MSF Belgium recrute un(e) Medical Officer

CONTEXT
The Operations Department of MSF OCB (Operational Centre Brussels) consists of 7 managerial and technical teams called Cells, each in charge of a portfolio of countries and 1 Emergency Team (E-Pool) for the management of intense emergency interventions. These teams directly supervise and support the implementation of the projects.
The expected future portfolio of the Abidjan-based cell will mainly include West-Africa & Sahel contexts, including Nigeria, Mali, Benin and Guinea (with handover to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and/or other partners foreseen by the end of 2027) Countries are indicative, as a re-shuffling of the portfolio within the Operations department occurs on a regular basis.
As a Medical Officer, you play a key medical role in the operational cell. You support the Medical Coordinators to safeguard the medical quality of the projects. It is a critical position to ensure a strong overview and support in the preparation and implementation of our projects. Your responsibilities are not tied to any specific context/country unless discussed and organized otherwise with the Medical Deputy Operations Coordinator. You will report to the Medical Deputy Coordinator of Operations (DepCO) of the cell and functionally linked to the Operational Deputy Medical Director in the Medical Department.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
The core function is to enhance and optimize the operational support and guidance of the projects, ensuring achievable and context-adapted quality of care.

Strategy Implementation Planning
Co-define and co-design the Medical Operations (MedOps) strategy implementation with the medical coordination teams and the Deputy Medical Operations Coordinator
Provide strategic input, leadership, and guidance to ensure plans are practical, achievable, and aligned with the medical priorities within the countries of interventions, in coordination with the DepCO

Strategic Oversight and Monitoring
Ensure comprehensive monitoring and follow-up of the implementation of the medical strategy in all MSF operations through regular and ad hoc support to the medical coordination’s

Project Implementation
Provide regular support to medical coordinators in the follow-up and implementation of projects in coordination with the DepCO
Offer ad-hoc support as needed, ensuring that medical coordinators have the resources and assistance they need in agreement with the DepCO

Policies and Guidelines Management
Ensure that medical resources, policies, and guidelines are relevant, appropriate, available, and effectively managed in the countries of interventions
Regularly interact and coordinate with the medical referents to ensure that policies, guidelines, and guidance adapted/tailored to the medical operations and specific project’s context and objectives

Quality of Care (QoC) implementation
Ensure and actively monitor the implementation of Quality of Care (QoC) standards and improvement plans across all projects
Guide the medical teams in the programs to develop and enforce quality monitoring and improvement initiatives

Medical Activity Analysis
Responsible for monitoring and analyzing medical activities and ensuring data-driven decision-making in collaboration with the DepCO
Review and analyze medical reports and data, providing constructive feedback and involving the medical referent as required

Tool improvement and development
Propose improvements to existing management and tracking tools (dashboards and internal control mechanisms, etc.) that are user-friendly, effective and context adapted to enhance the oversight of medical programs

Medical stock strategy and management
Oversee the review, planning, and validation of the medical standard list and medical forecasts, including emergency preparedness (EPREP)
Revise and validate medical orders within the agreed framework (budget, activity scope, medical master, and standard list, etc.)
Define the medical stock management strategy and monitor its implementation (e.g., GSDP: “Good Storage and Distribution Practices”, SoP’s: “Standard Operating Procedures”, etc.) in collaboration with the supply officer and project teams

Human Resources planning and management
Oversee the regular follow-up of projects’ human resource needs, including the review and planning of HR requirements, together with the DepCO
Ensure effective matching and follow-up with the Human Resources Officer (HRO) and Pool Managers (PMs), including the briefing and debriefing of key medical operations staff in the countries of cell, in agreement with the DepCO

Budget
Collaborate with the DepCO to ensure cost-awareness in medical decision-making, balancing quality of care with resources availability, context specificities and sustainability
Participate in medical operations (MedOps) budget planning and management to ensure efficient allocation of resources for medical operations

Emergency response
Participate in the medical support/guidance to the projects for emergency responses together with the DepCO and medical department referents
Ensure rapid and effective deployment of resources and personnel in case of emergencies in the countries of operations of the cell, in collaboration with the DepCO

EPREP
Ensure that the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPREP) strategy and scenarios are regularly updated and adapted to the evolving contexts in collaboration with the DepCO

Technical Files
Provide first-line follow-up and inputs on technical files, according to specific expertise and in agreement with the DepCO

Staff Health
Review and validate health policies for both International Mobile Staff (IMS) and Country Based Staff (CBS), ensuring comprehensive and effective healthcare provisions
Facilitate the management of staff health files between the countries of interventions and the Staff Health Unit (SHU) (including medical evacuations) in coordination with the DepCO

Coordination with the medical department
Engage with medical referents bilaterally or lead group discussions/working groups to support projects and enhance collaborative efforts
Facilitate effective communication and coordination between medical project teams and the medical department
Participate in medical department meetings, in relevant circles and in MedOps meetings, contributing to departmental strategies with updates from the programs, and reverting relevant information’s to the country teams

Communication and Information flow
Promote open communication and information flow within the cell, the medical department, and the countries of interventions on all MedOps-related issues
Maintain transparency and alignment across teams to foster a collaborative operational environment
Replace the Deputy Medical Operations Coordinator during absences or upon request, ensuring continuity of medical technical and strategic decision-making.

REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
Medical or paramedical degree is mandatory
Degree in Public Health or Epidemiology and/or basic knowledge of Humanitarian law is an asset
Minimum 3 years of MSF international experience in different Operational contexts
Minimum 1 year experience as Medical Coordinator with MSF is mandatory
Experience in hospital management is an asset
Experience in epidemics, public health, nutrition, IDPs (Internal Displaced populations) and refugees, emergency responses are an asset

Competencies
Planning and organizing
Strategic vision/oversight
Negotiation and networking
Coaching & mirroring with the teams
Teamwork and cooperation
Comprehensive knowledge of humanitarian interventions
Results and quality orientation
Able to set priorities, make choices, and assume decisions
Strong cross-cultural awareness and adaptability

Languages
Proficiency in French and English, both written and spoken is mandatory

CONDITIONS
Expected starting date: As soon as possible
Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Mobility: At least one visit of 2-3 weeks to each MSF project per year
Type of contract: Fixed-term contract – Full-time
Contract duration: 24 months (extendable)
Salary according to MSF salary grid
The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate and in compliance with the standard MSF function and salary grids
Family position, possible according to the hosting MSF entity policies and conditions
Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments
Deadline for applications: 30th of August 2026

How to apply
How to apply?
Submit your application via the ‘Apply here‘ button on the vacancy page
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 (in PDF format)ready to upload
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
This position is only open to candidates with previous experience with MSF.
No MSF experience? Check out our job offers
MSF values diversity and is committed to create 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.
The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, consult our privacy notice to job applicants.