Operations Coordinator Cell 2

CONTEXT

As a principle, an Operations Coordinator (CO) position in Operational Center Brussels (OCB) is not essentially tied to any specific context and countries, as a re-shuffling of the portfolio within the operations department can occur. The Operations Coordinator is asked to oversee ambitions on operations, with capacity to deal with security management of unstable context, access negotiation, related advocacy and complex medical strategies. It requires an interest in complex medical topics, with managerial leadership, humanitarian analytical interest and capacity.

As the Operations Coordinator of Cell 2, you belong to the Operations Department and are responsible for the overall vision and strategy of the programmes for that Cell. Presently, Cell 2 portfolio consists of 5 contexts: Nigeria, Mali, Benin, Guinea, Sierra Leone. 

You keep an overview of the implementation and represent the projects or countries of operations in your portfolio towards the MSF movement and the external stakeholders or partners.  

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the strategic vision for each country together with the Deputy Coordinator of Operations, the Medical Officer, the Head of Programmes (Country Coordinator) and the Medical Coordinators, with input from the Medical and Analysis departments

• Guide country teams throughout the operational cycle: planning, running and landing/closing projects

• Finalise key operational process milestones with country teams, including the Multiyear/Annual Review of Operations (MY‑ARO), Quarterly Monitoring Meetings (QMM), OPS Snapshots, new project intentions and final project proposals (formerly COPRO)

• Maintain an overall view of operational implementation together with other cell members and the Head of Programmes (Country Coordinator)

•  Select design and support teams in line with the Operation Decision-Making Process document

• Foster a transversal support dynamic to strengthen the quality of the support to the operations

• Coach and mentor the Head of Programmes (Country Coordinator) in their responsibility for project implementation

• Represent the programmes in your portfolio within the MSF International network and externally, and represent the cell to external actors

• Ensure effective internal information flow between Countries of Operations, the cell, OCB departments, OCB sections and other OCs

• Ensure that projects have a pertinent advocacy strategy

• Identify important topics for communication (and/or support the programmes to do so)

• Ensure proper management of HR, Logistics (including logistics strategy), budgeting and internal control within the programmes in your portfolio

• Hold overall budget responsibility for the programmes in your portfolio

• Act as the final responsible for security within the programmes in your portfolio

• Participate in the recruitment, management and evaluation of the Head of Programmes (Country Coordinator)

• Participate in the recruitment of the members of your cell

• Evaluate the cell (medical, HR, logistics, finance) together with the concerned middle manager

• Represent the cell in various intersectional platforms (Nigeria interdesk, Sahel interdesk, etc)

• Support programmes and the cell in fostering safeguarding within the portfolio

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in political sciences, law, humanitarian affairs, Public Health or a similar area of study, or equivalent experience, is an asset

• Minimum 5 years in a management role within an international humanitarian organisation

• Minimum 3 years of international MSF experience, including at least 1 year as Head of Programmes (Country Coordinator) or Emergency Coordinator

• Experience or knowledge in issues like access to drugs, epidemics (malaria, TB & HIV, measles, meningitis), humanitarian action in conflict settings humanitarian and human rights laws, public health, IDPs and refugees, geo-politics and emergency response is an asset
• Working experience in West Africa/Sahel region is a strong asset

Competencies

• Excellent strategic vision

• Leadership (strong leadership capacities, team management skills, able to make choices and assume decisions)

• Planning and organizing (set priorities and organization skills)

• Behavioral flexibility (high level of maturity in interpersonal relationships, flexibility in travel & working hours)

• Networking and Building Relationships (Representation)

• Strong cultural awareness

Languages

• Proficient level in English and French, written and spoken is mandatory

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: May 2026

• Location: Brussels (Belgium)

• Mobility: regular project visits (at least once a year per Country)

• Contract type: Open-ended contract with a mandate of 4 years (extendable for max. 2 more years) – Full time

• Salary according to MSF-OCB HQ salary grid 

• Homeworking as per MSF policy

• Relocation package in accordance with MSF policy for non-Belgian residents

• Meal vouchers – Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs

• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral commitments

Deadline for applications: 1st March 2026

How to apply?

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button

➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position

➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter (in PDF format) ready to upload 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This position is only open to candidates with previous experience with MSF ("Médecins Sans Frontières")!

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MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

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