Medical Coordinator

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Medical Coordinator

Code: SR-28-10324

Duty station: Kabul, with field visits to other locations

Starting date: 15/01/2026

Contract duration: until31st May 2027

Reporting to: Head of Programme

Functional Supervisor: Medical Advisor/ Head of Medical Unit

Supervision of: Medical team

Type of duty station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

Managing more than 50 health facilities, INTERSOS plays a prominent role in Afghanistan’s humanitarian health and nutrition response. Its comprehensive primary healthcare approach brings together outpatient care for communicable and non-communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child healthcare, routine immunisation, screening and treatment of acute malnutrition, and mental health and psychosocial support. These services are complemented by health promotion, community engagement and referral to specialised care, supporting an integrated response to the needs of underserved communities.

General purpose of the position

As Medical Coordinator, you will provide strategic and technical leadership to this extensive programme, with the opportunity to shape its development, strengthen multidisciplinary teams and improve the quality and accessibility of care. Working closely with the Country Director, Head of Programme and HQ Medical Unit, you will translate evolving health and nutrition needs into clear priorities, effective interventions and appropriate allocation of resources. Combining strategic leadership with direct engagement with field teams, you will drive improvements in clinical quality, patient safety and continuity of care, while helping shape the next stage of INTERSOS’ response in Afghanistan in line with humanitarian principles, medical ethics and national and international standards.

Main responsibilities and tasks

• Responsible for defining, implementing and updating the medical content of the INTERSOS country medical strategy translating the identified health needs into a medical strategic vision and project objectives, priorities and resources needed in order to cover the medical and humanitarian needs of the population at risk.
• Overall responsible for the appropriateness and quality of medical interventions conducted by INTERSOS projects and being expected to identify and work on removing barriers to better patient safety, effective medical care, and better patient-centred activities
• Continuously monitor the medical and humanitarian needs in the Mission country in new areas of intervention or in areas where INTERSOS is already present through exploratory missions, monitor and review project proposals, determining necessary resources in order to define health and nutrition priorities and potential new programs to cover medical and humanitarian needs of the population at risk
• Coordinate with the Medical Unit for the validation of the project proposals he/her designs to be submitted to international donors and private foundation
• Responsible for the supervision and monitoring of the medical technical aspects, humanitarian needs and in coordination with the Logistics and supply Coordinator, the material aspects of the programmes through regular field visits, analysing difficulties during the implementation and reporting deviations as they appear, in order to proactively provide the necessary solutions and achieve operational results
• In close collaboration with the HR Coordinator, participate in the planning, definition and sizing of the health-workforce in the mission and supervise the associated processes (recruitment, validation of medical staff, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, development and internal / external communication). Coach and directly support the medical teams in the implementation of the medical activities making sure that internal protocols are respected as well as the ones of local Ministry and Health Department
• Responsible for defining and sizing other resources (pharmacy and medical equipment management in collaboration with logistics) and timelines, procedures and protocols. Ensuring preparation of all medical orders in collaboration with the Logistics and supply Department and the submission of all medical purchase requests. Being accountable for the proper management of the pharmacy in the Mission and supervision of the utilisation of the Inventory Management System (IMS) by the medical staff, including projects. Provide reports on the mission’s evolution from the medical perspective, as required
• Represent INTERSOS before local medical authorities and guarantee constant presence and active participation to the health and nutrition coordination fora (clusters meetings, other technical coordination meetings) and keep regular contact with other counterparts in the mission (NGOs, local organizations, donors, authorities) in order to broaden the medical-humanitarian situation analysis, strengthening the impact of the medical intervention and supporting advocacy actions

Required profile and experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in medicine or other paramedical studies. Desirable specialization in Tropical Medicine or a degree in Public Health

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years relevant work experience as Medical referent od Medical Coordinator in the humanitarian sector especially in humanitarian contexts

Professional Requirements

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
• Demonstrate experience with different donors compliance and reporting

Languages

• Fluent English (written and spoken)

Personal requirements

• Leadership, people management and development
• Strong teamwork and cooperation capacities
• Strategic vision
• Service orientation
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles
• Understanding of humanitarian operations principles, standards and best practices

General conditions and benefits:

• Salary grid: 12 - 3.690€ - 4.245€ monthly gross
• Remuneration: The monthly remuneration is defined, for each position, according to the standard salary grid and function grid, taking into account the experience of the selected candidate. It is communicated during the HR interview, or at any rate during the first stage of the selection process.
• Accommodation: Shared Guesthouse
• R&R: INTERSOS staff required to work for extended periods at duty stations under hazardous, stressful and difficult conditions are granted a regular and mandatory period of Rest and Recuperation (R&R). This is due to protecting their health and well-being and ensuring optimal work performance upon the resumption of their duties, while, at the same time, preserving the operational readiness of the Organisation. R&R benefits are not financial compensation for the degree of hardship and insecurity of a duty station. Eligibility: staff members recruited as international field staff whose contract states one R&R Duty Station as the main Duty Station and whose contract duration is equal to or longer than 4 calendar months. R&R: 7 days of psycho-physical recovery every 8 weeks + 1000€ allowance.
• Annual Leave: 2.5 days per month
• Medical insurance: Injuries and death insurance; civil liability insurance, reimbursement for vaccines, medical certificate and PCR test for deployment; psychosocial support on request for the humanitarian worker.
• Transportation: Round-trip flights for the humanitarian. For any mission lasting at least 9 months, an additional flight ticket to the Country of residence and return to the mission is covered by the Organisation for the humanitarian worker.
• Visa: INTERSOS covers the costs and visa support for the humanitarian worker.
• Induction: Online orientation course: each new staff member receives preparatory training before departure, adequate to provide the necessary information related to the structure of INTERSOS and the main decision-making processes and working tools, in order to facilitate entry into the Organisation.
• Note 1: INTERSOS applies a “Learning & Development Policy” which includes the possibility to receive capacitation and participate in internal and external training. Priority will be given to the staff working for INTERSOS for over two years.
• Note 2: The categorisation of Accompanied, RnR, and Unaccompanied Duty stations is subject to security criteria, access to health and education services, and is non-negotiable.