Executive Director, South Asia – MSF (Doctors Without Borders)
About MSF South Asia
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency relief and long-term medical care to vulnerable and excluded communities worldwide. MSF aims to provoke social and political responses to meet essential needs and uphold the dignity of those in danger through medical action, advocacy (“témoignage”), and reflection on at-risk populations. Governed by its Charter and humanitarian principles, MSF is a global movement of citizen associations committed to volunteerism, solidarity, and medical ethics. For its work, they were awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace in 1996 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999. MSF South Asia is a full member of Operational Center Amsterdam (OCA) and shares the operational responsibilities of OCA within the partnership.
About the Role
The Executive Director of MSF South Asia reports to the Board through the President and leads a team of ten senior managers. Responsibilities include shaping and implementing the strategic vision, ensuring high performance, enhancing MSF’s regional and global medical humanitarian initiatives, managing legal compliance and governance, fostering collaboration within the management team, safeguarding MSF core values and principles, representing MSF South Asia in the Operational Centre Amsterdam – Management Team (OCA MT), and contributing internationally to advance MSF’s mission.
Purpose of the Role
The Executive Director develops, implements, and monitors multi-year strategic plans, translating them into annual plans and budgets with the management team to ensure synergy. The role also involves representing MSF South Asia in the Operational Centre Amsterdam – Management Team (OCA MT), contributing to international initiatives, managing external communications, fostering collaboration with the MSF South Asia Regional Association, and leading the Operational Directorate to achieve strategic goals.
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning
- Develop and implement annual strategic objectives and multi-year plans aligned with the MSF movement.
- Lead the annual planning process, setting priorities and allocating resources effectively.
- Ensure executive-level compliance with regulations and policies.
Steering and Management
- Lead and coach the MSF South Asia Management Team, including department heads and executive staff.
- Oversee legal entities and projects in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, including transitions and operations under MSF India.
- Ensure sustainable management of financial and human resources, including budget control and financial oversight.
- Uphold MSF’s ethical standards to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors.
Operational Centre (OC) Amsterdam – Management Team
- Lead a well-governed OC as part of the Executive Committee, ensuring high integrity.
- Represent MSF South Asia internationally, advocating for efficient power structures and contributing to the region’s climate change, diversity, equity, and environmental protection initiatives.
External Representation
- Act as spokesperson for MSF South Asia, maintaining brand awareness and advocating for MSF priorities.
- Represent MSF South Asia on various regional platforms.
MSF South Asia Regional Association
- Co-supervise the Regional Association Coordinator.
- Support MSF’s development, governance, and cohesive presence in the South Asia region.
Skills and Experience
- Master’s degree in humanitarian operations or a related field.
- 10+ years in international humanitarian aid or development, including fieldwork.
- 5+ years in senior management roles with strong leadership and team-building skills.
- Strategic, budget, and workforce planning.
- Comprehensive understanding of MSF’s social mission, principles, and organisational structure.
- Knowledge of international humanitarian issues and the regional political and legal context.
- Excellent communication, networking, and representation abilities.
- Ability to develop and execute strategic visions and manage specific projects.
- Proficient in written and spoken English.
- Commitment to MSF Principles and Values.
- Willingness to travel.