Deputy Head of Mission

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, humanitarian, non-governmental organisation providing assistance to people in need as a result of natural and man-made disasters, irrespective of race, religion, ideology or politics. 

  

We are seeking to employ a candidate for the following position: 

Deputy Head of Mission 

Place of work: Erbil 

Deadline for application: 4/07/2026 

Main purpose of the job: 

Supporting the Head of Mission through delegated tasks and responsibilities, managing the day-to-day functioning of the capital office and team, ensuring contacts with local authorities according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to contribute to the optimal functioning of the mission. The Deputy Head of Mission replaces the Head of Mission in their absence.  

Accountabilities:  

• Contributing to the mission-wide strategy; including the Country Policy, Annual Plan, budget and policy frameworks: -Monitoring the annual plan to ensure alignment with MSF strategies and Mission policies

• Representing MSF towards other actors at national level, and supporting the Project Coordinator with representation at local level.

• Contributing to the analysis of the political, humanitarian and medical situation in the country and in the region. Identifying potential fields of intervention and determining response strategies. Supporting the Head of Mission in the preparation of project proposals and project reports for donors.

• Contributing to the planning and implementation of medical-humanitarian activities in the mission according to MSF standards and protocols, their monitoring and evaluation, as well as their outcomes

• Coordinating, in close cooperation with the Medco, the emergency response procedures and when necessary participating in exploratory missions.

• Ensuring proper planning and coordination of resources in the projects in order to implement MSF activities:

• Providing support to all project coordinators in project management, and preparation of project reports.

• In cooperation with the Medco supporting the PCs in the planning and control exercises.

• Managing the Capital Office team.

• Supporting the Head of Mission in implementing all Human Resources-policies ensuring that MSF acts as a responsible employer in terms of working conditions and reduction of security and health risks.

• Monitoring, analyzing and ensuring the implementation of the local security plans

• Guaranteeing and coordinating the implementation of the security framework and ensuring the understanding thereof within the mission, informing the Head of mission on potential security risks, incidents and context changes
• Performing tasks delegated ad hoc by the Head of Mission depending on the dimension of the mission and taking into consideration sustainability in the treatment of the dossiers

 

What we offer: 

• Legal contract and pay in accordance with MSF Salary Grid Level 13 (position will be appointed under a local contract).

• This is an 18-month fixed term contract, based in Erbil (with an expected 50/70% presence in Baghdad and/or other project locations).

• The chance to gain professional development and to develop (career path, training, etc.) within the organisation.

• The opportunity to contribute to our objective of saving lives, alleviating suffering and working with those most in need.

Specific requirements for the role:  

Education	University degree. Desirable degree in project management or HR management.
Experience	Must have 5 years previous MSF experience as either a Project Coordinator and/or Head of Mission Advisor. Experience in humanitarian assistance work Working experience in developing countries
Languages	Essential requirement for professional proficiency in Arabic, Kurdish and English
Knowledge	Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet).
Competencies	Strategic vision Leadership People Management and Development Service Orientation Team work and Cooperation

  

 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their complete application file (Updated 2 page CV + motivation cover letter + Certifications & Diploma + ID Card + References). Only applications with complete documentation will be considered.

 

By email to MSFCH-Baghdad-Recruitment@geneva.msf.org 

Please indicate “BGD – Supply Chain Supervisor” in the e-mail title.

 

We encourage all applicants to submit a motivation cover letter that introduces themselves, outlines their motivation for applying, and highlights their suitability for the role. Your resume should clearly present your experience, key responsibilities, and demonstrated skill set. This information is essential for us to assess your fit for the position and understand how your background aligns with the job requirements.

 

Only English CVs are considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. (Please make sure your email and phone number are updated)

Your application will not be returned to you at any stage of the recruitment process.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.

 

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your data will be treated confidentially. Only people part of the recruitment process has access to your data. MSF does not sell your data under any circumstances. If you have any questions or requests, you can contact msfch-Baghdad-recruitment@geneva.msf.org.