Director of Operations – MSF Ubuntu

Doctors Without Borders Southern Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading humanitarian organization in Johannesburg seeks a Director of Operations to lead strategic operations across Eastern and Southern Africa. The role involves overseeing project execution, managing security, and fostering collaboration with communities. Applicants need at least 12 years in humanitarian programs and strong leadership skills. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of additional languages is an asset. This position offers impactful work in a challenging yet rewarding environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years’ experience in humanitarian programs.
• At least 7 years with MSF or similar INGO.
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian context.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational strategy and multi-year plans.
• Provide oversight of all projects and country programs.
• Design security management policies.

Skills

Humanitarian programme experience

Managing complex operations

Leading multicultural teams

Fluency in English

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Job title : Director of Operations – MSF Ubuntu

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg Deadline : August 21, 2025 Quick Recommended Links

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Purpose of the role

As Director of Operations (DO), the role will lead the strategic operational direction of MSF Ubuntu, rooted in Eastern and Southern Africa, while acting globally.

The position is responsible for overseeing the design, execution and evolution of the operational portfolio, ensuring alignment with MSF Ubuntu’s core concepts : community leadership, interdependence, maximising sustainable outcomes, accountability, and locally rootedness.

The role will be accountable for translating MSF Ubuntu’s medical-humanitarian mission into transformative and high-impact operations, while also anchoring our decision-making in community needs to deliver a people-centred approach.

Job Dimensions

Reports to : General Director, MSF Ubuntu

Location : Johannesburg or Nairobi, with frequent regional and international travel (30–40%)

Team Management : Supervises a multidisciplinary team of Country Operational Managers, Head of Community Engagement, Head of Analysis, Advocacy, Representation & Networking and the Head of the MSF Ubuntu E- Team

Budget Responsibility : Shared oversight of multi-million-euro portfolio and operational resource allocation

Organisational Integration : Member of Ubuntu Executive Management Team, and contributor to RIOD (International Platform of Operational Directors)

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

Lead the formulation and evolution of MSF Ubuntu’s operational strategy, including multi-year and annual operational plans.

Ensure integration of Ubuntu’s foundational concepts, including community- led approaches, decentralised leadership, and accountability into core operation activities of the OD.

Champion agile and adaptive programming that reflects the changing humanitarian landscape

Operational Oversight & Performance

Provide strategic oversight across all active projects and country programmes

Approve project lifecycle decisions : community engagement, start-up, expansion, scale-back and handover

Monitor the quality of care and operational effectiveness, embedding MEAL principles and patient / community feedback mechanisms

Security & Risk Management

Design proactive and inclusive security management policies that prioritize community acceptance, contextual awareness, and risk mitigation strategies.

Continuously assess operational environments (including conflict zones, unstable regions, or health emergencies) to adapt security protocols accordingly.

Foster trust and collaboration with local communities, authorities, and other NGOs to enhance security through acceptance and understanding of MSF expectations.

Participate in Critical Incident Management structures and uphold MSF’s duty of care to staff and patients.

Ensure rapid and coordinated responses to security breaches, critical security incidents, or medical emergencies.

People Leadership & Team Development

Manage and mentor a diverse team of senior operational staff, fostering leadership growth and accountability

Uphold MSF Ubuntu’s EDI and blended staffing principles

Lead performance management and development planning for all direct reports

Interdependence, Partnerships & Representation

Cultivate collaborative alliances within MSF and with key external actors : Ministries of Health, civil society, academia, and humanitarian stakeholders

Represent MSF Ubuntu in MSF international platforms (RIOD), and in media or advocacy spaces when relevant

Strengthen ties with affected communities, supporting their voice in operational choices and public positioning

Innovation, Advocacy, and Medical Leadership

Drive operational innovation aligned with Ubuntu’s people-centred and maximising sustainable outcomes frameworks

Collaborate with the Medical Director and technical referents to ensure medical strategy is embedded in operational planning

Promote evidence-based advocacy, operational communications and the Ubuntu principle of “Speaking Out”

Experience, Qualifications, and Skills

Essential

At least 12 years’ humanitarian programme experience, including as Head of Mission or equivalent senior leadership role

At least 7 years’ humanitarian programme experience with MSF.

Proven expertise in managing complex medical-humanitarian operations and navigating high-risk environments

Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary, multicultural teams

Strong understanding of the global political, humanitarian and medical context

Budgeting and resource allocation for large-scale, multi-country operations

Fluency in English required

Desirable

Prior experience with MSF or similar INGO.

French, Portuguese, Swahili or Arabic are strong assets

Core Competencies

Strategic Vision & Adaptive Leadership

Inclusive and People-Centred Approach

Risk Management & Operational Decision-Making

Cross-Cultural Communication & Negotiation

Transformational Leadership and Innovation

Crisis and Security Management

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