Doctors Without Borders, an international humanitarian medical association created in 1971, provides medical assistance to populations whose lives are threatened: mainly in cases of armed conflict, but also epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters or exclusion from care.
The Deputy Head of Unit in charge of medicine proposes and manages the medical-operational strategy for projects in the countries for which the unit is responsible.
General context of MSF France’s Cell 3: In May 2019, MSF France’s Cell 3 was relocated to Dakar, at the initiative of the General Management and the Operations Directorate, to allow for better synergy and closer collaboration with the countries of operation in West Africa. MSF France’s Cell 3 manages the following portfolio: Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania. The portfolio focuses on the medical and operational context of West Africa, addressing the humanitarian challenges there, including emergency responses.
Therefore, we are looking for an Assistant Unit Manager in Charge of Medicine (RCAM) (M/F)
MISSION
Reporting hierarchically to the cell manager, and functionally to one of the Deputy Medical Directors, the main general activities of the job are:
Contribute to the definition of the unit’s medical and operational strategies (regional and/or thematic):
- Participate in the writing and development of regional and/or thematic medical-operational strategies for the countries in the cell’s portfolio, in accordance with the main guidelines set out in the MSF OCP medical-operational strategic plan.
- Ensure the implementation of medical strategies and policies and be responsible for the consistency of the medical component of projects, taking into account field constraints and the recommendations of the medical department. Responsible for analyzing the medical and health context of the various countries (stakeholders, epidemiology, ministries, etc.) within the Unit’s portfolio, in conjunction with the Medical Coordinators (CoMeds).
- Provide support, supervise and evaluate medical coordinators; advise and support the various coordinators (heads of mission, project coordinators) and the team of the unit) on medical strategies, policies, protocols and tools.
- Ensure that the medical issues of the mission are properly monitored by the Heads of Mission.
- Involve the relevant medical specialty experts in all phases of the project, particularly from the design of activities, and draw on their expertise.
- Propose/Develop and monitor the cell’s medical research projects and formulate epidemiological questions in connection with the EPICENTRE focal point.
- Ensure compliance with medical ordering & supply procedures and holds final responsibility for validation.
Monitor and analyze medical activities carried out in the countries of the cell:
- Validate the selection of medical indicators for the projects and ensure their analysis in conjunction with the Medical Committee and the Head of Mission; present these analyses at team meetings/operations meetings; oversee the preparation of an annual report on the medical activities of the projects
- Evaluate the results of activities, ensure reorientation and propose adjustments if necessary.
- Participate in the development and monitoring of the annual budget with the members of the cell.
- Ensure the implementation and dissemination of the team health policy
- Ensuring compliance with procedures related to medical errors and their legal aspects (certificates, consent, etc.)
To coordinate and liaise between the field, the cell, and the medical department:
- Ensure the organization of work and the dissemination of information with the medical department’s contacts according to the specific issues/questions of the projects.
- Ensure that the chosen solutions are properly implemented on the ground.
- To solicit medical and operational management on projects that he considers priorities.
As a member of the cell team:
- Participate in the development of the cell’s strategies.
- To be involved in cross-functional projects.
Representing and advocating for MSF’s interests:
- Representing MSF within its area of ​​responsibility
- Ensure the smooth flow of information and good coordination with all stakeholders (internal & external) within its scope.
Skills transfer:
- Identify high-potential medical staff
- To propose evaluations/capitalizations on the projects of the cell.
- Participate in the definition and delivery of training programs
Specific job activities :
He/She assists the cell manager in the management and definition of medical projects for the missions of cell 3: 4 missions (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger), 8 projects including 2 in the process of being opened, 1 project for the construction of medical infrastructure, 3 research or evaluation topics.
He/She actively participates in the dynamic intersection within the medical platform of the Dakar office
Participation in the activities of the medical department:
- Participate in the implementation of the medical priorities and challenges outlined in the MSF OCP strategic plan.
- Participation in defining OCP’s medical policies
- Participate in the definition and delivery of training courses in the field, at headquarters and regional hubs.
- Identify high-potential medical personnel.
- Distribution of institutional files
- Participate in the medical department meetings
Dakar Medical Platform:
- Strengthening the intersection dynamic through participation in the management of shared medical records across different healthcare organizations
- Participates in identifying and managing regional medical-operational files in coordination with other operational bodies: Sickle cell disease, Malaria, Vaccination, pediatric care, epidemic response…
- Identify and develop partnership opportunities with research structures in the sub-region.
- Identify support needs and plan, in a coordinated manner, the deployment and visits of the various support systems implemented (IT) on our projects.
- Participate in regional health monitoring in close collaboration with epidemiologists from the Dakar office and external partners (WHO, UNICEF, etc.)
Support for the missions of the unit – Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger:
- Provide the necessary support and guidance to medical coordinators through regular meetings, field visits or ad hoc points.
- Ensures access to medical expertise related to projects.
- Provides support in medical and operational planning, in defining and writing medical project plans for missions, while maintaining consistency with the unit’s operational strategy.
- Participates in determining the needs and the strategy for supplying medical inputs to missions.
- Participates in the recruitment of medical staff for missions and in the identification of potential candidates within the missions
- Participates in defining the medical-operational indicators to be monitored on the cell’s projects
- Participates in the statistical analysis of medical activities and their capitalization.
Staff health:
- In close coordination with the Staff Health Unit (SHU), the mission medical coordinators, and the medical directorate, he/she participates in the care of teams in the field: health policies, staff care on missions, and medical evacuation of international staff.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Qualification: Head of Unit Physician, Significant experience as a Medical Coordinator (≥3 missions)
Education & Skills:
- Doctor of Medicine degree or paramedical degree;
- Good project management skills,
- Good command of managerial practices and team management,
- Good knowledge of MSF management and steering tools;
- Knowing how to define medical-operational strategies adapted to various contexts;
- Good knowledge of the West Africa and Sahel region
Aptitudes :
- Availability, adaptability, responsiveness related to the constraints of emergency interventions;
- Qualities of anticipation, of planning;
- Analytical and synthesis skills;
- Ability to work in a team, collaborative attitude;
- Strong communication skills, active listening, ability to negotiate and represent MSF
Languages: Fluent French and English (C2)
Conditions: Full-time permanent contract, based in Dakar.
Start date : June 2026.
How to apply
To apply: Please send your applications to the following link : MSF Recruitment
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
At MSF, we value diversity and strive to have an inclusive and accessible work environment. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of their ethnic, national or cultural background, age, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs, disability or other aspects of their identity.