HEAD OF MIDDLE EAST UNIT/ DEPUTY HEAD OF OPERATIONAL CELL 1 (DRECO)

ABOUT THE ROLE

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – OCBA is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead our Middle East Unit (MEU) and act as Deputy Head of Operational Cell 1 (Deputy RECO).

This “double hat” position combines strategic leadership of OCBA’s Amman Hub and CAHM (Center for Advancement of Humanitarian Medicine) with operational support for missions in complex humanitarian contexts such as Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Palestine.

The role requires strong strategic vision, management and operational experience, and the ability to foster constructive collaboration across MSF sections and external stakeholders in the Middle East. You will lead the MEU to enhance support to operations, represent OCBA in Amman and the region, promote synergies with other sections, and ensure that our operations remain relevant, high-impact, and aligned with MSF’s values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership – Amman Hub & CAHM

• Develop and implement a multi-year vision and work plan for OCBA’s Amman Hub and CAHM.
• Manage resources, budgets, and planning for OCBA’s presence in Amman.
• Represent OCBA in intersectional boards, steering committees, and with Jordanian authorities and external regional bodies based in Amman and elsewhere in the region.
• Promote mutualization and synergies with other MSF sections and humanitarian actors in the region.
• Lead the CAHM team, ensuring alignment with operational needs and fostering partnerships for humanitarian medicine advancement.

Operational Support – Deputy RECO

• Support strategic orientations, project design, and management for missions in the Middle East.
• Contribute to context analysis, security strategies, and operational decision-making.
• Ensure multidisciplinary support to field teams and facilitate knowledge management.
• Act as focal point for mission support in Amman and represent OCBA in regional networking and partnership initiatives.
• Replace the RECO when required and participate in emergency response and critical incident management.

What We Are Looking For

Education & Skills

• Advanced degree in Human Sciences, International Relations, Public Health, Political Science, or related field.
• Medical or paramedical background is an asset.
• Strong analytical skills to translate complex contexts into actionable strategies.
• Fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with new IT tools and AI.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership and strategic management experience.
• At least 3 years in humanitarian operations management with MSF, including roles as Field Coordinator and Head of Mission in conflict settings.
• Proven expertise in humanitarian affairs, networking, and context analysis.

CONDITIONS

• Based in Amman MSF OCBA HUB with travel 30% - 40% of the time to the field (on short notice).
• Full time position.
• Annual Gross Salary: level HQ-5A (48.260 JODdivided in 12 monthly payments) + secondary benefits based on MSF OCBA Reward Policy. Subjected to local conditions.
• Duration: Minimum of 3-year moral commitment, with a maximum term of 6 years.
• Starting Date: March/April 2026.