Executive Director, MSF Malyasia Branch

• Location
  : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (with up to 30-40% international travel across APAC)
• Contract Type
  : Full-time, 3-year contract (renewable for 3 years)
• Office/Project Size
  : 6-7 Direct Reports; 20 staff (6 in Malaysia)
• Reports to
  : APAC Project Steering Committee
• Revenue Oversight
  : €1–3 million
• Compensation and Benefits:
   The C&B package will follow the internal standards of the MSF Malaysia office.
• Application Deadline
  : January 9, 2026

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Management

• With oversight by the APAC Steering Committee and APAC Forum to develop and implement the APAC Strategic Plan in alignment with MSF's international principles (e.g., Chantilly, La Mancha).
• Lead annual planning and budgeting processes for the APAC Project including the Malaysia Branch Office.
• As part of the implementation of the strategic plan and annual plan, establish a physical presence for MSF in Malaysia including financial, HR, compliance and other office systems.
• Support the recruitment and move of regional APAC positions to Malaysia.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture in Malaysia and across the remote APAC team and oversee departmental strategies and to achieve strategic and operational goals.
• Ensure effective, efficient, and compliant management of financial and human resources.
• Identify and mitigate organisational risks and ensure legal compliance in Malaysia and in countries where the APAC Project is operating.
• Work with MSF entities who wish to establish a presence in Malaysia including the creation of systems to enable the hosting of position for those MSF entities.
• Support regional initiatives in fundraising, workforce development, operational support, and digital engagement in collaboration with other APAC entities.
• Contribute to regional strategy implementation under the guidance of the APAC Steering Committee, ensuring clear scope boundaries and alignment with the APAC Partnership framework.

Regional Development & Representation

• Maximize MSF's visibility and impact in priority APAC fundraising markets.
• Represent MSF APAC and Malaysia Branch Office in media, government, donor, and partner engagements.
• In partnership with operational entities, build and maintain strategic partnerships in Malaysia and across the region.
• Bring regional perspectives on MSF's humanitarian activities to movement discussions.
• Contribute to coordinated regional efforts while recognising the leadership roles of other sections such as MSF Hong Kong in the region.

Governance & Accountability

• Deliver projects within defined timeframes and budgets.
• Establish systems for monitoring, reporting, and evaluating project progress.
• Ensure alignment and complementarity with MSF's global strategy.
• Report regularly to the APAC Steering Committee and relevant boards.
• Ensure transparent communication with associations and governance bodies.
• Working with MSF HK, support associative life and regional priority setting.
• Ensure adherence to governance frameworks approved by the GDs, maintaining clarity between operational, associative, and administrative accountabilities.

International Engagement

• Represent the APAC Project and Malaysia Branch Office on MSF platforms (e.g., Full Executive Committee).
• Contribute to operational support and strategic direction setting across MSF sections.
• Liaise with Access Campaign, Humanitarian Representation Team, and other relevant entities.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven experience in strategic leadership, project management, and regional coordination.
• Experience in humanitarian or non-profit sectors preferred.
• Experience working with Boards and Steering Committees.
• Experience in multi-country oversight and/or regional fundraising initiatives (desirable).
• Regional experience preferred

Competencies

• Strong strategic planning and execution capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, representation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Financial planning and budget oversight.
• Ability to lead diverse, multicultural teams.
• High adaptability and cultural awareness.
• Familiarity with regional dynamics, political and cultural contexts.
• Commitment to MSF's humanitarian principles and values.
• Pragmatic, hands-on approach suitable to a start-up environment.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Bahasa Malay, French, or regional languages is desirable.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel frequently across APAC.
• This position is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

If you are interested in this position, please apply through our website.