Strategic Plan Coordinator

General Context:

Médecins Sans Frontières is an international independent medical-humanitarian organization, which offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

The MSF movement is currently built around six operational directorates supported by MSF’s 24 sections, 24 associations and other offices together worldwide. MSF Ubuntu is currently in the process of becoming a seventh operational directorate, with the application (See Annex) already approved by the Full ExCom and awaiting final approval by the IGA in June 2025.

MSF Ubuntu is a partnership of MSF Eastern Africa, MSF Southern Africa, MSF UK, and MSF- Spain, with Eastern and Southern Africa the founding partners of the initiative. MSF Ubuntu is targeting Q1 of 2026 to commence operations and therefore is starting its process to construct the Strategic Plan (SP) for the three-year 2026-2028 period. The agreed timeline of the process foresees the execution of different steps and milestones which will culminate in the presentation and final approval by the Ubuntu Council in November 2025.

Reports to: Ubuntu General Director

Department: General Direction 

Goal: The position will be in charge of coordinating and accompanying the construction of the new strategic plan under the direct supervision of the MSF Ubuntu MT (Currently made up if the four EDs of the four Sections).

Revised Job Description: Strategic Planning Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Strategic Planning Coordinator will spearhead the creation of Ubuntu’s new strategic framework through a collaborative, inclusive process that aligns with the organization's mission and long-term objectives. This role involves engaging stakeholders, conducting thorough assessments, analysing priorities, and delivering a comprehensive strategic plan to guide Ubuntu’s growth and impact over the next three to six years. This role offers an opportunity to shape the future of Ubuntu by developing a strategic framework that drives meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Preparation:

• Facilitate an inception workshop with the Management Team (MT) and Council to define project scope, methodology, and timelines.


• Develop and present an inception report containing key deliverables, methodology, and contextual analysis.

2. Review,Assess, and Analyse:

• Lead participatory consultations with stakeholders, including MT members, Working Group Leads, Departments, and external partners.


• Conduct a review of organizational documents (e.g. vision, mission, strategic priorities).


• Facilitate workshops, meetings, and interviews to gather insights from internal and external stakeholders.


• Design and implement participatory methodologies such as surveys or assemblies to collect input from frontline staff.


• Produce a comprehensive assessment report highlighting critical issues, contextual challenges, gaps, and opportunities.

3. Strategic Plan Development:

• Analyse feedback and data collected during the assessment phase.


• Formulate a strategic framework addressing:


• Ubuntu’s long-term vision and impact goals (3–6 years).


• Strategic positioning as a global humanitarian actor.


• Key strategies and initiatives to achieve organizational objectives.


• Risk identification and mitigation strategies.


• Metrics for progress evaluation.


• Stakeholder engagement plans and resource requirements (e.g., financial, human capital).


• Internal capacity-building strategies.

4. Validation and Approval:

• Draft the strategic framework document outlining objectives, expected outcomes, and monitoring indicators.


• Facilitate stakeholder consultations to refine the draft framework.


• Support the Council in approving the final strategic plan.


• Oversee dissemination and implementation of the strategy across Ubuntu.

5. Success Metrics:

• Delivery of a comprehensive strategic plan within agreed timelines.


• Stakeholder satisfaction with the inclusiveness of the process.


• Alignment of the new strategy with Ubuntu’s mission and long-term goals.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Change Management, Business Management or Economics.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in strategic planning; 


• Experience in organizational and change management an advantage. 


• Good understanding of the institutional functioning of an MSF Operational Centers / ODs (MSF governance).


• Proven excellent communication and facilitation skills, including in multicultural settings;


• Advanced knowledge of MSF operational, medical and institutional stakeholders.


• Working knowledge of design and implementation of participatory group methodologies.


• Fluency in English (written and spoken). 


• Very good interpersonal and networking skills.


• Proven experience in strategic planning or consultancy roles within nonprofit or humanitarian organizations.


• Strong analytical skills with expertise in data interpretation and contextual analysis.


• Ability to synthesize complex information into actionable plans.

Competences:

• Ability to work autonomously and to deadlines, prioritising workload and managing multiple competing demands from various stakeholders.


• Strong ability to structure, organize, and coordinate the entire strategic planning process, ensuring clarity and alignment at every stage.


• Ability to synthesize complex information, identify key trends, and translate insights into strategic recommendations.


• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to navigate diverse viewpoints and build consensus.


• Ability to work flexibly, switching between high-level strategy and detailed planning as required.


• Capacity to remain focused and calm under pressure while managing ambiguity and competing priorities.


• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate across teams and functions.


• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across the organization, using diplomacy, tact, and empathy.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks, anticipate challenges, and propose solutions.


• Ethical judgment, critical thinking, and a structured approach to decision-making and policy implementation.


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


• Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments.

Remuneration and resources:

• The salary details will be shared during the interview stage, with the option for the incumbent to be based in either Johannesburg or Nairobi.


• Resources needed such as working space, computer, internet, stationery, and other resources will be made available.

Commitment/Contract Duration:

Length of commitment: ASAP Until 31-December-2025.

Closing date: 27 March 2025

Start date: ASAP

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NB: Information: This position is open to candidates worldwide; however, it will be hosted in only two locations: the Southern Africa Office or the Eastern Africa Office. If the selected candidate is based in Southern Africa, they will be hosted in the Southern Africa Office and receive the salary package of the SnA Office. If the candidate is based in Eastern Africa, they will be hosted in the Nairobi Office and receive the salary package offered by the EA Office.

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

Lately MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association. Each individual applying for MSF roles does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

By applying, the applicant acknowledges that he/she has read, understood and accept this document.

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