Application Manager – OpenMRS (MSF Swiss) | Nairobi, Kenya

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF / Doctors Without Borders) is recruiting an Application Manager – OpenMRS for the MSF Swiss Desk in Nairobi, Kenya. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced health IT professionals, OpenMRS specialists, EMR application managers, healthcare software engineers, and digital health experts seeking to contribute to humanitarian healthcare systems.

The role focuses on managing and supporting OpenMRS3 electronic medical record (EMR) systems, ensuring availability, deployment, maintenance, system optimization, and technical support across MSF medical operations.

Application Manager – OpenMRS (MSF Swiss) – Kenya

Job Overview

The Application Manager – OpenMRS will work within the Medical Applications IT team to support the rollout and lifecycle management of the new OpenMRS3 EMR solution used by MSF Swiss operations.

The successful candidate will collaborate with IT teams, medical departments, field operations, software vendors, and project stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation, maintenance, and optimization of healthcare information systems.

This role is ideal for professionals experienced in health informatics, medical software systems, healthcare IT infrastructure, EMR implementation, software project management, OpenMRS administration, digital health technology, and application lifecycle management.

Browse more healthcare and technology jobs across East Africa at technology jobs in Kenya

Job Title

Application Manager – OpenMRS

Organization

MSF Eastern Africa (MSF Swiss Desk)

Job Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Employment Type

Full-Time | Fixed-Term Contract

Contract Duration

Until 31 December 2027

Start Date

As Soon As Possible

Job Description (Key Duties & Responsibilities)

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

OpenMRS Application Management

• Managing OpenMRS3 instances throughout the full application lifecycle
• Ensuring system stability, functionality, availability, and quality assurance
• Handling software deployment, upgrades, maintenance, and technical troubleshooting

Technical Support & Incident Resolution

• Supporting end-users by diagnosing incidents and delivering effective solutions
• Investigating application issues and implementing sustainable fixes
• Automating workflows and scripting processes using Python, Shell, or other tools to improve efficiency

Project & Deployment Management

• Leading OpenMRS rollout projects and technical implementation activities
• Developing deployment roadmaps and coordinating priorities
• Allocating technical resources and supervising implementation timelines
• Managing quality reviews and ensuring successful delivery of milestones

Stakeholder Coordination

• Collaborating with medical teams, field missions, IT teams, and external suppliers
• Coordinating communication between operational and technical departments
• Ensuring smooth cooperation between stakeholders affected by system changes

Documentation & Reporting

• Preparing technical documentation, deployment records, and reports
• Ensuring traceability of activities, system modifications, and decision-making processes
• Reporting project risks, delays, and quality concerns to leadership

Professionals exploring additional international IT and health-sector opportunities may also visit IT jobs in Zambia

Education Requirements

Candidates must possess:

• Bachelor’s Degree or tertiary qualification in:
  • Computer Science
  • Information Systems
  • Software Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Related Engineering or Technical Field

Required Certifications

• ITIL 4 Foundation Certification
• Project Management Certification such as:
  • PMP
  • PMI
  • Hermès
  • Equivalent project delivery certification

Experience Requirements

Essential Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Proven experience as an Application Manager – OpenMRS
• Strong expertise managing OpenMRS release management and lifecycle operations
• Extensive experience implementing and integrating OpenMRS Version 3 solutions
• Technical experience across multiple IT roles including:
  • Software Developer
  • Technical Lead
  • Test Manager
  • Systems Support Specialist
• Hands-on experience in:
  • Web development
  • Mobile application development
  • Python scripting
  • Shell scripting
  • SQL databases
  • Data reporting and analytics tools

Preferred Experience

• Previous 5-8 years experience in an international NGO or humanitarian environment is advantageous
• Experience working with healthcare information systems and electronic medical records (EMR)

Explore more international technology vacancies and ICT opportunities at tech jobs in Nigeria

Required Technical Skills

The ideal candidate should have expertise in:

• OpenMRS Installation & Configuration
• OpenMRS Parameterization & Development
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Systems
• Healthcare Information Systems
• SQL Database Management
• Python & Shell Scripting
• Web & Mobile Development
• Application Lifecycle Management
• Release & Deployment Management
• IT Infrastructure & Systems Architecture
• Incident Management & Troubleshooting
• Agile Project Delivery
• Business Process Analysis
• Technical Documentation
• Stakeholder Management

Language Requirements

Essential

• Advanced written and spoken English

Advantageous

• Knowledge of French or Arabic (MSF working languages)

Core Competencies

MSF seeks professionals who demonstrate:

• Leadership and accountability
• Open-mindedness and adaptability
• Strong collaboration skills
• Rigorous attention to detail
• Cross-cultural communication abilities
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and ethical workplace behavior

Salary & Benefits

Annual Salary

EUR 27,145 annually (HQ Grade 8)
Includes an annual increment of 2% per year up to 10 years.

Work-Life Balance Financial Benefit

EUR 620 – EUR 1,159 monthly, depending on administrative and individual status.

Additional Benefits Include:

• 25 days annual leave per year
• Sick leave, maternity leave (21 weeks), paternity leave (4 weeks), and compassionate leave
• 10% employer pension contribution
• International medical and disability insurance
• Relocation assistance (where applicable)
• Flexible work arrangements with 2 work-from-home days possible
• School fee support for eligible dependents
• Annual home leave travel for eligible international staff
• Global networking and international travel opportunities

Training & Career Development

MSF offers substantial professional growth opportunities, including:

• OpenMRS and healthcare systems training
• Digital health and EMR implementation experience
• Leadership and project management development
• Language learning programs
• Peer-to-peer technical learning
• Global humanitarian systems exposure
• Cross-border healthcare technology collaboration

Why Join MSF?

Joining MSF means contributing to life-saving humanitarian healthcare systems while working with a global team of experts. Employees gain hands-on exposure to medical informatics, healthcare digital transformation, EMR deployment, humanitarian technology operations, software integration, and global public health systems in one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations.

Application Deadline

1st Jan 2027

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply through the official MSF vacancy platform and upload:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English
• Letter of Motivation (Mandatory)

Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered. Local and international candidates are encouraged to apply.