Head of administrative department

For more than 40 years, Médecins du Monde, a campaigning medical organisation committed to international solidarity, has been caring for the most vulnerable populations here and abroad. It has continued to bear witness to obstacles that exist in accessing healthcare and has secured sustainable improvements in health-for-all policies.

Those working for this independent organisation do not solely dispense care and treatment but condemn violations of human dignity and rights and fight to improve matters for populations living in precarious situations.

MdM France currently works in 30 countries across all continents to facilitate access to healthcare through 6 political battles:

• Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
• Migration, Exile, Human Rights and Health
• Harm Reduction
• Environment and Health
• Humanitarian Space
• Healthcare systems and rights

MdM France has operated in Afghanistan from 1982 to 2012, implementing projects in 6 different provinces across the country. Following the instauration of a "Pay for Performance" scheme for the management of the health system by the World Bank, MdM decided to step out and switched to a drug users risk reduction program from 2005. In 2012, these activities have been handed over to a national NGO and MdM left Afghanistan. 

Following Taleban takeover of power in August 2021, the cumulative effects of the conflict, international sanctions and the economic crisis has led to one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. In view of this situation, MdM has decided to reopen its mission in the country to contribute to the humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people.

MdM was registered again in April 2022 and launched its first activities in Kabul in June. We are currently operating in Kabul and Wardak provinces, with a program aimed at increasing access to integrated primary healthcare services – including nutrition and MHPSS – for the most vulnerable communities. In Kabul we currently support one district hospital and two comprehensive health centers, and in Wardak we support two basic health centers. In addition, through its historic local partner Bridge, MdM supports harm reduction activities for drug users in Kabul.

New bases and projects will be opened in Farah and Nimroz provinces over the summer.

In terms of living conditions, security and access have largely improved and Kabul, where our main office is located, is currently under security phase 2. All expatriates (5) live in collective housing (guesthouse), with large private rooms equipped with AC and bathroom, a garden with fruit trees, a fully equipped kitchen and a gym.

Under the supervision of the general coordinator and in the context of the mission opening, your main responsibilities are the following:

• Define and supervise the implementation of the mission's human resources set-up
• Define, adapt, plan and supervise the implementation of the mission's human resources frameworks, procedures and policies while respecting the local context, local legislation and MdM policies and values
• Plan, centralise, coordinate and supervise the financial management and administration of the mission (accounting, budget construction and follow-up, internal and external reporting, donor compliance, audits, administrative legal obligations, etc. in line with MdM policies, procedures and templates
• Follow up the evolution of the legal environment under the de facto authorities and ensure MdM remains in line with official guidelines and policies in the framework of its principled approach
• Recruit, train and manage the administrative department team
• Ensure representation of MdM towards donors when needed
• Liaise with INGOs heads of administrative departments in-country and actively participate in interagency coordination meetings
• Provide technical support to operational staff on the HR and financial management of the mission

Requirements

• Higher education (three years' higher education management qualification or equivalent)
• Minimum four years' experience (including at least two years' experience in the international charity field as administrator)
• Ability to read, construct and analyze a budget and carry out budget monitoring
• Capacity to manage multi-donor portfolio, to understand and identify institutional donors' cycles and procedures
• Ability to work in team and to manage a small team directly and functionally
• Capacity to understand, implement and communicate the MdM HR and finance policies and good practices
• Experience in recruitment processes supervision and induction management for new staffs according to policies
• Ability to ensure relevant conditions of employment and benefit packages in line with MdM policies and local labor law
• Ability to ensure strict adherence to MdM's core policies about PSEA and fraud & corruption
• Capacity to ensure appraisal process for all staffs, as well as capacity building plans
• Excellent command of Excel and accounting softwares (like Saga)
• English is mandatory (at least C1 level) / French and/or local language (dari or pashto) is an asset
• Ability to work and live in a challenging context
• You embrace the core values and support the proactive philosophy of Médecins du Monde

Benefits

• Starting date : September 1st 2025
• 6-month contract (renewable)
• Gross monthly salary: €3,359
• Position based in Kabul, Afghanistan (single departure) with regular field visits
• Premium equal to one month salary paid in two instalments – minimum of 6 months seniority required
• Expatriation bonus (10% gross salary per month)
• Transportation cost, vaccines and visas covered
• Guesthouse housing
• R&R every 3 months including flight ticket (capped) and per diem
• 22.5 recovery days per year
• 5 weeks of paid leaves per year
• Health insurance (50% covered by MdM and 50% by the employee)
• Insurance (repatriation…)
• Médecins du Monde promotes trainings and internal mobility

As part of our measures to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism, any selected candidate may be subject to a background check on international sanctions lists (UN, the EU, France, the United States…). This information is handled confidentially and stored on a secure server. For more information on the processing of personal data throughout this process: 

TELEPHONE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Médecins du Monde reserves the right to fill the vacancy before the closing date for applications.

MdM stands up for the integration of people living with disabilities and fights against discrimination.