International Information Systems Coordinator – similar to Group Chief Information Officer (Group – CIO)

Position: International Information Systems Coordinator 

Location: Any MSF Office (*)

Contract: Fixed term contract at 100% 

Duration: 3-year term with possibility of 3 year renewal 

Starting date: ASAP

Deadline to apply: 18 December

Compensation and benefits: MSF practice is to offer the C&B package current in the MSF entity establishing the contract.

*By default, the successful candidate will be offered a contract in the MSF office of their country of residence at the time of application.

I. MSF INTERNATIONAL

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. 

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 24 sections, 27 associations and other offices together. Based in Geneva, MSF International (through the International Office functioning as its Secretariat and led by the International Secretary General) provides coordination, information and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.  

II. POSITION BACKGROUND

The International Information Systems Coordinator (IISC) is a role similar to a Group CIO; This role provides strategic and tactical leadership and organises daily support to MSF’s Information Systems Management (ISM) executive platform, for the overall definition, development and implementation of strategy for MSF information systems and information technology (IS). The ISM platform oversees decision-making and development for all aspects of international & intersectional IT/IS governance, projects and standards, including supporting the development of MSF’s Global Information Security Program. The IISC works to ensure the ISM is able to meet its responsibilities to the MSF movement, fostering collaboration across the global MSF IT organization and in close coordination with other international platforms, functional areas and entities. 

III. PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

The International Information Systems Coordinator is part of the International Office (IO) Management Team and represents the IT/IS function. She/he reports to the Deputy Secretary General and works closely with all heads of IT/IS throughout MSF and their teams, and especially with the members of the ISM: the heads of IT/IS in each Operational Centre (OC), two Partner Section representatives and the General Manager of MSF’s Shared IT Services (SITS). 

The IISC also sits on the Board of SITS, providing regular guidance and support to the SITS General Manager to fulfil the SITS strategy and action plan, ensuring the services of SITS are meeting the needs of the MSF movement at large. 

IV. OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION

The purpose of the position of International Information Systems Coordinator is to support the development of MSF’s IT/IS strategy and facilitate its implementation.  

This includes: 

• Lead the ISM platform to create cohesion across IT/IS groups within MSF, managing the ISM Coordination Team and overseeing the ISM working groups and all related ISM resources  

• Building and enhancing the global IT/IS portfolio to maximize synergies where possible and aligning with and contributing to MSF Common Strategic Priorities and other internationally agreed directions  

• Steering the development of MSF SITS and its services; 

• Lead development of global IT/IS and infosec policies, guidelines and standards; 

• Leading the development of MSF’s global IT governance structure and the IT organization; 

• Stewarding external partnerships with global technology suppliers, IT/IS leadership at peer NGOs and other organizations; 

• Facilitating ISM communication with the Executive Committee (i.e., MSF highest executive governance platform) , other international platforms, and  throughout MSF, being the focal point for the relationship IO – ISM; and 

• Through the IO management team, contributing to the direction and policies of the International Office. 

V.  MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

1. Coordinate the ISM platform and its resources. 

• Set the ISM’s agenda (based on agreed strategies and work plan) and chair ISM meetings or appoint a chair at the direction of the ISM; 

• Propose the budget and annual plans for the ISM and apply for additional resources for special projects using internal grant management and funding mechanisms; 

• Supervise the ISM Portfolio Manager, International Information Security Officer and ensure any other ISM Coordination Team members receive appropriate guidance and support; 

• Ensure appropriate participation of MSF Partner Sections and Branch Offices in ISM discussion, deliberation and decision-making; 

• Oversee the ongoing development of ISM working groups for Infrastructure, Application, Data & Analytics, and Information Security, including changes to the working group setup, any additional working groups that are formed and ad hoc task forces; 

• Ensure timely response, communication and action when confronted with major complex crises and global dossiers related to IT/IS and information security; 

2. Develop the global IT/IS portfolio. 

• Direct and organize appropriate aspects of the ISM’s work plan into dossiers, programs and projects, with the support of the ISM Portfolio Manager;

• Ensure global visibility on ISM initiatives, objectives, resource plans and timelines, including dependencies on other parts of the organization; 

• Monitor progress across key initiatives within the portfolio; 

3. Steer the development of MSF SITS and its Services. 

• Work in close collaboration with the SITS Board Chair to ensure all aspects of the SITS Board responsibilities are fulfilled, including recruitment and shared supervision of the SITS General Manager; 

• Establish the roadmap for an extension of SITS services, in partnership with the ISM members, to incorporate applications and data where applicable; 

• In collaboration with the SITS General Manager, develop processes for ensuring the SITS Service Portfolio & Catalogue are meeting the needs of MSF; 

4. Develop global IT/IS and information security policies, guidelines and standards. 

• Oversee development and documentation of key IT/IS policies, guidelines and standards as prioritized by the ISM, including the development of a framework for MSF’s Global Data Strategy and support the development of MSF’s Global Information Security Program; 

5. Lead the development of MSF’s global IT governance structure and the IT organization. 

• In close collaboration with ISM members, enhance MSF’s global IT governance structure to ensure strategic, tactical and operational layers are developed; 

• Clarify and resolve conflicts in decision-making for IT/IS and information security in close collaboration with key stakeholders, fostering effective collaboration across all MSF stakeholders working IT/IS and information security; 

• Work with the Heads of IT/IS of all MSF entities on exchanging best practices, collaboration on projects, exchange of staff, and sharing of tools; 

6. Steward external partnerships with global technology suppliers, IT/IS leadership at peer NGOs and other organizations. 

• In collaboration with SITS General Manager, steward key partnerships with global technology suppliers such as Microsoft and Adobe; 

• Develop network with IT/IS leadership in peer organizations, sharing information and best practices that will accelerate the development of MSF’s IT/IS and information security landscape. 

• Are you genuinely interested in the humanitarian principles and challenges of MSF?

• Do you understand the needs and constraints of an NGO field realities?  

• Do you have at least 5 years of experience in IT leadership for international organizations including, experience with IT governance, IT portfolio development, information security, vendor management, risk management and shared services?  

• Are you an excellent communicator, able to adapt to various technical and non-technical audiences? Do you have strong listening skills with acute sense of diplomacy and collaboration? Can you balance a customer-focused mindset while setting realistic expectations with internal stakeholders?  

• Do you take pride in leading and facilitating a senior group of IT leaders, to drive more alignment and contribute to a better IT landscape at MSF?

• Are you a strong team player used to navigate diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds? 

• Are you fluent in English? 

• Able to travel frequently, notably in Europe?  

If the answers are yes, yes and yes, then this role is for you, and we look forward to hearing from you 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At MSF, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.