Deputy Project Coordinator at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Main purpose

As Deputy Project Coordinator, you will play a key role in ensuring that MSF’s activities in Dagahaley respond effectively to the needs of refugee and host communities.

Working closely with the Project Coordinator, you will help shape project objectives and priorities by analysing the humanitarian and security context, identifying the population’s health needs, assessing operational risks and constraints, and determining the resources required to deliver meaningful and sustainable results.

You will contribute to the overall coordination, supervision and follow-up of project activities, helping teams work effectively across functions and ensuring that operations remain aligned with MSF’s principles, strategic priorities and quality standards.

The role offers substantial responsibility and exposure to both strategic and day-to-day project management. Depending on operational needs, the Project Coordinator will delegate specific areas of responsibility to you, allowing you to take ownership of key dossiers and support continuity in project leadership. You will also act on behalf of the Project Coordinator during periods of absence.

Accountabilities

The DPC’s main accountabilities are:

• Contribute to the analysis of the political, humanitarian, economic and social context in the project area to ensure that MSF’s charter, policies and image are respected by national staff, local communities, authorities and partners.
• Support the Project Coordinator (PC) in the planning, implementation, monitoring and follow-up of all project activities in line with the project objectives, MSF operational policies and strategic priorities.
• Participate in project security management, including the regular review and update of security guidelines and procedures.
• Upon delegation from the PC, represent MSF at project level with local authorities, media, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, and support the negotiation of collaboration agreements. Legal representation may only be delegated through formal authorization where applicable.
• Support the PC in the planning, organization and day-to-day management of project human resources, including staff induction, supervision, performance evaluation and identification of training and development needs.
• Participate in exploratory and assessment missions as requested by the PC to better understand the context, priorities, operational constraints and population needs.

MSF’s Dagahaley Project operates a 750 staff level 3 hospital and primary health providing health services to both the refugee population of 150.000 in the Dagahaley Refugee Camp and the host community. We do this in a remote area near the porous Somali border and in a complex and unpredictable environment affected by insecurity linked to elements operating from Somalia.

In this context, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the safe and effective management of project activities.

Context-specific accountabilities include:

• Monitoring and analysing contextual and security developments and supporting the implementation of appropriate safety and security measures for staff and operations.
• Maintaining regular engagement with local stakeholders, authorities and community representatives.
• Developing, maintaining and following up on key contacts and networks relevant to project implementation and acceptance.
• Ensuring adherence to MSF policies, protocols and operational standards.
• Promoting and safeguarding MSF’s principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality at all times.
• Acting as a liaison between MSF, local communities and beneficiaries to support acceptance and communication.
• Remaining flexible and responsive to operational needs that may arise outside regular working hours.
• Demonstrating a strong understanding of the context in North-Eastern Kenya, including local dynamics, clan structures and cultural practices.

Requirements

Education

• Preferably a medical or paramedical qualification or university-level studies.

Experience

• Previous experience of at least two years in humanitarian aid with MSF or another international NGO
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or managerial experience
• Experience working in developing countries and/or remote or hardship locations.
• Security management and context analysis in volatile or insecure environments.
• Stakeholder management and community engagement, including collaboration with local authorities, community leaders, and humanitarian actors.

Languages

• English is required; Kiswahili and Somali are assets

Knowledge

• Essential computer literacy (Office package and internet)

Competencies

• Strategic vision.
• Leadership.
• Representation.
• Context understanding and context navigation.
• Networking with stakeholders.
• People Management.
• Planning and teamwork.