MSF OCB Abidjan Hub Manager

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 80 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed or political affiliation.  

MSF OCB Abidjan Hub Manager (m/f/x) – Abidjan – MSF Belgium  

CONTEXT  

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), through its Operational Centre Brussels (OCB), is further organising its Operational and Technical OCB Hub in Abidjan, aimed at enhancing its medical and humanitarian response capabilities in the region, and attracting and maintaining talents from the region to serve the MSF social mission. The Abidjan OCB Hub is part of MSF OCB’s strategy to develop a networked and collaborative operational directorate and will house several OCB departmental positions. This hub will centralize various operational support functions and expertise. 

We are seeking a MSF OCB Abidjan Hub Manager to oversee the development and management of this hub in the region. In This role, you will coordinate the implementation of operational and technical support teams, manage cross-departmental teams administratively, and ensure alignment with MSF OCB’s processes and global strategic goals. You will play a critical role in shaping the hub’s structure and governance, ensuring it meets headquarters (HQ) requirements and frameworks, supports MSF operations effectively, and facilitates collaboration within the movement.  

The Hub operates alongside MSF West and Central Africa (WACA) and is oriented towards fostering a strong spirit of collaboration and cooperation, building on the existing relationships between OCB and WACA, and supporting future developments. 

This position demands strong leadership, expert management skills, and a dedication to the values and objectives of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).  

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Vision and Action Planning 

• Contribute to the development of a coherent midterm strategic vision for the OCB Hub, aligned with OCB strategy and the requirements of main stakeholders (OCB departments, OCB General Direction – DG under the Abidjan Hub steer co-supervision and part of OCB Networked operational directorate (NWOD) 
• Lead annual action planning for the Hub and its related budget in close collaboration with functional units and their respective Directors. Ensure the unit’s planning is fully aligned with the department’s intentions and agreed upon by their Directors 
• Be the focal point for OCB in the region, particularly with MSF WACA, and other MSF entities, ensuring coordination and collaboration 
• Support the Steering Committee for the Hub, which holds final responsibility for its overall strategic direction 
• Ensure the activities, priorities, and development of the Hub are fit for purpose and anchored in agreed-upon frameworks with all stakeholders 
• Monitor the national and regional geopolitical context and take appropriate action to adapt OCB Hub management and security accordingly 

General Management 

• Coordinate activities, establish responsibilities, and develop procedures to achieve objectives while ensuring adherence to MSF values and ethical standards 
• Lead and evaluate Hub support staff according to organizational policies, maximizing their commitment to project goals 
• Brief teams on contextual issues and update the project's security policy in collaboration with the HQ Steering committee 
• Manage the Office Support Unit to ensure smooth office and facilities management, high-level financial accountability, and transparency, both to meet local and MSF-Belgium compliance 
• Oversee legal and fiscal obligations for MSF-Belgium in Ivory Coast per its registration, defining optimal legal and administrative frameworks for activity development 
• Supervise material resources and purchasing processes to ensure their correct use and longevity, while also monitoring financial indicators, following OCB HQ requirements 
• Implement and adhere to established reporting protocols in accordance with agreements made with your supervisor and the Steering Committee for the Hub 
• Lead the development and oversight of budgetary processes and management 
• Be responsible for defining and following up on the unit’s resources, in terms of Human Resources (HR) and budget 
• Serve as the focal point for administrative guidance and questions related to colleagues based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo 

Support to OCB Units and Hosted Units/Positions 

• Define with the relevant OCB Hub Steering Committee the modality of administrating and supporting the operational team and support teams based in the Abidjan Hub (and Kinshasa). This includes hosting, administration, domestic HR, and general services. This is in coordination and alignment with HQ frameworks and requirements in this phase of the Hub implementation and organization 
• Manage a two-way communication mechanism of needs and responses between the Hub Manager and Units through focal points appointed by the departments 

Representation & Communication 

• Represent MSF OCB with Ivorian authorities related to the registration of MSF Belgium, and any related immigration, foreign affairs, and/or employment matters 
• Ensure MSF Belgium’s legal obligations in country are met according to quality standards and compliance requirement 
• Ensure good coordination and communication with MSF WACA to represent MSF in Ivory Coast  

REQUIREMENTS 

Education & Experience 

• MSF HQ or partner sections experience with a minimum of four years in coordination positions 
• Proven experience in HR management 

Competencies 

• Proven strategic skills in MSF operations 
• Ability to develop and facilitate a network of relationships that enhance teamwork, information exchange, and knowledge flow. Has a keen interest in systemic approaches  
• Proven people management skills and proven experience in a leadership role, favoring ownership and engagement, and promoting autonomy over independence 
• Strong aptitude for human relations and mentoring 
• Ability to establish and retain positive working relationships (internally and externally)  
• Strong cross-cultural awareness and adaptability  

Languages 

• Excellent command of French and English is mandatory (oral and written) 

CONDITIONS 

• Expected starting date: as soon as possible 
• Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast 
• Contract duration: 2 years (longer term option will depend on future developments)  
• Contract type: Fixed-term contract– full-time;  
• Salary according to MSF field 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: 18th of August 2024 

HOW TO APPLY ?  

Please, send your CV and cover letter to recruit-hq-DG@brussels.msf.org and mention “Abidjan HUB Manager” in the subject of your email 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

Position only open to candidates with previous experience with MSF ("Médecins Sans Frontières")! No MSF experience? Check out all our job offers on our website. 

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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