Emergency Pool Coordinator

CONTEXT 

Within MSF Operational Centre Brussels (OCB), the Emergency Pool (Epool) is a core component of the Operations Department, enabling rapid and effective responses to acute crises including conflict, epidemics and natural disasters, while maintaining high standards of care. 

The Epool identifies and responds to emergencies where MSF has no established programme and provides surge capacity to existing programmes, potentially taking over operations when required. 

It is composed of a Coordinator, a Medical Deputy Coordinator and Emergency Coordinators (EmCos) based in Brussels, supported by technical teams. A pool of 25 to 30 Emergency Mobile staff (eMobile) ensures rapid deployment. 

Emergency Coordinators manage one or more responses simultaneously and work closely with stakeholders to design and implement adapted medical strategies. 

As the Emergency Pool Coordinator, you operate at the centre of this platform, holding decision-making, strategic, managerial and representational responsibility at OCB level, contributing to emergency positioning across the MSF movement and ensuring lessons learned strengthen operational practices. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Leadership and Governance 

• Define and evolve the Epool Intervention Framework with the Directors of Operations 

• Contribute to OCB operational strategy and emergency positioning 

• Lead the annual strategic review including priorities, capacity and resources 

• Ensure the Epool adapts to evolving crisis typologies 

• Develop tools and approaches to strengthen emergency response capacity 

Management of Emergency Interventions 

• Decide on activation and adjust engagement level with the Directors of Operations 

• Hold overall management of Epool-led interventions, including security, duty of care and quality 

• Participate in key emergency assignments and evaluations 

• Ensure security governance and escalate risk decisions when required 

• Oversee downscale and exit processes including continuity of care and communication 

• Ensure After Action Reviews and operational debriefings 

Support to Operational Cells 

• Support emergency preparedness planning and scenario definition 

• Define intervention modalities jointly with Cells 

• Provide expertise and adjust support based on evolving needs 

• Ensure availability of trained personnel 

• Promote sharing of learning across the Operations Department 

Team Management and Development 

• Recruit, manage and develop Epool team members 

• Promote knowledge sharing within the Epool 

• Ensure staff well-being and duty of care 

• Set objectives and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives 

Cross Department Collaboration 

• Maintain strong collaboration with all OCB departments 

• Ensure learning is integrated into standards and tools 

• Contribute to governance bodies and strategic initiatives 

• Support development of emergency-specific tools and procedures 

Safeguarding and Protection 

• Ensure safeguarding is systematically integrated from the start of every intervention 

• Work with the Safeguarding Unit on mitigation strategies 

• Ensure Duty of Care for all staff including Locally Hired Staff 

Témoignage and Public Communication 

• Lead ‘speaking out’ efforts for Epool contexts 

• Ensure communication is grounded in medical evidence and programme realities 

• Align communication strategies with key stakeholders 

• Contribute to internal and external debates on humanitarian response 

Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Scanning 

• Monitor emerging crises and maintain analysis networks 

• Lead exploratory assessments 

• Define scenarios and preparedness tools 

• Support training and promote preparedness principles 

• Encourage innovation to improve response mechanisms 

Budget Management 

• Oversee intervention budgets and unit budget 

• Contribute to allocation discussions 

Representation and Coordination 

• Represent MSF in key internal and external fora 

• Coordinate with other MSF Operational Centres 

• Engage with authorities, UN agencies and partners 

• Ensure visibility and understanding of Epool operations internally and externally 

REQUIREMENTS 

Education & Experience 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience with MSF in a senior management role such as Country Coordinator, Country Representative, Emergency Coordinator, Medical Coordinator, or at HQ as Emergency Coordinator (EmCo) or Coordinator of Operations 

• Experience at HQ level is a strong asset 

• Experience in managing complex emergency responses across multiple crisis typologies, including conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and population displacement 

• Strong knowledge of MSF, including its organisational structure, operational approach, and contexts in countries of operation, particularly in emergency intervention environments 

• Experience in managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, including remote management 

• Proven track record of working across institutional boundaries, including collaboration with multiple departments, MSF sections, and external partners 

Competencies 

• Strategic vision with the ability to translate direction into operational practice under uncertainty and time pressure 

• Collective leadership able to work across disciplines and cultures, build trust quickly and ensure shared accountability 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a clear sense of dialogue internally and externally 

• Moral courage and empathy with the ability to take difficult decisions under pressure while upholding the dignity of affected populations 

• Resilience under pressure sustaining performance in challenging conditions and recognising when to redistribute responsibilities 

• Anticipation and prioritisation able to identify key priorities and act before situations escalate 

• Analytical and writing skills capable of producing concise high-quality documents such as Concept Notes strategic reviews and AARs in emergency contexts 

• Representation and influence able to represent MSF credibly and defend its positions in complex environments 

Languages 

• Proficient level in French and English both written and spoken is mandatory 

• Good knowledge of Arabic, Portuguese or Spanish is an asset 

CONDITIONS 

• Expected starting date: October 2026 

• Location: Brussels (Belgium) 

• Mobility: Frequent project visits and deployments 

• Contract Type: mandate of 4 years (extendable for max. 2 more years) – Full time  

• Salary according to MSF-OCB HQ grid   

• Meal Vouchers - Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs   

• Relocation package in accordance with MSF policy for non-Belgian residents  

• Homeworking as per MSF policy  

• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment   

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments   

Deadline for applications: 2nd of August 2026 

How to apply?  

• Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button  

• You will be directed to the online application form for this position  

• It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter (in PDF format) ready to upload    

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted 

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.   

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