Director of Operations At Médecins Sans Frontières

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian association, created in 1971, which provides assistance to populations whose lives are threatened as a result of armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters or lack of access to care. Today, MSF is present in more than 60 countries around the world.

The Paris Operational Center (OCP) is responsible for operations of nearly 90 projects in some 30 countries and actions related to these operations: advocacy, communication, human resources management, financial management of operations, private and institutional fundraising.

Under the responsibility of the General Director (GD), the Director of Operations defines the operational strategy of OCP in collaboration with the support departments, the operational units, and partner sections. He/she develops this strategy into short- and medium-term policies and ensures its best possible implementation after validation by the associative bodies.

He/she supervises and guarantees the realization of all operational missions by defining and adjusting priorities according to operational issues, financial, human, and logistical resources, and by ensuring the optimization of resources.

Specifically, the Director of Operations will pursue the implementation of the OCP 2020/2023 Strategic Plan and prepare the elaboration of the next plan 2024-2027.

He/she has a central role in the association and must be a leader in its evolution.

To carry out his/her mission, the Director of Operations is supported by two deputies who supervise thematic dossiers and operational projects.

Main responsibilities

Strategy and operational policies:

o Analyze the political and humanitarian environment.

o In a general manner, participate in the association’s strategic choices.

o More specifically, co-define the strategic medical-operational plan with the Management team, in close collaboration with the Medical Department, and translate it into associated annual planning.

o Ensure that cells implement the operational policy. Validate the cells’ priorities and arbitrate budgets.

o Participate in the orientation of the policies of the operational support departments.

o Co-define the operational research strategy.

o Co-define OCP’s policy for access to medications and medical devices.

o Contribute to policy reflection and debate to improve practices and knowledge.

o Co-define the positioning of public operational communication and advocacy.

o Be a spokesperson for the association.

o Participate and report to the Board of Directors, the Group Committee (OCP partners: France/USA/Japan/Australia) and the association.

Implementation of operations:

• Supervise the OCP operational portfolio and its evolution:

Ø Decide on the opening or closing of missions (upon advice from the Project Committee).

Ø Define and continuously adjust the organization and resources required to deploy the plan.

Ø Determine the steps needed for implementing actions, ensuring relevance of the means used and the quality of the projects. Arbitrate according to the needs of the field, the means available and the constraints and challenges (local context, departments, sections, satellites, etc.).

o Ensure the safety of the teams, analyze the security context, evaluate the risk, exercising need for withdrawal or any necessary protective measure.

o Contribute to the definition of field operational research orientations – in close collaboration with Epicentre – and validate the budget.

Manage his/her teams hierarchically:

o Recruiting, managing, advising, supporting, motivating, federating his/her teams, and developing the skills of his/her collaborators.

o Set orientations, define objectives. Evaluate the work.

o Ensure good contribution of his/her department to cross-functional/inter-departmental projects/work.

Organization of the operational team:

o Stimulate reflection on the evolution of work organization.

o Organize headquarters and field interactions/relationships.

o Organize the cells and decentralized cells.

o Develop new support models.

Develop operational career paths:

In collaboration with HR direction:

o Support the L&D strategy and facilitate staff development initiatives.

o Prescribe training needs for managers and future operational managers.

Represent MSF and OCP Group:

o Be an MSF spokesperson both externally and within the organization.

o Speak on behalf of MSF in the media.

o Represent and carry the interests of MSF OCP in the MSF movement.

o Represent MSF to different actors (governments, NGOs, international bodies).

o Interface with the operations of other operational centers of the movement.

Desired profile:

You have significant experience in the humanitarian field, including a career with MSF, with several years in positions of responsibility in the field, preferably complemented by positions of responsibility in a headquarters.

Your significant experience in team management as well as in the management of operational projects and change management has enabled you to develop a good understanding of the operational challenges faced by our association.

You are recognized for your managerial skills, your diplomacy, and your excellent interpersonal skills. Your analytical and decision-making skills, your ability to lead change, and your ability to mobilize teams will be determining factors in the success of your missions.

You are fluent in French and English and are available to travel in France and abroad.

Salary conditions:

Between 74.4 and 76.3 K€ gross per year over 13 months, depending on experience. 22 days RTT per year. Supplementary health insurance covered at 100% by Médecins Sans Frontières. Restaurant vouchers with a face value of 9€ (60% paid by MSF). 50% of public transport passes paid for.

Regular teleworking possible.

Starting date : As soon as possible.

Position based in Paris.