General coordinator (head of mission) (M/F) – Afghanistan

For more than 40 years, Médecins du Monde, a campaigning medical organisation committed to international solidarity, has been caring for the most vulnerable populations at home and abroad. It has continued to highlight obstacles that exist in accessing health care and has secured sustainable improvements in health-for-all policies.

Those working for this independent organisation do not solely dispense care and treatment but condemn violations of human dignity and rights and fight to improve matters for populations living in precarious situations.

MdM currently works in 30 countries across all continents where it focuses on 5 priority areas: emergency and crisis, sexual and reproductive health, harm reduction, migrants and displaced populations (health rights), health and environment.

Following Taleban takeover of power in August 2021, the cumulative effects of the conflict, international sanctions and the economic crisis, recurrent drought and Covid has led to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. In view of this situation, MdM has decided to reopen its mission in the country to contribute to the humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people.

A first contact mission has been sent late November 2021 to evaluate the feasibility of an intervention under the de facto authorities. The result of this first contact being positive, it has been decided to send an exploration team to further assess needs and define an operational strategy. MdM is now launching the third phase of its deployment in Afghanistan by recruiting the expatriate team that will be in charge of finalizing the mission opening, rolling out policies and launching activities.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the desk officer and in the context of the mission opening, your main responsibilities are:

• Take the lead in defining the operational and advocacy strategy together with the coordination team and the desk and be responsible for the development and execution of the country strategy
• Lead the implementation of MdM projects in Afghanistan
• Lead the deployment of MdM teams across various regions of the country according to the strategy
• In close coordination with managers, define the general setup of the mission and the organisation chart
• Manage, train and motivate the team
• Ensure the financial coverage of the mission by leading fundraising and budget management
• Manage a site/base or range of sites within Afghanistan, ensuring that the programmes meet operational, administrative, financial, human, material and organisational objectives by coordinating and leading the team
• Represent MdM in Afghanistan, towards all stakeholders, including de facto authorities, donors, security service providers, INGOs, UN and IOs
• Ensure the deployment of MdM framework, policies and procedures and ensure overall compliance
• Be responsible for the security and safety of MdM staff, programs and assets
• Develop strategic partnerships
• Develop and lead advocacy work

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Status : Employee

Contract : Fixed-term contract
Duration : 3 months
Starting date: as soon as possible
Gross monthly salary: 3088 euros
Based in Kabul with regular field visits
Premium equal to one month salary paid in two instalments – minimum of 6 months seniority required
Expatriation bonus (10% gross salary per month)
Transportation cost, vaccines and visas covered
Guesthouse housing
22.5 RTT (recovery days) per year
5 weeks of paid leaves per year
Health insurance (60% covered by MdM and 40% by the employee)
Insurance (repatriation…)
Teleworking agreement for positions eligible to telework: 110 days/year (minimum of 1 day per week onsite)
Given the current circumstances of Covid-19 pandemic, we are taking special measures to apply health protocols and hygiene measures to guarantee the safety of our staff.
Médecins du Monde promotes trainings and internal mobility

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Minimum 5 years of experience, in line with the position, in the humanitarian sector
Proven managerial experience within complex and insecure environments
Experience in representation with humanitarian actors, authorities and donors
Experience in challenging negotiations with local authorities and staff
Substantial experience in safety and security management in volatile contexts
Good understanding of support services tools and guidelines
Experience in managing medical program in an asset
Excellent communication skills, listening and diplomacy skills
Ability to lead a team in a complex environment and make relevant decisions according to the context
Flexibility, proactivity, anticipation and adaptability
Diplomacy and networking skills
Excellent Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
Mapping skills with Google Earth or ArcGIS
Languages: Fluent English (written and spoken) mandatory
You embrace the core values and support the proactive philosophy of Médecins du Monde.

TELEPHONE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Médecins du Monde reserves the right to fill the vacancy before the closing date for applications.
MdM stands up for the integration of people living with disabilities and fights against discrimination.