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About MSF WaCA

MSF WaCA is a dynamic, newly established operational directorate within Médecins Sans Frontières, created in 2019 to empower local humanitarian action globally and in West and Central Africa. Supported by a vast network of medical and humanitarian professionals from the region and beyond, MSF WaCA operates internationally and across Chad, Niger, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, and Nigeria. In recent years, WaCA has significantly expanded its operations—launching multiple projects, responding to major emergencies, and now supports a team of over 60 staff in Abidjan. Although WaCA has faced challenges, it is now focused on implementing robust internal systems, strengthening team culture, and enhancing operational efficiency by leveraging the expertise and support of the broader MSF movement. MSF WaCA is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment that not only responds to emergencies but also develops sustainable locally led initiatives that are adaptable to emerging needs.

About the Role

This role is for a visionary leader who thrives on navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving organisation. The ideal candidate will possess deep local context expertise specific to the cultural, operational, and geopolitical contexts of West and Central Africa, excel at crisis management and change leadership, and have a strategic vision that aligns local initiatives with global MSF priorities. In addition, the candidate must have extensive leadership experience in humanitarian and international organisations, with strong advocacy skills and strategic fundraising capabilities, enabling them to position WaCA effectively within both MSF and the broader global health landscape.

With the support of the Board of Directors, the new General Director will have the unique opportunity to implement the needed changes to stabilise and transform MSF WaCA into a trusted, high-performing operational center, making a lasting impact on humanitarian work in the region. Responsible for driving strategic decision-making, ensuring operational excellence, and representing MSF WaCA both within the broader MSF movement and among external stakeholders, this role also requires a balance of technical expertise, exceptional leadership, and an unwavering commitment to MSF’s humanitarian values.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Organisational Development

• Collaborate closely with the Board to help shape and refine MSF WaCA’s strategic framework, ensuring that local insights inform the overall strategic direction while remaining aligned with MSF’s global mission.
• Execute the Board-approved strategic framework, driving organisational development and operational excellence across the region.
• Work with the Board to review and approve strategic initiatives, ensuring a balanced focus on both financial sustainability and humanitarian medical priorities.
• Represent and advocate for MSF WaCA within the international MSF movement and external partners.
• Lead the development of operational policies and ensure consistency with MSF principles.
• Oversee risk management and mitigation strategies for the organisation.
• Support the setup and consolidation of MSF WaCA Associations across West and Central Africa.

2. Operational Oversight & Mission Implementation

• Support operational teams in developing and launching new humanitarian missions, ensuring at least four explorations per year.
• Ensure that current and new operational activities are solidly grounded in addressing critical medical needs and delivering high-quality medical care.
• Foster partnerships with key stakeholders in the humanitarian and development sectors.
• Guide the creation of governance structures within MSF WaCA to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Monitor the impact of organisational growth and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Oversee the legal and administrative aspects necessary for WaCA’s transition to a formally recognised entity in Côte d’Ivoire.

3. Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Cultivate a strong, motivated, and high-performing leadership team.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, well-being, and inclusivity while ensuring high performance through robust support, resource allocation, and clear performance accountability.
• Oversee the recruitment and structuring of MSF WaCA’s workforce.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance staff competencies in risk management, fraud prevention, and operational effectiveness.

4. Financial & Risk Management

• Ensure sound financial planning, analysis, and reporting to achieve fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Establish robust risk management frameworks and internal audit procedures, collaborating closely with HR and Finance teams.
• Strengthen financial oversight mechanisms to ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Ensure sound financial management and oversee budgetary allocations.
• Establish a comprehensive risk matrix and internal audit procedures.
• Collaborate with the HR and Finance teams to ensure compliance with legal and administrative requirements.
• Strengthen financial oversight mechanisms, ensuring efficiency and accountability in resource allocation.
• Collaborate with the Board to ensure that financial strategies and budgeting not only support operational needs but also uphold the quality of humanitarian medical and emergency response efforts.

5. External Representation & Advocacy

• Act as the primary spokesperson for MSF WaCA in high-level international forums, policy discussions, and advocacy initiatives.
• Engage with government agencies, multilateral organisations, and international partners to advance MSF WaCA’s objectives.
• Maintain active participation in the MSF Executive Committee (Core ExCom) and other Directors’ platforms.

Skills & Competencies

Technical & Operational Expertise:

• Proven expertise in organisational management, strategic planning, crisis management and change leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of finance, legal compliance, human resources, and governance frameworks.
• Ability to manage complex humanitarian projects in West and Central Africa, with a solid grasp of MSF operational frameworks
• Proven ability to develop and sustain strategic partnerships and networks.
• Mastery of communication and advocacy strategies.
• Demonstrated understanding of information technology trends and emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence—to leverage opportunities and mitigate risks in humanitarian operations.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills:

• Visionary leadership with a strong sense of initiative and innovation.
• Excellent listening, negotiation, and consensus-building abilities.
• Capacity to inspire and mobilise teams around a shared mission.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and social justice.

Languages

• Fluency in French and English is required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree (Bac+4/5) or equivalent in Political Science, Management, Humanitarian Action, Medical or Scientific disciplines.
• Minimum of 3 years in a similar leadership role within the NGO/humanitarian sector.
• Extensive leadership and field experience, particularly within humanitarian medical and emergency response contexts and familiarity with MSF operational frameworks is essential.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors, with both associative and executive responsibilities.