Deputy Medical Operations Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, which was established in 197

• MSF is an international humanitarian organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. The organization operates in over 70 countries worldwide and employs thousands of staff, including medical professionals, logistical experts, and administrative personnel. MSF's mission is to provide impartial medical care and to advocate for the rights of those in need, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. The organization is known for its commitment to humanitarian principles and its ability to respond quickly to emergencies.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Medical Operations Coordinator position is a pivotal role within the Operations Department of MSF's Operational Centre Brussels (OCB). This position is not fixed to a specific country portfolio, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to the evolving operational priorities of the organization. The Deputy Medical Operations Coordinator works closely with the Operations Coordinator to ensure the medical vision, strategy, and operational coherence of the programs under their cell portfolio. This role requires a strong capacity to navigate complex medical-operational environments, which includes developing medical strategies, ensuring quality of care, and addressing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-sensitive programming. The selected candidate will be expected to support a diverse portfolio that may include countries from both the current West Africa/Sahel portfolio and the incoming Central Africa portfolio, ensuring continuity of medical and operational support during this transition period.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Medical Operations Coordinator has a comprehensive set of responsibilities that include developing strategic visions for each country in collaboration with the Operations Coordinator, Head of Programmes, and Medical Coordinators. They are responsible for ensuring the medical pertinence and adequacy of projects, making operational decisions that align with medical policies, and supporting the Medical Coordinators in implementing and monitoring project progress. The role also involves managing additional medical positions within the cell, ensuring cost-awareness regarding medical choices, and balancing humanitarian and medical approaches. The Deputy will contribute to the development of medical policies and strategies, promote operational research agendas, and communicate medical matters to the communication department and media. Additionally, they will participate in various meetings and support the structured handover of the portfolio during the initial phase of the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a medical degree in Medicine or a nursing degree, along with a minimum of 7 years of international experience in various operational contexts with MSF. At least 5 years of experience as a Medical Coordinator or Medical Emergency Coordinator and/or Officer with MSF is required. A degree in tropical medicine is considered a strong asset, while a degree in Public Health or Epidemiology is also advantageous. The ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent analytical and strategic vision, leadership capabilities, teamwork and cooperation skills, negotiation skills, and strong communication abilities. Planning and organizing skills, along with strong intercultural awareness, are also essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a medical degree in Medicine or a nursing degree. Additional qualifications such as a degree in tropical medicine, public health, or epidemiology are highly desirable and considered assets that can enhance a candidate's profile for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years in international operational contexts with MSF. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in roles such as Medical Coordinator or Medical Emergency Coordinator and/or Officer within MSF, demonstrating a strong background in managing medical operations in diverse and challenging environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in both French and English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders, ensuring that the Deputy Medical Operations Coordinator can operate efficiently in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The expected starting date for this position is as soon as possible, and it is based in Brussels, Belgium. The contract type is open-ended and full-time, with a minimum of 4 project visits of 1 to 2 weeks per year. The salary will be determined according to the MSF-OCB HQ salary grid. Additional benefits include a relocation package for non-Belgian residents, meal vouchers, hospital insurance (DKV), a pension plan, and 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs. The candidate is expected to adhere to MSF principles and managerial values, including respect, transparency, integrity, accountability, trust, and empowerment, as well as MSF's behavioral commitments.