Operations Manager

Medecins Sans Frontieres Holland (MSF-H) is an association and member of the international Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) movement. MSF is an independent, medical-humanitarian organisation that provides emergency medical assistance to people worldwide, regardless of their background, religion or political convictions through direct support.

MSF-Holland and the MSF sections in Germany, the UK and Canada are collaborating in the Operational Centre Amsterdam (OCA). The OCA implements and supports field operations from offices in Amsterdam, Berlin, London and Toronto. MSF OCA manages approximately 70 medical projects in around 25 countries worldwide, employing approximately 900 international and about 6100 national staff. The annual operations budget exceeds 140 million Euros.

As of June 2012 MSF OCA has a vacancy for the position of Operations Manager based in Amsterdam

Organisational position

• The Operations Manager (OM) reports to the Director of the Operations;
• The OM line-manages Heads of Mission, and the Operational Advisor;
• The OM is member of the Operations Platform, together with three other OMs (of which one based in MSF-Germany), the (Deputy) Director of Operations, the Heads of the Emergency Desk, Public Health Department, Advocacy & Operational Communications Department, and the Head of the Manson (medical support) Unit based in the UK;
• The Operations Manager directs operations of his/her portfolio (currently the missions in DR Congo, India, Haiti, Colombia) through supervision and management of its Heads of Mission and Operational Advisor, and direction/steering of the members of the Operational Support Team.

Objective of the position

• Management and realisation of the portfolio of (field) operations in the various countries of the portfolio. Within his/her portfolio s/he has the end-responsibility for quality and implementation of field operations, policy and strategy (medical aid and témoignage), security, communications, logistics, human resources, finance as well as of initiative, response, observation, closure, monitoring and evaluation of field operations;
• To actively contribute to policy and strategy related to both the MSF OCA Operations as well as the support processes of the organisation;
• To contribute proactively to debate, critical reflection/learning within the Operations Platform and the wider OCA organisation.

Profile

At this time we are seeking a candidate with a (para) medical background (preferably a medical doctor) and academic thinking and working level. S/he should have a strong sense of the MSF mission and at least 3 years of field experience of emergency (medical) aid in complex humanitarian contexts with MSF (or a comparable organisation) and at least 2 years in a relevant management position. S/he is able to demonstrate strong proven skills in management and leadership and should be capable of directing people of various disciplines and cultural backgrounds over time and distance. S/he is capable of conceptual and analytical thinking and has proven skills to translate concepts into practice. S/he is required to have gained experience with a range of issues and responsibilities within the organisation, such as policy formulation, financial and human resource management. S/he is result oriented and can act as a coach and inspire staff.

S/he takes initiatives and decisions and comes up with a vision based on his/her own judgment. Good communication skills, including media and presentation skills, are essential, as well as an excellent command of English, and preferably French and/or Spanish. The candidate must be willing to work long and irregular hours and travel as needs be and on short notice.

We offer

• A contract for three years with a renewal option of two years (subject to satisfactory performance) based on a fulltime appointment.
• A gross monthly salary between € 4.442 and € 6.345 depending on relevant professional experience and based upon a 40-hour working week.
• Other benefits include 30 holidays and a premium free pension.

More information?

For more information please contact Marcel Langenbach, Director of Operations, on phone +31 20 520 8700.

Application

If you are interested in this position and believe that you fit the profile, please send your letter of application and curriculum vitae in English to officejobs@amsterdam.msf.org for the attention of Marco Visser. Please mention “Operations Manager” in the subject line.

The application deadline is 23 April 2012.