Strategic Plan Coordinator at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Job Summary

The Strategic Planning Coordinator will spearhead the creation of Ubuntu’s new strategic framework through a collaborative, inclusive process that aligns with the organization's mission and long-term objectives. This role involves engaging stakeholders, conducting thorough assessments, analysing priorities, and delivering a comprehensive strategic plan to guide Ubuntu’s growth and impact over the next three to six years. This role offers an opportunity to shape the future of Ubuntu by developing a strategic framework that drives meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

Preparation:

• Facilitate an inception workshop with the Management Team (MT) and Council to define project scope, methodology, and timelines.
• Develop and present an inception report containing key deliverables, methodology, and contextual analysis.

Review, Assess, and Analyse:

• Lead participatory consultations with stakeholders, including MT members, Working Group Leads, Departments, and external partners.
• Conduct a review of organizational documents (e.g. vision, mission, strategic priorities).
• Facilitate workshops, meetings, and interviews to gather insights from internal and external stakeholders.
• Design and implement participatory methodologies such as surveys or assemblies to collect input from frontline staff.
• Produce a comprehensive assessment report highlighting critical issues, contextual challenges, gaps, and opportunities.

Strategic Plan Development:

• Analyse feedback and data collected during the assessment phase.
• Formulate a strategic framework addressing:
• Ubuntu’s long-term vision and impact goals (3–6 years).
• Strategic positioning as a global humanitarian actor
• Key strategies and initiatives to achieve organizational objectives.
• Risk identification and mitigation strategies.
• Metrics for progress evaluation.
• Stakeholder engagement plans and resource requirements (e.g., financial, human capital).
• Internal capacity-building strategies.

Validation and Approval:

• Draft the strategic framework document outlining objectives, expected outcomes, and monitoring indicators.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations to refine the draft framework.
• Support the Council in approving the final strategic plan.
• Oversee dissemination and implementation of the strategy across Ubuntu.

Success Metrics: 

• Delivery of a comprehensive strategic plan within agreed timelines.
• Stakeholder satisfaction with the inclusiveness of the process.

• Alignment of the new strategy with Ubuntu’s mission and long-term goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Change Management, Business Management or Economics.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in strategic planning;
• Experience in organizational and change management an advantage.
• Good understanding of the institutional functioning of an MSF Operational Centers / ODs (MSF governance).
• Proven excellent communication and facilitation skills, including in multicultural settings;
• Advanced knowledge of MSF operational, medical and institutional stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of design and implementation of participatory group methodologies.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Very good interpersonal and networking skills.
• Proven experience in strategic planning or consultancy roles within nonprofit or humanitarian organizations.
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in data interpretation and contextual analysis.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into actionable plans.

Competences:

• Ability to work autonomously and to deadlines, prioritising workload and managing multiple competing demands from various stakeholders.
• Strong ability to structure, organize, and coordinate the entire strategic planning process, ensuring clarity and alignment at every stage.
•  Ability to synthesize complex information, identify key trends, and translate insights into strategic recommendations.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to navigate diverse viewpoints and build consensus.
• Ability to work flexibly, switching between high-level strategy and detailed planning as required.
• Capacity to remain focused and calm under pressure while managing ambiguity and competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate across teams and functions.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across the organization, using diplomacy, tact, and empathy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks, anticipate challenges, and propose solutions.
• Ethical judgment, critical thinking, and a structured approach to decision-making and policy implementation.
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust, and Empowerment.
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments.