate excellent problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with [relevant methodologies/standards] and a track record of delivering high-quality results are highly desirable.
We are seeking a candidate with a strong academic background, preferably holding a degree in a relevant field such as education, curriculum development, or instructional design. Applicants must possess a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in an educational setting, along with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective teaching strategies. Familiarity with modern pedagogical approaches, assessment techniques, and technology integration in the classroom is essential. The ideal candidate will exhibit exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
A degree in medical sciences, public health, humanitarian affairs, anthropology, political science, international relations, or operational management is mandatory. Possession of a Master’s degree in any of these fields would be advantageous.
Experience
Essential
Requires a minimum of seven years of full-time professional experience in a relevant field.
With substantial senior-level operational management experience in Médecins sans frontières (MSF) or comparable medical humanitarian organizations.
Seeking a candidate with prior experience in senior program leadership capacities, including roles such as Head of Mission, Country Director, Operations Manager, Emergency Coordinator, Medical Coordinator, or similar executive-level positions.
Demonstrates a robust knowledge of medical-humanitarian operations, emergency response protocols, security management strategies, and the principles guiding humanitarian action.
Demonstrated ability to devise operational strategies and execute them successfully.
Seasoned in directing cross-functional teams and providing assistance to primary field leadership.
Demonstrates a high level of proficiency in financial management, human resources, security protocols, and operational strategy development.
A proven capacity to navigate intricate humanitarian, political, security, access, and ethical challenges is required.
Demonstrated dedication to delivering patient-focused care, maintaining accountability, ensuring safeguarding measures, and fostering inclusive leadership practices.
Proficient in both written and verbal communication in English.
Desirable
Demonstrated expertise in fostering community involvement, designing programs guided by community input, or ensuring accountability to affected populations is required.
A background in medical, 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.
Proficiency in advocacy strategies, analytical methods, negotiation techniques, public stance formulation, or initiatives driven by community involvement is required.
Possesses a proven track record of supporting the establishment, transition, or sustained advancement of a functional organization.
Seeking candidates with a proven track record in collaborative environments, involving diverse stakeholders or cross-functional teams, to drive integrated outcomes and foster synergistic partnerships.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
