Director of Finance & Business Operations (FT)

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. MSF’s mission is to provide medical care where it’s needed most, regardless of political, religious, or economic barriers. With a presence in over 70 countries, MSF’s teams are dedicated to saving lives and alleviating suffering through medical assistance and advocacy.

The position

You are responsible for the advancement of MSF’s social mission by establishing the financial and business operations strategy for OCA (Operating Center Amsterdam). You ensure optimal resource management and continuous improvement working towards optimal financial strategies.

The Director of Finance & Business Operations (DirFinBO) plays a crucial leadership role within MSF’s Operational Centre Amsterdam (OCA), overseeing both financial strategy and the operational functions that support the organization’s humanitarian mission. The DirFinBO is responsible for ensuring that OCA’s financial management aligns with international accounting standards, MSF's internal agreements, and the organization’s strategic goals.

This role involves developing and implementing long-term financial strategies, managing budgeting and forecasting processes, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. In addition to financial oversight, the DirFinBO leads critical business operations, including the Programme Management Office (PMO) and Planning & Reporting functions, which are essential for the smooth execution of OCA’s projects and initiatives.

The DirFinBO also plays a key role in ensuring the efficient use of resources, maximizing the impact of OCA’s financial assets, and providing robust risk management to safeguard the organization’s sustainability. Working closely with MSF’s international financial leadership, the DirFinBO contributes to the development of movement-wide financial policies, while representing OCA’s interests in global financial platforms such as the MSF Financial Directors Platform. This role requires strong collaboration across multiple departments to ensure that financial, operational, and programmatic functions work in unison to support MSF’s mission.

The DirFinBO reports to the General Director of MSF Netherlands and supervises key functions such as the Head of Finance, Programme Management Office, Planning & Reporting Lead, and Facilities Team Lead. The role also contributes to movement-wide financial strategy and decision-making, representing OCA on the international MSF Financial Directors Platform.

Tasks & responsibilities

• Lead OCA’s financial and business operations by developing and implementing strategies that align with the organization's goals.
• Ensure the effective management of financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and liquidity.
• Provide accurate and timely financial information for decision-making and ensure compliance with international financial regulations.
• Drive operational improvements and support continuous improvement in financial and business processes.
• Represent OCA in MSF's Financial Directors Platform, contributing to the movement-wide financial strategy and policy-making.
• Ensure fiscal compliance, cost management, and risk mitigation.

Candidate profile

• Educational Background: A Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is essential, ideally with a Chartered Accountant background.
• Professional Experience: 10+ years of experience in finance, including significant experience in a senior management role, preferably in an NGO / public environment. Preference for international environments.
• Competencies: Strong strategic planning, leadership, stakeholder management and financial management skills are crucial. A deep understanding of humanitarian aid and the ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes is necessary.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English is required, while fluency in Dutch and French would be beneficial.

The offer

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a global, mission-driven organization dedicated to humanitarian aid. As a senior leader, you will shape and drive financial and operational strategies that directly impact our ability to deliver on our social mission. You will be part of a dynamic environment that encourages continuous improvement and innovation, working with a team committed to making a difference in the world. Your salary reflects the seniority of the role as well as the environment in which you operate.

Join us and make a tangible impact on our mission.

Interested?

Could this be your next step? You can apply for this position by using the form below.

Feel free to call for an initial introduction, I’ll be glad to answer your first questions and explore a potential match and give you insight into next steps. Elianne Faber, Executive Search Consultant, +31 (0)6 46 08 53 08.

Note: any interested applicant must go through Elianne Faber. Any applications via our system will not be taken into consideration.