Field Service Advance Team Lead

About the role

Mercy Ships is seeking an experienced Field Service Advance Team Lead to manage the mobile Advance Team in Togo, ensuring all country‑specific activities are completed before vessel arrival and Field Service implementation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary Advance Team, establishing clear priorities, accountability, and succession planning.
• Plan and execute Advance activities, maintaining an integrated schedule that covers logistics, customs, immigration, facilities, licensing, security, staffing and support.
• Coordinate with the Country Director and senior stakeholders, representing Mercy Ships in operational discussions with authorities, agencies, partners and service providers.
• Monitor readiness, identify risks, and drive corrective actions or escalations as needed.
• Maintain comprehensive reporting, documentation, SOPs and ensure a structured handover to Ship Senior Management and Country Teams.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience managing multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.
• Strong operational planning, program/project coordination and risk‑management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, diplomacy and ability to work with senior government and partner officials.
• Fluent in English and French; Portuguese is a plus.
• Willingness to travel extensively and deploy for extended periods.