Deputy Project Coordinator - MSF Switzerland

Medecins Sans Frontieres – Switzerland Kenya Mission

Vacancy Re-Advertisement: Deputy Project Coordinator

MSF Switzerland (MSFCH) is a humanitarian medical organization providing emergency medical aid to populations in need in Dagahaley, Garissa County, and Mombasa County.

Job Title: Deputy Project Coordinator

Work Location: MSF Dagahaley Project, Dagahaley, Garissa County

Duration: 12 months contract with 3 months’ probation period

Start Date: As soon as possible

The selected candidate will be reporting to the Project Coordinator, MSF Dagahaley Project.

This vacancy is being re-advertised to invite a new round of applications.

Main Purpose

As Deputy Project Coordinator, you will play a key role in ensuring that MSF’s activities in Dagahaley respond effectively to the needs of refugee and host communities.

Working closely with the Project Coordinator, you will help shape project objectives and priorities by analysing the humanitarian and security context, identifying the population’s health needs, assessing operational risks and constraints, and determining the resources required to deliver meaningful and sustainable results.

You will contribute to the overall coordination, supervision and follow-up of project activities, helping teams work effectively across functions and ensuring that operations remain aligned with MSF’s principles, strategic priorities and quality standards.

The role offers substantial responsibility and exposure to both strategic and day-to-day project management. Depending on operational needs, the Project Coordinator will delegate specific areas of responsibility to you, allowing you to take ownership of key dossiers and support continuity in project leadership.

You will also act on behalf of the Project Coordinator during periods of absence.

Accountabilities

The DPC’s main accountabilities are:

Contribute to the analysis of the political, humanitarian, economic and social context in the project area to ensure that MSF’s charter, policies and image are respected by national staff, local communities, authorities and partners.

Support the Project Coordinator (PC) in the planning, implementation, monitoring and follow-up of all project activities in line with the project objectives, MSF operational policies and strategic priorities.

Participate in project security management, including the regular review and update of security guidelines and procedures.

Upon delegation from the PC, represent MSF at project level with local authorities, media, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, and support the negotiation of collaboration agreements. Legal representation may only be delegated through formal authorization where applicable.

Support the PC in the planning, organization and day-to-day management of project human resources, including staff induction, supervision, performance evaluation and identification of training and development needs.

Participate in exploratory and assessment missions as requested by the PC to better understand the context, priorities, operational constraints and population needs.

MSF’s Dagahaley Project operates a 750 staff level 3 hospital and primary health providing health services to both the refugee population of 150.000 in the Dagahaley Refugee Camp and the host community. We do this in a remote area near the porous Somali border and in a complex and unpredictable environment affected by insecurity linked to elements operating from Somalia.

In this context, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the safe and effective management of project activities.

Context-specific accountabilities include:

Monitoring and analysing contextual and security developments and supporting the implementation of appropriate safety and security measures for staff and operations.

Maintaining regular engagement with local stakeholders, authorities and community representatives.

Developing, maintaining and following up on key contacts and networks relevant to project implementation and acceptance.

Ensuring adherence to MSF policies, protocols and operational standards.

Promoting and safeguarding MSF’s principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality at all times.

Acting as a liaison between MSF, local communities and beneficiaries to support acceptance and communication.

Remaining flexible and responsive to operational needs that may arise outside regular working hours.

Demonstrating a strong understanding of the context in North-Eastern Kenya, including local dynamics, clan structures and cultural practices.

Requirements

Education

Preferably a medical or paramedical qualification or university-level studies.

Experience

Previous experience of at least two years in humanitarian aid with MSF or another international NGO

Minimum 2 years of supervisory or managerial experience

Experience working in developing countries and/or remote or hardship locations.

Security management and context analysis in volatile or insecure environments.

Stakeholder management and community engagement, including collaboration with local authorities, community leaders, and humanitarian actors.

Languages

English is required; Kiswahili and Somali are assets

Knowledge

Essential computer literacy (Office package and internet)

Competencies

Strategic vision.

Leadership.

Representation.

Context undertanding and context navigation

Networking with stakeholders.

People Management.

Planning and teamwork.

How to Apply

Please include the following in your application – in one collected PDF:

Short cover letter (max. 1 page) describing 1) your motivation and 2) how you are a match to the position

Detailed CV (max. 3 pages) including

full name, physical address, telephone number and e-mail address. LinkedIn profile if you have one.

relevant work experiences (duration, employer, role and main responsabilities for each experience)

relevant education (college and beyond – duration, education institution, main topics)

Scan of relevant certificates (college and beyond)

Scan of your national ID

Collect all documents to ONE PDF. Applications not complying with the instructions will not be considered.

If you meet the above requirements and competencies, please submit your application HERE by 3rd of November 2026. You can also use the QR:

MSFCH is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application/recruitment or training fee. MSFCH welcomes applications from people of all sexual or gender identities and encourages women to apply.

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal 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 personal data will be treated confidentially. MSF will not use your personal data in any other way other than for purposes of recruitment.