General coordinator (head of mission) (F/M)
Job description
For more than 40 years, Médecins du Monde (MdM), 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 Iraq
MdM has been working in Iraq since 1991, providing primary health care services in close collaboration with the Directorate of Health of each targeted governorate. Following the implementation of emergency programs for many years, MdM conducted in 2023 a multi-thematic health needs assessment in 4 governorates (Baghdad, Basra, Dhi-qar, Sulaymaniyah). This assessment aimed to explore the potential public health needs in these targeted locations for MdM to address. The focus was placed on a Harm Reduction approach, an area where MdM has recognized expertise internationally.
In partnership with the Ministry of Health, MdM conducts a research-based harm reduction program in the urban areas of Baghdad governorate, with the overall objective of reducing the adverse consequences of wider determinants of health of ATS addiction on people who use drug.
The mission is currently undergoing a strategic shift toward Northern Iraq in response to the significant humanitarian health needs identified in the region. This transition aims to realign operations to areas where access to care remains limited, health systems continue to recover from years of conflict, and vulnerable populations—including internally displaced persons, returnees, women, children, and minority communities—face persistent barriers to essential and mental health services. The repositioning reflects the organization’s commitment to delivering relevant, needs-based health interventions and strengthening access to equitable and resilient healthcare in underserved areas.
About the role
In a context of strengthening our activities in Iraq, you will be specifically in charge of managing and reinforcing our program development while also representing MdM towards all stakeholders, including authorities, donors, security service providers, INGOs, UN and IOs, etc.
What you will do
Under the supervision of the desk manager, you will be responsible for the overall management of the Iraq mission.
Your main responsibilities will be to:
- Give strategic leadership and direction of the MdM Iraq mission to achieve the organizational mission and objectives
- Supervise the security and safety of Iraq mission’s staff and the update of the country security pack
- Monitor and analyse the Iraq’s humanitarian, security and the socio-political context
- Manage and develop new programming initiatives, new partnerships, maintain and strengthen existing partnerships based on needs
- Represent MdM in front of governmental bodies, local and international organisations, partners, medias, etc.
- Develop, implement, monitor, and review the country strategy
- Lead key phases of ongoing programs including any phasing out
- Develop a relevant donor strategy and lead fundraising initiatives to ensure the smooth running of the mission
- Supervise the financial and grant management in line with internal and donor policies and guidelines
- Supervise the overall human resources management
- Directly supervise Mosul office; indirectly supervise Baghdad base
Your conditions of employment
Employment Conditions
Contract & status:
- Gross monthly salary: 3 627 €
- Fixed-term contract of 6 months starting as from April 24 2026
- Trial period : 1 month
- Single posting
Work environment:
Position based in Mosul, with regular visits to our representation office in Baghdad, Iraq
Benefits:
- 13th month salary (paid in 2 installments after 6 months of service)
- Expatriation allowance: 10% of gross monthly salary
- Coverage of travel (home – mission), visas, and vaccinations
- Guesthouse
- 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
- Strong commitment to inclusion and fighting all forms of discrimination
- More info: https://www.medecinsdumondeh.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.
Your profile
You are the right match if you:
- Have a higher education in project management or general field of study (five years post-secondary education)
- Hold a solid experience in humanitarian and developmental project management (knowledge and understanding of project management tools like logical framework analysis, project cycle management, objectives, and indicators etc.)
- Have a strong experience in project planning, team management, budget holding, proposal and report writing
- Have a solid experience in negociating with donors, at regional and national levels
- Have demonstrated a succesful experience in working with local authorities, partners
- Have a previous professional experience in Middle East (mandatory), in Iraq (highly appreciated)
- Have good assesment and reporting skills about external threats and risks to the security of teams
- Know how to identify sources of information and actors, and analyse the political, social and economic context
- Are skilled in identifying the levers and barriers to advocacy work
- Hold an experience in establishing or launching new programs (highly desirable)
- Have knowledge or experience with Medecins du Monde (an asset)
- Speak English fluently (min C1 level), Arabic (highly appreciated) and French (an asset)
This role may not suit you if you:
- don’t have experience in complex decision making and leading a multi-disciplinary, multi-national team under difficult and tense context
- don’t have any experience in managing medical activities
- don’t have extensive experience in safety and security management
- Are not aligned with MdM’s values
Recruitment process
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).
Ready to apply?
We only need your CV and a cover letter.
If this role sounds like the right fit for you, apply now – we’d love to hear from you!
