HEAD OF MIDDLE EAST UNIT/ DEPUTY HEAD OF OPERATIONAL CELL 1 (DRECO), (BASED IN AMMAN)
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Do your skills and experience not precisely match the requirements? MSF-OCBA is an organization committed to promoting diversity and equity by providing equal access to professional opportunities. We understand that women, people of colour, indigenous individuals, members of the LGTBI+ community, and other underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply for employment if they don't meet all the requirements. At MSF-OCBA, we strive to create a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. Therefore, if you're interested in this position but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the selection criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the ideal candidate for this or other positions.
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 JOD divided 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.
HOW TO APPLY
- To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter.
- Closing date: January 25th, 2026, 23:59 CET (Central European Time).
MSF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, race, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to achieving a balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. MSF provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo reference checks.
Médecins Sans Frontières, as a responsible employer, under the¨Ley General de la Discapacidad de 2013 (LGD)¨ invite those persons with a recognized disability and with an interest in the humanitarian area to apply for the above-mentioned position.