OPERATIONS OFFICER

Operations Officer (Paternity Cover) 

 Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

Contract: Fixed-term (Paternity Cover) 

Assignment period: 14 September – 23 November (flexibility on the start date is required). This position is based in Amsterdam, with a minimum office presence of three days per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday). 

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We provide emergency medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. Guided by medical ethics and humanitarian principles, we deliver care based on need while bearing witness to the realities faced by the communities we serve. 

At MSF, people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthen our ability to respond to humanitarian crises worldwide. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to an equitable and inclusive recruitment process. 

About this Assignment 

This is a temporary paternity cover supporting Portfolio 2, which includes Bangladesh, Malaysia, Myanmar, and SAR. 

Working closely with the Operations Manager (OM), Operations Advisor (OA) and the Operations Support Team (OST): 

One of the main focuses will be to participate in the Annual Plan process. 

Additionally, you will help ensure the smooth coordination of operational priorities across the portfolio during the assignment period.  

Your work will contribute directly to maintaining continuity of support for country programmes while enabling the Operations Department to deliver timely and effective decision-making.  

You will work closely with the OA for questions and directions.   

 

During this assignment, your key areas of focus will include: 

Supporting the Annual Planning (AP) 2027 process by coordinating inputs across the Operations Support Team and assisting with planning documents, making presentations, and key operational data. 

Coordinating the briefing and debriefing of International Mobile Staff (IMS), ensuring relevant feedback is shared with the Operations Manager, Operations Advisor, and other key stakeholders. 

Organizing meetings, coordinating agendas, preparing minutes, and following up on agreed actions using appropriate digital tools, including AI where relevant. 

Liaising with enabling departments and internal stakeholders to facilitate operational processes such as consultancy contracts, hand-carry requests, and other portfolio support needs. 

Providing flexible operational and administrative support across the portfolio, adapting to changing operational priorities as required. 

About the Role 

As an Operations Officer, you provide operational, administrative, and coordination support to the Operations Department at Headquarters.   

Working as part of the Operations team, you support country programmes by coordinating information, facilitating operational processes, and ensuring that managers have the information and resources needed to make informed decisions. 

What You'll Be Doing:  Your responsibilities will include: 

1- Operational Coordination 

Support the day-to-day coordination of assigned country programmes and monitor the progress of operational priorities. 

Coordinate administrative, legal, financial, and organizational processes that support operational decision-making. 

Follow up on actions, deadlines, and deliverables while keeping relevant stakeholders informed of progress. 

2- Information and Portfolio Management 

Maintain accurate and standardized operational information, documentation, and electronic files. 

Prepare reports, presentations, and operational documents to support planning and decision-making. 

Contribute to annual planning, reporting cycles, and portfolio monitoring activities. 

3- Staff Support 

Prepare and deliver briefings and debriefings for international staff before and after field assignments. 

Coordinate with HR regarding international staff movements and operational vacancies. 

Support learning activities and knowledge sharing across the portfolio. 

What We're Looking For: 

We are looking for an organized, proactive, and collaborative humanitarian professional who enjoys supporting complex operations and is comfortable working across both Headquarters and field environments. 

You bring: 

At least three years of experience in humanitarian operations, including project management and coordination. 

Experience supporting complex operational processes within humanitarian or international organisations. 

Excellent organisational, planning, and administrative skills with strong attention to detail. 

The ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently while collaborating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. 

Strong communication and coordination skills, with the confidence to build relationships across multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. 

Flexibility to adapt to changing operational priorities and provide support wherever needed. 

Fluency in English. 

Education and Knowledge 

Vocational or Bachelor's degree in administration, operations, logistics, or another relevant field. 

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. 

Experience using administrative systems such as ERP, CRM, HR, procurement, or invoicing systems. 

How to Apply 

If you are motivated by supporting humanitarian operations and enjoy working at the headquarters coordination and field response, we would love to hear from you. Upload a letter of motivation + Curriculum Vitae (in English) as one combined document (only applications with motivation will be included in the process). The closing date for applications is August 2, 2026, at 23:59 CET.