Managing Director, Ireland

Role purpose

The Managing Director – Ireland is the most senior leader within our Irish operation, reporting to the Deputy Executive Director UK & IE and accountable to the MSF Ireland Board of Directors. The MD is responsible for the overall strategic, operational and financial leadership of MSF Ireland. This includes overseeing change, finance & governance, people/recruitment, fundraising, communications, advocacy and overall internal operations.

The MD will lead the Irish management team and ensure that the organisation continues to deliver high-impact work in alignment with its mission and values. The role requires a strong and empathetic leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and brings a strategic mindset, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to our medical humanitarian cause.

The immediate priorities for the role are:

• Building a positive and supportive organisation culture.
• Lead the development of a respectful, collaborative and inclusive workplace where staff feel valued, supported and motivated
• Set and maintain clear performance and behavioural expectations.
• Be a role model for constructive, supportive leadership.
• Foster open communication, trust and team cohesion through transparent management, visible leadership, and consistent staff engagement.
• Lead the implementation of MSF Ireland’s strategy.
• Align the management team behind MSF Ireland’s vision.
• Ensure the effective deployment of human and financial resources required to achieve MSF Ireland’s strategic goals.
• Build the organisational capability to underpin delivery of the strategy.
• Develop operational plans at functional level aligned with strategic priorities and available resources.
• Establish clear metrics and measurement processes and monitor progress.
• Supporting staff to deliver in their roles.
• Ensure all staff have the direction, resources and coaching needed to perform effectively.
• Clarify roles and priorities, building confidence in MSF Ireland leadership.
• Reinforce a sense of shared purpose and pride in enabling the social mission and positive engagement with staff hosted in Ireland for other parts of the MSF movement.
• Ensuring continuity effectiveness.
• Build trust, confidence and collaboration between MSF Ireland and its sponsoring section, MSF UK, ensuring alignment on strategic priorities, compliance requirements and reporting expectations.
• Maintain effective delivery of fundraising, communications and recruitment activities during the leadership transition.
• Uphold financial and governance standards and ensure the office remains compliant with organisational policies and external regulations.

Dimensions

• Reports to the Deputy Executive Director of MSF UK & IE.
• Accountable to the Board of MSF Ireland, within the context of the board fulfilling its fiduciary duties through the necessary management reporting in order to execute its governance responsibilities.
• Is an active member of MSF UK/IE Committee of Directors, guiding the effective delivery of MSF UK/IE’s strategic direction from a senior leadership level and assuring its organisational health as a section of the MSF movement.
• Leads the MSF Ireland branch office of approximately 25 staff through seven direct report, and planned growth strategy taking effect.
• Holds delegated responsibility for the leadership and performance of a multi-functional office covering fundraising, communications, advocacy, finance, people, governance, recruitment support and office operations.
• Operates in a complex environment requiring proactive collaboration and influence with senior stakeholders across MSF UK & IE, the MSF Ireland Board and the wider MSF movement.
• Decisions and recommendations directly affect local organisational performance, legal and regulatory compliance, people engagement, delivery of strategic priorities, external reputation in Ireland and the effectiveness of integration with MSF UK & IE.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic & Organisational Leadership

• With the Deputy Executive Director for UK & IE, review, develop and execute the strategic plan for Ireland, ensuring alignment with the regional section’s and global mission’s goals.
• Lead the Irish management team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, learning, and inclusion.
• Act as a key voice in strategic leadership conversations in the MSF UK & IE Committee of Directors, bringing the Irish perspective and contributing to organisational-wide decisions.

Operational & Financial Oversight

• Ensure the effective day-to-day management of the Irish office, with robust systems, policies, and processes in place.
• Hold ultimate accountability for the Irish office’s financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.
• Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance standards applicable in Ireland.

External Relations, Fundraising & Advocacy

• Represent the organisation in Ireland, building and maintaining relationships with senior stakeholders across government, civil society, funders, regulators, and media.
• Lead public positioning, policy engagement, and thought leadership to advance our social mission and advocacy agenda.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the fundraising strategy for Ireland, in collaboration with the teams in the UK & IE, ensuring the highest level of income growth, return and efficiency.

People & Culture

• Lead, support, and develop the Irish team, ensuring high levels of engagement, performance, and well-being.
• Promote and embed an inclusive, values-based organisational culture.
• Develop leadership capability within the team, ensuring strong succession planning and talent development.
• Develop the functioning of the associative dimension of MSF in Ireland, as part of a joint MSF UK and Ireland Association.

Programme Oversight & Impact

• Ensure the effective design, delivery, and evaluation of all change projects or continuous improvement initiatives in Ireland.
• Uphold a high standard of evidence, accountability, and continuous improvement across all areas of impact.
• Foster partnerships and innovation that expand our reach and effectiveness.

Key Performance Indicators

• Plan delivery rate – agreed milestone delivered on time and to budget.
• Cross-regional/movement alignment – evidenced and feedback.
• Change project delivery – delivered on time, within budget, and achieved impact targets.
• Financial performance – budget management, income growth and funding diversification.
• Culture – increased employee engagement and development.
• Risk and governance – compliance with obligations and legislation.

Challenge & Creativity / Decision Making

• To drive collaboration and further integration at all levels with MSF UK.
• To lead change projects, aligned to the strategy for MSF UK & IE.
• To inspire the MSF Ireland team in terms of personal advancement and strategic possibilities.
• To communicate succinctly and impactfully with the MSF Ireland Board in order to assist the Board’s decision making.

Profile

• Proven leadership experience, ideally as a Country Director, Head of Office, CEO or equivalent, in the charity, NGO, public or social enterprise sectors.
• Significant experience leading senior management teams.
• Strategic thinker with excellent judgement and decision-making skills and a proven track record in strategy development and successful implementation.
• Significant experience leading transformational change projects, particularly at an organisation design level.
• Demonstrated success managing complex budgets and operational frameworks.
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory environments in Ireland.
• Experience representing organisations at senior external levels, including media, funders, and government.
• Inclusive and values-led leadership style, with a commitment to equity, diversity, and social justice.
• Outstanding interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills.
• Degree or professional training/qualification in a relevant field (e.g. MBA, etc.)
• Financially literate, with strong operational discipline.
• Resilient, adaptable, and proactive in navigating ambiguity and change.
• Demonstrable commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and their practical application and integration in the work environment.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Genuine interest in and commitment to the aims and values of Médecins Sans Frontières.
• Experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and the Microsoft Office 365 suite. The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a hybrid working environment utilising Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and Yammer.