Deputy Director, Systems

About MSF USA | Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients.

MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF’s social mission.

Role Overview

The Deputy Director will partner with the CTO in developing the technology strategy for MSF USA. You will also ensure a technology operational roadmap to deliver on that strategy. With the teams in the Systems department, you will partner across MSF USA teams to deliver results, ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, and strategic alignment. Day-to-day responsibilities will also include managing the department budget of the team, manage the priorities around DEI, and critically lead enterprise-wide systems alignment and integration across MSF-USA. Drives execution of strategic technology initiatives and serves as the CTO’s primary partner for translating strategy into operational outcomes.

In managerial responsibilities, you directly manage the Information Security team, currently composed of an Information Security Officer and Information Security Analyst. As Information Security is a cross-cutting program that touches across the all MSF-USA departments, you will collaborate with MSF USA leadership and its relevant strategic risk management platforms. The Deputy Director will manage an Insights Analyst who will work with department stakeholders on developing dashboards, data products, and other MSF-USA analytical insights. The ability to manage relationships on behalf of the Systems department is a key element of success for both the role and the ability for deliver for both the Systems department and MSF USA.

For MSF USA departments which require ongoing collaboration for internal operations (People and Culture, Finance, Systems and Procurement) as well as the Development Department, drive the strategy and collaborate on long-term technology roadmaps. For other MSF USA departments provide technology support for their business needs as needed or outlined in their Annual Plans. For the MSF USA Strategic Plan, you will combine your technical skills and have management experience to drive the key strategic technology initiatives in the Systems department.

For international coordination, support the CTO in the ISM (International Systems Management) platform as well as any relevant inter-sectional Communities of Practice that support movement-wide initiatives.

Department Accountabilities

Support Users and Business Units

Provide support, advice, training and assistance to users to resolve queries and ensure the applications/ website capabilities are well understood by MSF-USA.

Product Development & Innovation

Develop existing and new applications by analyzing and identifying areas for modification to improve the "As Is" and meet MSF needs.

Information Security

Develop specifications for, advise on and implement information and security solutions and tools to protect and monitor security incidents and prevent unauthorized access or damage. Also work with Incident Response teams for the development of new policies and procedures.

Support MSF Movement

Support technology operations on behalf of the movement in the US home society. Share expertise with the rest of the movement by participating in Communities of Practice and other collaborating initiatives.

Application Management

Implement applications, including data migration, to support MSF Strategy. Provide governance designed to ensure applications run at peak performance and as efficiently as possible, from the end-user experience to integrations. Implement and support new features as needed. Ensure access administration and support end-users.

Roles Specific Outcomes

Strategic Management

Provide vision and leadership in the development and implementation of MSF's information technology; Planning and implementing information systems to support the business with strategic systems leadership, with cross function delivery and maintain organizational outcomes.

Digital Transformation

Lead enterprise level digital transformation efforts. This can include long-term roadmaps, or organizational system initiatives. The Systems Department either leads a digital transformation initiative or partners with other departments on their change initiatives or digital initiatives. Being able to effectively deliver in either modality is critical to ensuring outcomes that benefit MSF USA.

Risk Management

Ensures strategic alignment of the Systems Department with the Office of General Counsel on key objectives which encompass areas such as Information Security, Risk Management or Policy development.

Advisory

Advise the CTO on long-term roadmaps and future investments for System Department.

Operations Management

Defines and delivers department-level KPIs and OKRs aligned with MSF-USA’s strategic priorities. Leads cross-functional execution of enterprise systems transformation, data governance, and platform strategy. Owns governance of technology investments and vendor performance.

Strategy Formation and Implementation

Develop tactical plans for optimizing resources and assets being managed within a significant area or department.

Support MSF Movement

Support key international initiatives such as with MSF SITS (Prague), or other stakeholders that support MSF-USA’s technology strategy.

Information Security

Define the Information Security policy for MSF-USA to protect and monitor security incidents and prevent unauthorized access or damage. Protect information by mitigating information risks.

Complexity and Problem-Solving Skills

• Leads high-stakes decisions affecting enterprise systems architecture, organizational risk, vendor governance, and long-term technology investments. Balances evolving priorities across MSF-USA and the movement.


• Works at an advanced level to build the structure and culture of the team and define roles and responsibilities within that structure to enable the achievement of mission and objectives and the effective operation of key business processes.


• Evaluate risk, navigate competing priorities, and be comfortable to make decisions in ambiguity.


• Collaborate with departments to solve technology problems.


• Coordinate with movement-level initiatives wherever possible. This might be movement-wide technology or risk management issues that are being prioritized at any given time.


• Identifies and evaluates risks, issues, dependencies, and constraints associated with the initiatives, escalating where appropriate. Where necessary, develop, agree on, and implement solutions to overcome these.


• Prioritizes work at an advanced level to prioritize components of a strategic initiative, program, or portfolio work in context with risks, activities, and stakeholders.

Behavioral Competencies

THOUGHT: How MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity, and contribute by creating the new and different.

People Focus

Builds strong relationships and delivers solutions geared to aiding others. Solicits feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team is providing; takes action when standards are not met by team; aligns processes with organizational needs.

Manages Complexity

Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms.

Global Perspective

Takes a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet the unique needs of different regions or countries. Uses a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges.

Cultivates Innovation

Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approach professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them.

Strategic Mindset

Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.

RESULTS: MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs.

Drives Results

Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Regularly pushes self to achieve outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is passionate about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way.

Ensures Accountability

Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.

PEOPLE: MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals.

Collaborates

Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input.

Communicates Effectively

Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.

Values Differences

Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating.

Builds Effective Teams

Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.

Manages Conflict

Handles conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.

Builds Networks

Effectively builds formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.

Drives Vision and Purpose

Paints a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.

SELF: MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and by continuously seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.

Instills Trust

Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be up front with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions.

Manages Ambiguity

Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Responds effectively to unclear situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity, and make progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes, responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness.

Situational Adaptability

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

Being Resilient

Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.

Technical Competencies

Plans and Aligns

Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF-USA goals.

Tech Savvy

Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications.

Data Collection and Analysis

The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.

Presentation and Written Communication Skills

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

Organizational Insight

Applying knowledge of MSF-USA and the industry to advance the organization’s goals.

Supervisory Responsibility

• The role will supervise the Information Security team (currently two specialists), one Insights Analyst for reporting and dashboarding as well as supporting internal operations.


• The Deputy will lead cross functional systems initiatives across key areas of strategic delivery. Areas including digital transformation, data and insights, information security and risk management.


• Leads cross-functional governance of MSF-USA’s enterprise technology platforms, data infrastructure, vendor portfolio, and enterprise systems delivery.

Desired Qualifications & Experience

At a minimum, the Job Holder should possess:

• 10+ years of increasing responsibility for either: Technical subject matter expertise (preference for experience working with data, digital transformation, or infrastructure).


• Experience working in an international NGO


• Deep experience in digital transformation, technology governance.


• Ability to lead change management efforts, especially related to technology implementations.


• Bring a long-term strategic lens to enterprise-level technology for MSF USA.


• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders


• Ability to plan and report frameworks (for example: KPI/OKR results reporting)


• Interest in technology issues of relevance for humanitarian organizations (whether in a headquarters or field setting)

Travel Requirements 

Some travel may be required to support movement level coordination. Examples may include travel 1-3 times per year for platform level coordination meetings or coordination meetings with the Shared IT Services which are based in Prague.

Location

New York, NY (Hybrid – In Office Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
This role is based in our New York office, where most of the team and operational infrastructure are located. Due to current staffing and budget constraints, we are unable to support this position in our DC or California offices.

COMPENSATION

$173,720.00 - $269,265.00; In alignment with MSF USA’s compensation framework, new hires are generally offered between the minimum and midpoint of the range based on relevant experience, skills, and internal equity.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations Statement:
MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [email protected] .

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.