Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters or exclusion from healthcare. MSF’s actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality.
As a movement MSF will be starting a new planning cycle from 2026, with the Strategic Planning and Resource Cycle (SPARC) in place to provide a framework for members to align with and to ensure alignment with the evolving needs of our patients.
The MSF Australia Board plays a pivotal role in defining and guiding MSFA’s strategic direction, with the development of our vision being an essential part of this strategic process. To achieve this, MSFA will be asking, "What is our preferred future?"
Responsibilities of your role
Reporting into the MSFA President of the Board and supporting the Executive Manager this Consultancy role (working approx. 25 to 35 days between Dec 24’ and July 25’) will work closely with the MSF Australia Board and Executive Manager to develop the vision and overarching goals for 2026 to 2031, providing oversight to ensure that the strategic plan aligns with MSF’s objectives.
You will conduct essential strategic planning analysis, facilitate the creation of the vision statement and key goals, and assist both the Board and Executive Manager to deliver the strategic plan for the 2026-2031 period.
The strategic development process will involve the below steps and culminate in the delivery of a concise document analyzing past performance, proposing a vision and strategic directions and assisting the Board with oversight of the final strategic plan.
Analysis and Reflection: Conduct global, internal (MSF movement), and regional analyses, incorporating existing strategic priorities and expectations.
Review MSF Priorities: Evaluate global strategic priorities as defined by SPARC and related documents.
Current Plan Review: Assess the achievements and learnings from the current strategic plan.
Strategic Framework Proposal: Outline a strategic plan framework and oversee its drafting to ensure alignment.
Vision Development: Guide the Board in formulating an updated vision, strategic impact, and directions.
Executive: Provide input for strategic planning communication and coordinate stakeholder feedback.
Board Alignment and Monitoring: Serve as the main contact for aligning the plan with the vision and collaborate with the Executive for a sound monitoring and evaluation process.
What you will bring
To be successful in this accountable position you will require a strong understanding of the humanitarian aid sector (MSF movement experience preferred) and ideally you can demonstrate:
Strategic Planning: Proven track record in developing and facilitating strategic plans for complex organizations.
Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects using effective tools and methodologies.
Analytical Skills: Proficient in conducting SWOT, PESTLE, and data analysis for informed decision-making. Strong ability to use data to support strategic recommendations.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication for clear reporting and Effective stakeholder engagement and consensus-building experience.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long-term strategies aligned with the MSF mission. Skilled in identifying and prioritizing strategic goals.
Stakeholder Engagement: Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and gather feedback.
Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to challenges with effective contingency planning.
Applications
Upload your resume and cover letter via the below 'Apply' button and MSF Recruitment portal.
Applications will be reviewed on receipt given the need for an immediate start.
For more information, see the Job Description (ToR) or contact the MSFA Talent Acquisition team with any questions MSFAOfficeRecruitment@sydney.msf.org
At MSF Australia, we believe the following five values form the foundations of our culture –
Transparency, Respect, Understanding of Diversity, Stepping In and CollaboraTion.
We value T.R.U.S.T as an essential element to how we operate and believe that these organisation values flow from this trust that we build.
MSF Australia is committed to developing diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace and fostering a culture of belonging for all our staff. We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better achieve our social mission of providing aid without agenda. We strongly encourage First Nations peoples, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, people from diverse cultures and language groups, and people who live with a disability to apply. We invite all requests for a reasonable adjustment to the recruitment process if this will support your application. For more information, please call or email MSFA Human Resources on +61 2 8570 2609 MSFAOfficeRecruitment@sydney.msf.org
MSF Australia has a Child Protection Policy and COVID-19 vaccination policy in place, all employees are required to comply with these policies.
In support of the Child Protection Policy, a criminal background check will be required during the recruitment process for selected candidates. A criminal record will not automatically preclude anyone from the position they have been selected for.
