Logistics Advisor (Supply)

MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We are a non-profit, self-governed worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people.

We provide emergency medical assistance during armed conflict, natural disasters, outbreaks of deadly diseases and assist those who are excluded from healthcare. MSF delivers care based on need and when we see injustice, we speak out. We are an organization that remains impartial, knowledgeable, and effective, and this is what makes the difference between life and death.

People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ ArtsenzonderGrenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity abilities.

The Logistics Departmentat OCA supports the overall purpose of MSF, providing logistics and technical support to OCA field operations. The department is responsible for providing strategic direction, integrated advice and hands-on support to logistics and technical issues in the field. The department is made up of the Field Support Unit (FSU), the Amsterdam Procurement Unit (APU) and the End-to-End Supply Chain Excellence Unit.

The Field Support Unitis responsible for the first- and second-line support to field logisticians and operational decision makers, and for developing relevant policies, procedures, guidance, and tools to support the field logisticians in their daily work. The FSU is looking for candidates for the position of:

Logistics Advisor (Supply)

(Netherlands based. Re-location is possible)

Position within the organisation

As Field Supply Advisor, you will be part of the Field Supply Support Unit (FSSU). The FSSUresides under the Head of Operational Logistics and Field Supply Chain Management and reports directly to the Coordinator of Field Supply. You will cooperate closely with Logistics Coordinators in the field, other branches of the Field Support Unit (Operational Logistics, Technical Logistics), the Amsterdam Procurement Unit, and other departments (Finance, Public Health).

Your main areas of focus will be field procurement (60%), customs and transport (20%) and learning and development (20%), but these may shift based on MSF and OCA strategic priorities. As such, a broad knowledge of the MSF field supply chain (or supply in similar contexts) is required.

Main responsibilities 

• You develop general policies, procedures, tools and guidelines to be implemented in country programs. You support with expert advice but also with deliverables. 

• You use your expert knowledge in supply chain to guide country program staff in decision making and to increase their independence. 

• You monitor key performance indicators and perform audits to assess the current situation in country programs.

• You keep yourself updated on the latest insights in your areas of focus.

• You maintain a functional line with the Flying Supply Specialists, and you closely support them in their work. 

• You maintain the knowledge sharing platforms related to your expertises, e.g., the expertise webpage on SharePoint, interactive community of practice

• You manage interdisciplinary and/or intersectional field projects in your area of expertise

• You contribute to the empowerment of the country program staff by training, mentoring and contribution to OCA’s educational programs.

• You act as point of contact for your areas of expertise, and coordinate with your counterparts in other MSF operational centers to promote uniformity in approaches.

• You make regular visits toprojects in the countries of operation.

Specific tasks

• Advise OCA country programs on procurement processes and tools according to MSF standards and protocols

• Monitor and support compliance with MSF procurement processes in the field

• Build capacity in procurement, providing technical coaching, training and advice regarding procurement process and good practices to teams in OCA country programs

• Act as focal point for collaboration with the MSF Global Procurement Unit

• Consolidate existing resources on customs and transport, and identify gaps in current support model

• Support country programs in mapping importation process, defining roles and responsibilities, and identifying roadblocks and bottlenecks

• Act as focal point within FSSU for Learning and Development (L&D): steer on the L&D needs and priorities within the unit, and coordinate with L&D advisor regularly to agree on portfolio, prioritisation, planning and budgeting

Candidate Profile

• Masters level or equivalent in supply chain, logistics, procurement, or other related expertise

• Required: a minimum of 5 years of experience working with MSF in supply chain roles. Experience as a coordinator or a senior managerial function is an asset. Experience with other NGOs in a similar setting will also be considered.

• Experience in procurement in MSF countries of operation, including data analysis, sourcing, negotiation and contracting

• Experience with freight forwarding, customs clearance, and importation is an asset

• Experience in project management is an asset

• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken) are essential. French is highly valued.

• High level of computer literacy, including experience with MS Office, Power BI, and ERPs

• Willing to travelat least 1 time a year for field visits.

Competencies

• Service orientation

• Results and quality orientation

• Planning and organizing

• Initiative and Innovation

We offer

A full-time appointment (based on a 40-hours workweek) for one year with the intention to renew the contract based on satisfactory performance appraisal.