Do you want to join a committed, activist-driven organization and take meaningful action for social justice?

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 in Afghanistan

MdM reopened its mission in Afghanistan in 2021 and now operates with a national team of around 90 staff across Wardak, Farah and Nimroz.

The mission currently delivers primary healthcare, sexual and reproductive health, mental health and psychosocial support, nutrition and harm reduction through both direct implementation and partnerships with local organizations.

You will join a context defined by complex humanitarian needs, restrictions imposed by de facto authorities, and increasing pressure on health systems—while also offering significant space for strategic repositioning and long-term impact.

About the role

As General Coordinator, you will lead MdM’s entire country mission in Afghanistan, shaping its strategy, driving program quality, and representing the organization in one of the most challenging humanitarian environments.

Beyond operational management, this role offers a rare opportunity to redefine how MdM’s values and advocacy are translated into action—particularly on access to healthcare and women’s rights in a highly constrained context.

What you’ll do 

• Lead the overall strategy of MdM in Afghanistan and drive its evolution toward impactful and sustainable programming
• Ensure the quality, relevance, and compliance of all projects while supervising ongoing operations and developing new initiatives
• Represent MdM with authorities, donors, partners, and humanitarian actors at national level
• Secure funding and develop long-term financing strategies to stabilize the mission
• Strengthen partnerships and influence advocacy efforts, particularly on humanitarian access and SRHR
• Oversee safety and security, anticipating risks and ensuring robust procedures in a volatile environment
• Lead and support a multidisciplinary coordination team and foster a strong, collaborative team dynamic
• Improve internal processes, transparency, and coordination between field and HQ.

Who you’ll work with 

You will manage a coordination team composed of a Deputy General Coordinator, Field Coordinator, Medical Coordinator, Administrative Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator and HARA.

You will report directly to the Desk Manager based in Paris and collaborate closely with HQ technical departments.

You will also work daily with a strong and engaged national team, recognized for its motivation and willingness to develop new approaches.

What you’ll gain 

• A unique opportunity to lead a mission at a pivotal moment, with significant room for strategic influence
• Strong expertise in navigating humanitarian action in highly restricted and politically sensitive environments
• Advanced leadership experience managing complex teams and multi-stakeholder dynamics
• The ability to develop advocacy-driven programming aligned with MdM’s core values, particularly on women’s access to healthcare

Requirements

You are the right match if you:

• Bring proven experience as Country Director / Head of Mission / General Coordinator or in a comparable leadership position
• You can redefine strategy in complex and constrained environments, moving beyond short-term, donor-driven approaches to build coherent, value-driven and sustainable positioning.
• You are able to promote humanitarian principles in sensitive contexts, balancing conviction and pragmatism while maintaining access and relationships despite resistance.
• You excel at navigating and negotiating with diverse stakeholders, building influence, securing operational space, and managing complex political dynamics without compromising core principles.
• You can anticipate and manage security and operational risks, making balanced decisions that ensure both staff safety and continuity of programs.
• You bring structure, clarity and discipline to operations, strengthening systems, processes and coordination to ensure effective and transparent mission management.
• You foster a collaborative and transparent leadership culture, promoting trust, open communication and shared ownership within teams and with headquarters.
• Ideally, are familiar with MdM’s approach and values

This role may not suit you if:

• You prefer highly structured and predictable environments

• You are not comfortable balancing operational pragmatism with strong advocacy positioning
• You are not at ease working in highly constrained and politically sensitive contexts

• You are not aligned with MdM’s values and activist approach.

Recruitment process 

Apply soon! Provided we receive at least 30 applications, the posting will be taken down as of July 7. Be sure to save it.

If shortlisted, you will first meet with our HR team. Technical and managerial interviews, which may include practical case studies, will follow.

Please note: as part of our anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism policy, international background checks may be conducted. Data is processed confidentially and securely. More info: https://www.medecinsdumonde.org/en/working-internationally/ 
All successful candidates must provide a criminal record extract (B3). 

Benefits

Contract & status: 

• Gross monthly salary: € 4,068

• Fixed-term contract (12 months), starting as soon as possible 
• Single posting

Work environment: 

• Position based in Kabul, Afghanistan

• Regular field visits 

Benefits: 

• 13th-month salary (for employees with more than 6 months’ seniority) 

• Expatriation allowance: 10% of gross monthly salary 

• Coverage of travel (home – mission), visas, and vaccinations 

• Accommodation: in a guesthouse with other expatriates initially, with the possibility of individual housing later on

• Health insurance (50% covered by MdM and 50% by the employee) 

• Repatriation insurance 

• MdM promotes training and internal mobility 

Essentials: 

• 5 weeks paid leave + 22.5 RTT days per year 
• More info: https://www.medecinsdumonde.org/en/working-internationally/  

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion 

MdM is committed to the inclusion of people with disabilities and to fighting all forms of discrimination. 
If you are officially recognized as a person with a disability and/or require workplace accommodations, please let us know.