Deputy Operations Manager (Deputy Reco) Cell 2 (Based in Dakar)

The Deputy Operations Manager supports the Operations Manager in defining strategic orientations, overseeing mission planning and implementation, and ensuring the effective functioning of Operational Cell 2. The role contributes to contextual analysis, operational decision-making, knowledge management, emergency preparedness and response, and coordination across technical and support departments.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to organisational and operational strategy by supporting analysis, reflection and positioning on humanitarian crises and dilemmas to inform decision-making.
• Support the definition of operational strategies for missions by conducting contextual analyses and ensuring alignment with MSF operational policies.
• Coordinate and consolidate mission planning and budgeting processes to ensure coherence between annual operational plans, priorities and allocated resources.
• Supervise and support the implementation of operational plans to ensure quality, relevance, accountability and impact of interventions responding to population needs.
• Coordinate operational support across technical and support services to ensure integrated and timely assistance to missions.
• Strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacity within the assigned portfolio through monitoring, guidance and coordination.
• Ensure effective functioning of the Operational Cell by supporting coordination, communication and decision-making processes.
• Promote information and knowledge management by ensuring documentation, learning and capitalisation processes (including evaluations and close collaboration with the learning unit) are applied and maintained.
• Acts as deputy to the Operations Manager and replaces them in their absence.
• Supports security management in coordination with logistics and security advisors.
• Provides induction/coaching to new management members at mission level.
• Supports development of national staff and gender equality strategies in collaboration with HR.
• Assures gap-filling of senior coordination positions in his/her portfolio.
• Participate proactively in Interdesk meetings.
• Contributes to advocacy, communication, networking and positioning strategies related to operations.
• Facilitates coordination with decentralised units and emerging MSF entities.
• Supports the implementation of transversal processes (Safeguarding/Behaviour, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Patient Centred Approach/Protection)

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience with MSF.
• Previous experience as Head of Mission.
• Proven experience in emergency response contexts.
• Essential: Fluent English and French.
• Desirable: Spanish or Arabic.

Skills

• Emergency Response
• Mission Planning
• Operational Coordination
• Contextual Analysis
• Knowledge Management
• Strategic Orientation
• Operations Management
• Bilingual Communication
• French
• English

Languages

English, French, Spanish, Arabic