Country Medical Coordinator – Brasil

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been present in Brazil since 1991, responding to a wide range of humanitarian and public health needs. Over more than three decades, MSF has implemented interventions related to urban violence, primary health care, HIV/AIDS, migration, Indigenous health, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, epidemics and emergency responses to floods and other climate-related disasters. 

Since 2024, MSF OCB has been operating through a Country Coordination Team based in Rio de Janeiro, responsible for strategic leadership, operational oversight and humanitarian analysis in Brazil. Following the closure of the Yanomami and Marajó projects in 2025, the country launched a new three-year Tuberculosis project in Rio de Janeiro focused on improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment and continuity of care for people deprived of liberty. 

In parallel, MSF has developed an Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPREP) strategy focused on strengthening preparedness capacities for climate-related and other emergencies through humanitarian analysis, partnership building, preparedness planning, capacity-building initiatives and support to institutional preparedness efforts. 

In close collaboration with the Country Coordinator and the Medical Department, the Country Medical Coordinator (MedCo) defines, leads and monitors the country's medical strategy, ensuring the quality, relevance and impact of MSF interventions in Brazil. The Country MedCo provides strategic medical leadership by translating health and humanitarian needs into operational priorities, supporting emergency preparedness and response, humanitarian analysis, operational research and advocacy initiatives, strengthening strategic partnerships, and identifying opportunities to improve and expand MSF's humanitarian action in the country. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Define, implement and regularly review the country medical strategy in line with identified humanitarian needs, MSF OCB priorities and the evolving Brazilian context. Ensure the quality, relevance and coherence of all medical activities implemented by the country and promote continuous quality improvement through evidence-based approaches, innovation and effective monitoring systems. Support project teams in the implementation of medical standards, protocols and best practices while contributing to strategic planning, project development and country-level decision-making. 

• Monitor health, epidemiological and humanitarian trends to support strategic decision-making and identify emerging risks, vulnerabilities and operational opportunities. Lead the medical components of the country EPREP strategy, including risk analysis, preparedness planning, institutional engagement and technical support to preparedness initiatives. Contribute to assessments, exploratory initiatives and operational development processes aimed at identifying opportunities to improve and expand MSF humanitarian action in Brazil. 

• Promote the generation, analysis and use of evidence to improve programme quality, inform operational decision-making and support advocacy efforts. Facilitate operational research initiatives and collaborations with academic and technical partners, ensuring that lessons learned, innovations and research findings contribute to improved patient care, preparedness capacities and humanitarian impact. 

• Represent MSF in technical and strategic discussions with public health authorities, academic institutions, research networks, professional associations and other relevant stakeholders. Develop and maintain partnerships that contribute to programme quality, innovation, preparedness capacities and evidence generation. Support MSF strategic positioning in Brazil through constructive engagement with actors across federal, state and municipal levels of the health system.  

• Support the recruitment, onboarding, supervision and professional development of medical staff. Strengthen technical capacity and medical leadership within the country through mentoring, coaching, training and regular technical support. Promote collaboration, accountability and knowledge sharing across projects, coordination and external partners. 

• Ensure the implementation and periodic review of the country Staff Health Policy and provide technical oversight for staff health activities. Work closely with Human Resources to promote staff wellbeing and ensure appropriate systems are in place to support the physical and mental health of both Country-Based and Mobile Staff.

Education & Experience 

• Essential degree in a medical or paramedical field. 

• Training in Public Health, Tropical Medicine, Epidemiology or a related discipline is an asset. 

• Essential previous MSF experience of at least 12 months as Project Medical Referent/Coordinator (PMR/PMC), Deputy Country Medical Coordinator or Country Medical Coordinator. 

• Experience in emergency preparedness and/or emergency responses is highly desirable. 

• Experience in strategic engagement with health authorities, health systems strengthening, operational research or public health programmes is an asset. 

Competencies 

• Excellent communication, representation and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with governmental authorities, technical partners and external stakeholders. 

• Strong Management team, with proven ability to lead, coordinate and support multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. 

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills. 

• Ability to make sound decisions and adapt to evolving contexts, competing priorities, and operational demands. 

• Strong planning, organizational and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships and navigate complex institutional environments. 

• Knowledge of the Brazilian context and the Unified Health System (SUS) is an asset. 

Languages 

• Proficiency in English and Portuguese, both written & spoken is mandatory 

CONDITIONS 

• Expected starting date: 15 March 2026 

• Location: based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

• Mobility: 10% to 20%% for travels within Brazil 

• Contract type: full-time  

• Contract duration: 12 months 

• Salary according to MSF salary grid  

• The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate  

• Family position possible 

• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment   

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments