Coordinator of Operations Cell 7

CONTEXT  

As a principle, a Coordinator of  Operations (CO) position in the 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 Coordinator of  Operations oversees ambitions on operations, with capacity to deal with security management of unstable contexts, access negotiation, related advocacy and complex medical strategies. 

The function requires an interest in complex medical topics, managerial leadership skills, humanitarian analytical interest and capacity. 

As Coordinator of  Operations of the Cell 7, you belong to the Operations Department and are responsible for the overall vision and strategy of the countries of the Cell. Presently, the Cell 7 portfolio consists of 3 contexts: South Africa,  Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The OCB’s operational scope in the region is decreasing. The current MSF OCB country presence in South Africa and Zimbabwe will be discontinued, as well as the Cell 7 set up.  

The Management of Mozambique Operations will be handed over to another cell starting in Q3 2026.  

The CO keeps an overview of the implementation and represents the countries in your portfolio towards the MSF movement and the external world.   

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Operations Coordinator Cell 7    

• Develops a strategic vision for each country with the deputy Coordinator of Operations and the other Cell Officers, Country Coordinators and Country Medical Coordinators with input from departments
• Is responsible for ensuring compliance with MSF OCB key operational process within the scope of the region under their management (Multi Year and/or Annual Review Moments, Round Table, Monitoring Moments, Reporting etc.) 
• Is responsible for maintaining an overall oversight of operational activity implementation together with the cell members and Country Coordinator 
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to enhance the quality of operational support 
• Represents the Countries within their portfolio to the MSF International network and externally;  
• Represents the cell in interactions with external stakeholders 
• Responsible for the information management internally (projects, Cell, OCB departments, OCB Partner Sections and other OC’s) and externally 
• Ensures that MSF has a relevant advocacy strategy within the scope of its region, countries and projects.  
• Ensures prioritization of communication topics as well as support Country and Project Teams in communication efforts
• Is responsible to ensure effective resource planning as well as proper resources management within the scope of its region (incl. countries and projects) as well as about compliance with MSF processes, internal control requirements, normative and quality standard
• Is the final security responsible within the scope of the region under their coordination
• Participates in the recruitment of Country Coordinators under their management and ensures their guidance supporting them in the effective implementation of their functions
• Participates in the recruitment of their cell’s members under their anagement and ensures, in coordination and collaboration with the relevant Functional Manager, their guidance. Supporting them in the effective implementation of their functions 

SPECIFIC TO THE ROLE: there are planned closures and handovers for the cell  

• Coordinate and guide the Country Coordinators and their teams into the planning, running and landing/closing of operational projects (Palma in Mozambique, Mbare and Gwanda in Zimbabwe and Butterworth in South Africa) 
• Together with the other cell members and in close collaboration/coordination with the country and project teams ensure adequate closure/handover of activities in Zimbabwe and South Africa ensuring closure processes are followed and opportunities for capitalizations are maximized.  
• In collaboration with the cell members, DO and the support departments, coordinate the closure of the cell by Q4 2026. 
• Understanding Mozambique (Cabo Delgado Province more in particular) as a complex highly insecure context that requires close security and context management at all times, manages the operations in Mozambique till handover is completed to another cell 
• With the planned closure of the cell, the CO will lead the handover process of Mozambique programs to another cell by September/October 2026  

REQUIREMENTS 

Education & Experience 

• Masters degree in political sciences, law, humanitarian affairs or similar domain or equivalent by experience is an asset 

• Minimum 5 years in a Coordination position   

• Minimum 3 years of MSF experience of which 1 year minimum as Country Coordinator   

• Experience or real interest 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 

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)  
• Behavioural flexibility (high level of maturity in interpersonal relationships, flexibility in travel & working hours)  
• Networking and Building Relationships (Representation) 
• Comprehensive knowledge of humanitarian intervention
• Knowledge of Mozambique context and MSF operations are strong assets  

Languages 

• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written is mandatory
• Portuguese is a strong asset   

Other 

• Availability for frequent travel and visits in the contexts   

CONDITIONS 

• Expected starting date: March 2026
• Location: Brussels,  Johannesburg or Maputo 
• Mobility: project visits (at least once a year per Country)  
• Contract type: 6 months, eventually extendable – Full time  
• The contractual terms and conditions will be established according to the place of work, legal constraints and in respect of MSF standard function and salary grids   
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment   

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments   

  
  Deadline for applications: Tuesday 30th of December 2025 

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 ready to upload (preferably in pdf format)   

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating 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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