Head of Medical Unit

MSF Domestic Human Resources; Sydney; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The MSF Australia Medical Unit seeks a strategic leader for a 7-month parental leave contract role in Sydney. You'll manage a medical team, contribute to policy development, and enhance care standards. Ideal candidates will possess clinical qualifications and significant leadership experience.

Benefits

Flexible & hybrid working arrangements

Salary packaging benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness classes

Additional leave

Monthly afternoons off

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of MSF field experience plus coordination or HQ experience.
• Excellent communication skills in English (C2 level) and good French language skills are ideal.
• Experience managing complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversee project management for the Sydney Medical Unit.
• Manage and provide clinical guidance to a team of Medical Advisors.
• Co-create medico-operational policies and enhance quality of care.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership

Communication in English

Flexibility

Education

Nurse, Medical Doctor, or related health field qualifications

Job description

Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organization providing emergency aid to those affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Guided by medical ethics, MSF operates on principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality.

MSF Australia's Medical Unit is a key part of the Medical Department of OCP (Operational Centre Paris), reporting hierarchically to the MSF Sydney Executive Director and functionally to the MSF OCP Medical Director. It offers medical support and expertise in Women's and Children's Health and the care of sexual violence survivors, serving as a bridge to MSF Australia's Operations, Communications, Fundraising, and Human Resources departments.

In 2023, MSF evaluated both the New York and Sydney Medical Units to assess their potential future impact over a 5-10 year period. The successful candidate will help shape the Sydney Medical Unit's vision and strategic direction.

• Flexible & hybrid working arrangements
• Salary packaging benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness classes
• Additional leave
• Monthly afternoons off

Responsibilities

This impactful 7-month parental leave contract has three core responsibilities:

Domestically, as part of the MSF Australia Executive Leadership Team and reporting to the Executive Director Australia, you will provide strategic leadership, contribute to policy, annual planning, and budgeting, communicate with the MSFA Board, and oversee project management for the Sydney Medical Unit.

Internationally, under the hierarchy of the medical director or delegated medical deputy, you will manage and provide clinical guidance to a team of 10 Medical Advisors and coordination staff, contributing to MSF’s social mission through leadership, medical expertise, and advocacy in areas such as:

• Co-creating medico-operational policies and strategic plans
• Providing relevant medical support in context
• Enhancing quality of care and adhering to medical ethics
• Conducting operational research and exploring new medical approaches
• Advocating based on field needs and research findings
• Participating in training development and facilitation
• Building links between MSF and the medical community

This role, within the medical leadership team and broader OCP Medical Department, will influence the future vision and strategy of the Sydney MU, fostering integration of domestic and international responsibilities for optimal outcomes.

Requirements

To succeed, you should be recognized for your negotiation skills, proactive approach, and pragmatic mindset. A strong network within the Australian Public Health sector is advantageous. Ideally, you will demonstrate:

• At least 2 years of MSF field experience plus coordination or HQ experience
• Leadership in medical research, strategies, or publications
• Experience managing complex projects
• Senior leadership experience in a multicultural, decentralized organization
• Excellent communication skills in English (C2 level) and good French language skills
• Flexibility to work outside standard hours and travel as needed
• Qualifications such as Nurse, Medical Doctor, or related health field; candidates with strong management credentials from non-clinical backgrounds may also be considered
• Experience in operational research management is desirable

Applications

Apply via the MSFA Careers Portal by uploading your resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, with the aim to appoint as soon as possible. The position is available immediately.

Additional Information

• While based in Sydney is preferred, remote work options will be considered. Contract details will align with HR legislation based on the candidate's location.
• This is a full-time role; part-time options with adjusted scope may be available.
• For more details, contact MSFA Recruitment.

MSF Australia values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from First Nations peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, culturally diverse groups, and individuals with disabilities. We support reasonable adjustments during recruitment. MSF Australia maintains Child Protection and COVID-19 vaccination policies, and a criminal background check will be required for selected candidates.