Head of Medical Unit

Mdecins Sans Frontires/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international independent medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by conflict epidemics disasters or exclusion from healthcare. MSFs actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality independence and neutrality.

MSF Australias Medical Unit operates as a vital component of the Medical Department of OCP (Operational Centre Paris) positioned within the hierarchical structure under the oversight of the MSF Sydney Executive Director and functionally reporting to the MSF OCP Medical Director. MSF Australia Medical Unit is responsible for medical support and expertise in Womens and Childrens Health and the care of survivors of Sexual Violence. It also provides a direct link to Operations for MSF Australia Communications Fundraising and Human Resources departments.

In 2023 MSF completed an evaluation of both the New York and Sydney Medical Units assessing their potential future impact over a 510 year period. The selected candidate will play a key role in shaping the Sydney Medical Units vision and future direction.

Benefits

• Flexible & hybrid working arrangements
• Salary packaging benefits
• Amazing culture & career development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness classes
• Additional leave
• Monthly afternoons off!
• Plus so much more!!

Responsibilities

This impactful 7month Parental Leave contract has the following three distinct accountabilities:

Domestically as part of the MSF Australian Executive Leadership Team and reporting to the Executive Director Australia you will provide strategic direction and content contribution across policy annual planning and budgets; communicate with the MSFA Board and Association; and project management for the Sydney Medical Unit (MU).

Internationally under the functional hierarchy of the medical director and/or delegation to the medical deputy you will manage and give clinical guidance to a team of 10 Medical Advisors and Coordination staff and contribute to MSFs social mission by providing leadership medical expertise and advocacy across the following accountabilities:

• Cocreation of medicooperational policy annual and strategic planning and priorities;
• Pertinent contextadapted medical support;
• Continual improvement of quality of care and respect for medical ethics;
• Conducting operational research and new medical approaches;
• Advocacy based on field needs our experience and research results;
• Actively participate in the elaboration and facilitation of training; and
• Develop links between MSF and the medical world.

And overall this vital role within the medical leadership team and broader OCP Medical Department will participate in shaping the future vision and strategy of the Sydney MU through the proposition of new models. You will take a holistic approach to synergising and optimising the interactions between the domestic and international responsibilities of the role to achieve the most comprehensive and effective outcomes.

Requirements

To succeed in this influential position you will be recognised for your natural talent in negotiation proactive approach and pragmatic solutionorientated mindset. Your knowledge of and an established network within the Australian Public Health sector will be well regarded. Ideally you can demonstrate the following:

• Minimum 2 years MSF field experience plus Coordination or HQ experience
• Demonstrated medical thought leadership (contributed to medical strategies research or publications
• Experience managing complex projects
• Senior Leadership in a complex crosscultural organisation with delocalised teams and projects
• Excellent written and verbal communications (oral English: C2 and good French language skills); and
• Comfort working outside standard office hours and availability to travel (MSF projects and between Paris/Sydney).
• Nurse Medical Doctor or related health qualifications. Candidates from nonclinical backgrounds with strong management and leadership credentials may be considered.
• Previous experience in operational research management is desirable.

Applications

Select the Apply button and upload your resume and cover letter via the MSFA Careers Portal

Applications will be reviewed on receipt with the intention to a view to appoint as soon as possible. The position will be available to start asap.

Applications close 21/5/25

Application considerations:

• The successful candidate will ideally be based in Sydney however remote working will be considered. For those outside of Aust or NZ contract parameters will be defined according to HR legislation for the contracting office (conditions and remuneration to be confirmed at the time of offer according to working rights for the location of the successful applicant).
• This is a fulltime position however a part time role with modified scope may be considered.

For more information see the job description or contact MSFA Recruitment onwith any questions.

At MSF Australia we believe the following five values form the foundations of our culture Transparency Respect Understanding of Diversity Stepping In and CollaboraTion.

We value T.R.U.S.T as an essential element to how we operate and believe that these organisation values flow from this trust that we build.

MSF Australia (MSFA) is committed to developing diversity equity and inclusion in our workplace and fostering a culture of belonging for all our staff. We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better achieve our social mission of providing aid without agenda. We strongly encourage First Nations peoples people from LGBTQIA communities people from diverse cultures and language groups and people who live with a disability to apply. We invite all requests for a reasonable adjustment to the recruitment process if this will support your application. For more information call or email MSFA Human Resources on

MSF Australia has a Child Protection Policy and COVID19 vaccination policy in place all employees are required to comply with these policies.

In support of the Child Protection Policy a criminal background check will be required during the recruitment process for selected candidates. A criminal record will not automatically preclude anyone from the position they have been selected for.