Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. As a non-profit, self-governed movement of over 63,000 dedicated professionals, we provide life-saving medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and exclusion from healthcare.
Our work is guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality. We act based on need, and when we witness injustice, we speak out. Our commitment to professionalism and humanity can mean the difference between life and death.
People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, ethnic background, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they intersect together.
In the Logistics department, the Field Support Unit (FSU) gives support to the logistics and technical staff working in the country programs, which includes the support to construction activities, the management of vehicle fleets and complex equipment that are used to support our humanitarian medical operations.
Effective per April/May 2026, the logistics department is looking for a:
Field Construction Specialist - flying
70% in country programs
Remote working is possible and the local salary grid will apply
To accommodate the increase in field construction activities in our country programs, MSF OCA is recruiting a Field Construction Specialist that will strengthen the current support capacity.
The main objective of the position is to support the CMT’s (country coordination teams) and OSTs (Operational Support Team/Desks) in their role of “contracting owner” / ”maître d’ouvrage” to go through all the phases of major infrastructure development projects, like substantial construction project or masterplan developments. Important support will be provided during the initial phases of the assigned projects, providing concrete infrastructure solutions to the medical/operational needs.
As the initial processes of complex projects require an important presence in the field, the field construction specialist will spend about 70% of his/her time in the country programs.
The position reports hierarchically to the Head of Technical Logistics and functionally to the construction advisor based in the Head Quarters. During field visits, report lines can be adapted to the needs and organization of the project.
Main responsibilities
You are assigned to a portfolio of countries where the organization planned substantial construction activity or needs to develop masterplans.
You support the country coordination teams and the OSTsin their role of “contracting owner” to achieve the completion of all phases of the projects and masterplans, with strong focus on the initial stages being:
Definition of needs (Needs assessment; Operational/medical programming; General information on the existing situation (mission context/objectives, medical activity); Future medical activity (relational diagram, functional program description (space, necessary equipment and installations)); Description of desired quality level (on activities, hygiene, human resources and the budget)
Feasibility study / Site assessment (Technical analysis (diagnosis, context, available resources, etc.); Assessment of the site (dimensions, topography, environmental constraints, water source, drainage, etc.). Define the organization of the project. (HR team needed, list deliverables, define roles and responsibilities, Pre Budget...)
Design (Concept plans; Technical description, surface area chart, flowchart, general layout, pre-budget, project timeline (planning))
Tender (Calls for tender, evaluation of contractors and bids; Works contract (according to the chosen construction site set-up)
For some of those projects Construction Managers or Technical Project Coordinators (country-based positions) are hired to do part of the work (mainly construction phases but can also be some initial phases). You will hand over main tasks to these appointed staff while keeping oversight responsibilities and continue to support/mentor them remotely and through punctual field visits.
You ensure the master planning process of the key health structures in his/her portfolio is done, supporting the Tech PC in charge of this process in the country programs, engaging with the needed stakeholders at the different levels to align on the ideal “to be” state of the infrastructure.
You are deployed during the initial phases of emergency response when construction and/or rehabilitation work is required, and you are covering country-based positions as a technical project coordinator when critical gaps in these positions are occurring.
Candidate profile
Qualified Architect (preferred) or Building/Civil Engineer
At least 5 years of experience in the definition and managing of construction projects (required)
Experience in architectural design (required)
Experience in design of Health Structures (desirable)
Previous overseas work experience in humanitarian assistance with MSF
Ability to work independently with minimum and/or without supervision
Flexibility with regards to the ever-changing content of the job and the circumstances in an MSF mission
Excellent communicator and stakeholder engager
Good level of English is required. French and/or Arabic is a strong asset
Ready to spend more than 70% of his/her time in the field
We offer
A challenging and exciting position in an international environment, with frequent travels to program countries.
A contract for 1 year with a renewal option (subject to satisfactory performance and funding continuity) based on a full-time appointment (40 hours/week). This position is graded within the IRFFG level 13 – International Reference Field Function Grid, MSF International.
Other benefits include:
25 days off (based on a full-time employment)
Holiday allowance
L&D will support you with a variety of learning and development opportunities with internal and external trainings and courses
An environment that fosters diversity, with colleagues from around the world representing various cultures and background
The contracting section will depend on the country of residency between missions. The local labor law, contract, and salary grid will then apply.
The role requires 70% of the time to be spend in country programs, and 30% working from home. We can only contract residents of one of the countries where MSF has an office (subject to terms and conditions of the local salary grid and labour laws). For this role, no relocation support is offered. You can see where we have offices via this link: https://www.msf.org/contact-us.
Application
We welcome you to apply directly von this page and upload a letter of motivation + Curriculum Vitae (in English) as one combined document (only applications with motivation will be included in the procedure).
The deadline for application is on 08 March 2026 at 23h59 CEST.
The application deadline mentioned above may be shortened or extended at the discretion of MSF.
Information
For more information about the recruitment procedure, please contact Irene Tellekamp (Recruitment Specialist) at irene.tellekamp@amsterdam.msf.org.
For more information about the position, please contact Francis Coteur (Head of Technical Logistics) at francis.coteur@amsterdam.msf.org.