General Coordinator (Head of Mission) – 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 here and abroad. It has continued to bear witness to obstacles that exist in accessing healthcare 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 France currently works in 30 countries across all continents to facilitate access to healthcare through 6 political battles:

• Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
• Migration, Exile, Human Rights and Health
• Harm Reduction
• Environment and Health
• Humanitarian Space
• Healthcare systems and rights

Context

MdM France has operated in Afghanistan from 1982 to 2012, implementing projects in 6 different provinces across the country. Following the instauration of a “Pay for Performance” scheme for the management of the health system by the World Bank, MdM decided to step out and switched to a drug users risk reduction program from 2005. In 2012, these activities have been handed over to a national NGO and MdM left Afghanistan.

Following Taleban takeover of power in August 2021, the cumulative effects of the conflict, international sanctions and the economic crisis 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.

MdM was registered again in April 2022 and launched its first activities in Kabul in June. We are currently operating in Kabul and Wardak provinces, with a program aimed at increasing access to integrated primary healthcare services – including nutrition and MHPSS – for the most vulnerable communities. In Kabul we currently support one district hospital and two comprehensive health centers, and in Wardak we support two basic health centers. In addition, through its historic local partner Bridge, MdM supports harm reduction activities for drug users in Kabul.

The longer-term strategy envisages the expansion of activities in additional provinces, particularly in western Afghanistan, with a focus on nutrition and SRH.

Job Decription

Under the supervision of the desk manager Eurasia, you are responsible for the overall management of the Afghanistan mission.

Your main responsibilities are the following:

• Recruit, manage, train and motivate the mission’s team
• Define the operational and advocacy strategy together with the coordination team, the desk manager and the volunteer board delegates of the mission
• Plan and monitor activities, implement corrective action when necessary, providing technical support to the team
• Represent MdM with authorities, local actors, partners, donors and the media
• Monitor partnership agreements with partners, authorities and donors, seek out and develop new partnerships, and ensure or supervise fundraising
• Ensure the financial coverage of the mission by leading fundraising and budget management
• Draft, adapt and monitor safety regulations and procedures and coordinate crisis management in the region
• Implement and monitor the application of MdM’s programmatic and support services framework, policies and procedures
• Supervise reporting to MdM and donors

Required profile

• University degree in line with position
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector
• Previous experience as a coordinator mandatory
• Proven managerial experience within complex/insecure environments
• Solid experience in representation with humanitarian actors, authorities and donors
• Strong knowledge of the humanitarian sector (donors, UN, NGOs, frameworks, standards, etc.)
• Experience in challenging negotiations
• Substantial experience in safety and security management
• Good understanding of support services tools and guidelines
• Ability to plan, manage and adapt a project, including in emergency situations
• Ability to understand national and regional strategies and donors, negotiate with donors and the authorities
• Experience in managing medical program in an asset
• Previous experience in Afghanistan is an asset
• Previous experience with MdM is an asset
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint…)
• Mapping skills with Google Earth or ArcGIS
• Languages: fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory (minimum C1 level), knowledge of French, Dari or Pashto is an asset
• You embrace the core values and support the proactive philosophy of Médecins du Monde

Conditions of employment

• Starting date : beginning of May 2025
• 6-month contract (renewable)
• Gross monthly salary: €3,570
• Position based in Kabul, Afghanistan (single departure) 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
• R&R every 3 months including flight ticket (capped) and per diem
• 22.5 recovery days per year
• 5 weeks of paid leaves per year
• Health insurance (50% covered by MdM and 50% by the employee)
• Insurance (repatriation…)

Médecins du Monde promotes trainings and internal mobility

As part of our measures to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism, any selected candidate may be subject to a background check on international sanctions lists (UN, the EU, France, the United States…). This information is handled confidentially and stored on a secure server. For more information on the processing of personal data throughout this process: http://bit.ly/3CSTDYO

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.